Power Supply Power supply - Internet URL

Purpose of the Power Supply Convert household power into a form the computer can use.Convert household power into a form the computer can use. Provides power to every device in the computer.Provides power to every device in the computer. The Power Supply converts AC (alternating current) which is external power to DC (direct current) internal power that the computer can use.The Power Supply converts AC (alternating current) which is external power to DC (direct current) internal power that the computer can use.

Roles of the Power Supply Link to the Role of the Power Supply Link to the Role of the Power Supply Link to the Role of the Power Supply Stability – provides sufficient power to PC.Stability – provides sufficient power to PC. Cooling - The power supply contains the main fan that controls the flow of air through the PC case.Cooling - The power supply contains the main fan that controls the flow of air through the PC case. Energy Efficiency - Newer PC power supplies work with components to reduce the amount of power they consume when idle.Energy Efficiency - Newer PC power supplies work with components to reduce the amount of power they consume when idle. Expandability - The capacity of your power supply is one factor that will determine your ability to add new drives to your systemExpandability - The capacity of your power supply is one factor that will determine your ability to add new drives to your system A power supply is responsible for 28% of computer problems and is 2% of the computer cost.A power supply is responsible for 28% of computer problems and is 2% of the computer cost.

Household Power & Problems Household Power – the external power source that comes into the wall.Household Power – the external power source that comes into the wall. Power Problems that may lead to power supply problems.Power Problems that may lead to power supply problems. –Line Noise –Surges –Lightening strikes –Brownouts –Blackouts

Line Noise Line Noise - Line noise consists of small variations in the voltage level delivered to the computer. Noise that the power supply cannot handle can cause it to malfunction and pass the problem on to your motherboard or other internal devicesLine Noise - Line noise consists of small variations in the voltage level delivered to the computer. Noise that the power supply cannot handle can cause it to malfunction and pass the problem on to your motherboard or other internal devices

Surges This is a temporary increase of voltage that can last just a few thousandths of a second, but in this time the voltage can increase from 110 to 1,000 volts or even higher.This is a temporary increase of voltage that can last just a few thousandths of a second, but in this time the voltage can increase from 110 to 1,000 volts or even higher. Voltage surges can disrupt or even damage your computer equipmentVoltage surges can disrupt or even damage your computer equipment

Lightening Strike Enormous amount of electricity involved in a storm, a strike near your PC--near meaning within several miles--can induce currents in metal objects.Enormous amount of electricity involved in a storm, a strike near your PC--near meaning within several miles--can induce currents in metal objects. Any wire that comes in from the outside and attaches to your PC can become a conduit for a pulse of destructive energy such as a telephone line or power cord.Any wire that comes in from the outside and attaches to your PC can become a conduit for a pulse of destructive energy such as a telephone line or power cord.

Brownout and Blackout Brownout - when a brownout occurs, the voltage drops from its normal level to a lower voltage and then returns; in some ways, it's like the opposite of a surge.Brownout - when a brownout occurs, the voltage drops from its normal level to a lower voltage and then returns; in some ways, it's like the opposite of a surge. Blackout - A blackout, of course, is when the power totally fails.Blackout - A blackout, of course, is when the power totally fails.

Parts of the Power Supply Internal Power Parts of the Power Supply Parts of the Power Supply Parts of the Power Supply Power supplies generate high voltages internally and can be dangerous.Power supplies generate high voltages internally and can be dangerous. Unless you have been specifically trained to work inside power supplies, you should not open one.Unless you have been specifically trained to work inside power supplies, you should not open one.

Power Supply Specs Input Voltages and Tolerances Input Voltages and Tolerances Input Voltages and Tolerances Input Voltage Range – acceptable range of input – 85v-135v AC or 170v-270v ACInput Voltage Range – acceptable range of input – 85v-135v AC or 170v-270v AC Output Rating (Watts) – output of power measured in wattsOutput Rating (Watts) – output of power measured in watts

Voltage Selector Switch Normally dual voltage selector to be set at either 110/220v.Normally dual voltage selector to be set at either 110/220v. 110 – Normal voltage setting110 – Normal voltage setting 220 – For settings out of the U.S.220 – For settings out of the U.S. If a 110v is set to 220v damage can occur.If a 110v is set to 220v damage can occur.

Motherboard Connector Most important connection.Most important connection. Supplies power to other devices through the motherboard.Supplies power to other devices through the motherboard. Wires are made of copper.Wires are made of copper. ATX 20 pin Older P8 & P9 Or P1 & P2

Drive Connectors The power supply provides power to internal hard disk, floppy disk, CD/DVD and other drives directly, through four-wire connectors that are designed to attach to the rear of each driveThe power supply provides power to internal hard disk, floppy disk, CD/DVD and other drives directly, through four-wire connectors that are designed to attach to the rear of each drive The number of connectors that come with a system may vary.The number of connectors that come with a system may vary. There is a specific smaller floppy drive connector.There is a specific smaller floppy drive connector. Multiple larger four pin connectors may be used on hard drives, CD-ROMS, and DVD.Multiple larger four pin connectors may be used on hard drives, CD-ROMS, and DVD.

Drive connectors Hard drive CD-ROM Floppy drive

Power Supply Fan Primary cooling source for the entire PC.Primary cooling source for the entire PC. Power supply fans may be made of different components and move different levels of air.Power supply fans may be made of different components and move different levels of air. The fan is usually the first piece of the power supply to fail because of dirt in the air.The fan is usually the first piece of the power supply to fail because of dirt in the air. Most computers use additional auxiliary fans to help cool the entire PC.Most computers use additional auxiliary fans to help cool the entire PC.