Computer Power Supply – The Heart of Your Computer

By: John Tweak

If you are wondering why your computer can't start one fine morning, the problem could be in its power supply unit. Actually, the computer power supply is the heart of your machine and needs to supply a set rating of power constantly while the computer is switched on. Surely, when a constant supply of power is required, you cannot expect the computer power supply to fail without a warning! So, it's very essential that the power supply unit is robust and dependable.

The main function of your computer power supply is to step down and convert your domestic power supply, which provides alternating current (AC), to Direct Current (DC). Normally, every computer power supply that comes with the computer is theoretically capable of lasting long enough till your computer needs an upgrade or even for the computer's entire lifetime. However, sometimes, it could pop off without a warning and leave you stranded. In this case, you need to replace your computer power supply with a new one.

 

Though you may be able to do this yourself, I would not advise you to do so if your computer is still under warranty, or else you could risk voiding it. It is best that a trained technician handles a broken computer power supply because there may be other problems associated with a non functioning computer that your technician may be able to discover.

 

Incase you need to change the computer power supply yourself, you will need to remove the case first and then locate the power supply in your computer and remove it carefully without damaging any other components. Be sure that you obtain a power supply with the same ratings as the one your computer has, otherwise you could land your computer into other serious problems. Typically, your computer will require an AT form factor power supply or an ATX form factor power supply. Newer computers could need the ones with the SATA connectors with the recent emergence of SATA hard drives.

 

It is very important that your computer power supply is compatible with your computer motherboard. The computers which have older motherboards or are with lesser features utilize the 20-pin ATX connector, However, the newer computers utilize the 24 pin ATX connectors. It is possible to use a 24 pin power supply with a 20 pin power supply, however the reverse cannot be attempted.

 

You can even go in for modular power supplies if you require only certain connections or you can buy a standard power supply and connect up the important components and peripherals of your computer. There's one thing that you have to be careful about – only go in for the more reputable and standard brands. If you get hold of an inferior power supply, then your computer is at risk again. If the power supply fails once more, you will have to go through the entire process all over again.

About the Author

For the most standard computer power supplies, visit www.eselleruk.com. We stock some of the best computer gadgets, computer accessories and computer peripherals online.

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