The power supply unit (PSU), also known as a power supply, is essential for the operation of a personal computer (PC).
What is a PC power supply?
The PSU is responsible for converting alternating current (AC) to direct current (DC), which is the form of power that computers need to operate with good electrical stability.
In addition, the PSU is the part in charge of supplying electricity not only to the PC, but also to the rest of its components. This power supply can be internal, as in the case of desktop computers, or external as in laptops or notebooks, where the power supply is the charger.
What is the purpose of having a PC power supply?
The power supply ensures a stable and reliable power supply to all components of a PC, including the processor, graphics card, hard disks and other devices. Without a proper power supply, a computer could experience crashes, unexpected reboots and even permanent damage to components.
A PC’s power supply is often even protected against power surges or spikes, protecting the computer from any electrical problems so that it does not break down or lose the data it contains.
Types of PC power supplies
There is a wide variety of PC power supplies with different size characteristics, dimensions and power levels depending on the specific needs of each equipment and the energy required for its correct operation. The two main types of PC power supplies are AT and ATX.
AT power supplies have been the most widely used for many years. The parts of these AT type PSUs are:
- Fan.
- AT connector.
- Mechanical switch.
- Supply connector.
- MOLEX and BERG four-terminal connector.
- Voltage selector.
- Supply connector to other elements.
Other terms can sometimes be found to refer to types of PC power supplies, such as:
- Standard power supplies: these are the most common PSUs on the market and are suitable for most home and office computers.
- Modular power supplies: they allow connecting only the necessary cables, which helps to maintain a cleaner and more organized PC interior.
- High efficiency power supplies (80 Plus): these PSUs are certified for high energy efficiency, which means they waste less energy in the form of heat and reduce power consumption.
- Gaming power supplies: designed specifically to meet the demands of high-performance gaming systems, these PSUs offer increased power and stability.
How to choose a pc power supply?
Now then, when choosing a PC power supply it is important to consider the following factors:
- Power:
Power determines how much energy the PC power supply can deliver. It is crucial to ensure that the power is sufficient for all PC components. The amount of watts required varies depending on the specific needs of the system. Generally, more complex systems require more power. - Protection:
A good PC power supply should offer power failure protection to keep both the PSU and the system safe in case of unforeseen situations, such as power surges. - Efficiency certification:
It is advisable to look for 80 Plus certified power supplies as this certification not only ensures lower power consumption, but also indicates more efficient operation, which translates into less energy waste and reduced heat generation.
By opting for an 80 Plus certified power supply, it is certain that at least 80% of the energy supplied is converted into usable power, while at most 20% is lost as heat. - Power on:
The choice of PC power supply must be careful and considered. It is not only a matter of seeking the highest power at the lowest price, but also of evaluating the format, efficiency, amperage, protection and cables required. - Connectors and cables:
A computer power supply should have the necessary connectors for all devices and its cables should be long enough to reach all corners of the cabinet. The exact cables to be used in a PSU may vary according to the specifications of each PC.
How to calculate pc power supply?
On the other hand, when buying a new laptop or desktop PC, or when replacing the power supply, it is necessary to know the power of the most suitable power supply for each equipment.
To do this, it is essential to understand the power consumption of each of the components that make up the system, which mainly include: the processor, the video card, the amount of RAM used, the ventilation systems, the heat sinks, the peripherals connected and the expected time of use.
There are several online tools, such as wattage calculators, that allow you to accurately estimate the power consumption of a PC with the specific components you want to install.
How to change a pc power supply?
If a PC power supply starts to fail or suddenly stops working, it will probably need to be replaced. Repair is optional, but can be more expensive. When replacing a PC power supply, it is important to follow the manufacturer’s instructions to avoid damage to the components.
Some steps that may work for changing a PC power supply are:
- Verify the voltage and amperage match of the new PSU to avoid damage to the PC.
- Disconnect the CPU from any primary or secondary power cables and carefully open the cover exposing the PC power supply.
- Disconnect all devices connected to the power supply, such as optical drives, hard drives, video cards and cooling devices.
- When all cables are disconnected, carefully remove the power supply from the CPU box. The old PC power supply is then replaced with a new one and placed in the same location.
- Then reconnect all cables to the devices that require power as well as to the motherboard.
How to connect a PC power supply?
Connecting a PC power supply is a relatively simple process. First of all, basic safety rules must be followed, such as avoiding humidity, not removing any other device and using an anti-static kit to avoid extra damage to the equipment.
The steps for connecting a power supply are similar to those mentioned above when a power supply needs to be replaced. It is important to carefully follow the manufacturer’s instructions and make sure to plug the cables securely into the appropriate components, such as the motherboard, graphics card and storage devices.
Knowing where each PC power supply cable goes and how to route them will depend on whether or not the power supply is modular and the case.
How much does a PC power supply cost?
The cost of a PC power supply can vary depending on the brand, power, efficiency, power supply, wiring and certification features. In the market, particularly online, you can find basic PC power supplies for around $50, while high-end PSUs can exceed $200.
Where to buy pc power supplies?
Thanks to today’s online commerce, searching for and acquiring PC power supplies is more agile. In the market there are options of specialized technology stores, department stores, online stores and directly through manufacturers’ websites with special catalogs to the needs of each customer and their PC.
In conclusion, choosing the right power supply for a PC is essential to ensure optimal performance and avoid problems of power overload or electrical inefficiency. From understanding the basics about PC power supplies, to calculating the power needed and changing it correctly, every step in this process is crucial.
To extend the life of a PSU, it is recommended to install a UPS to ensure the continuity of PC operation in the event of a power outage.
