Computer Power Supply – The Heart of Your Computer

If you are wondering why your computer cannot 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 it to fail without a warning! So, it’s very essential that the power unit is robust and dependable.

The main function of your computer power supply is to step down and convert your domestic power, which provides alternating current (AC), to Direct Current (DC). Normally, every power unit that comes with the computer is theoretically capable of lasting long enough until 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 it 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 unit because there may be other problems associated with a non functioning computer that your technician may be able to discover.

In case you need to change the computer power supply yourself, you will need to remove the case first and then locate the power unit in your computer and remove it carefully without damaging any other components. Be sure that you obtain a power unit 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 unit or one with an ATX form factor. 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 one 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 unit 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 unit, then your computer is at risk again. If the power unit fails once more, you will have to go through the entire process all over again.