Purchase computer parts : power supply
What power for your supply ?
The answer to this question is based on your PC and what it really needs . You should then calculate the approximate consumption of each component of your machine. Each additional device adds electrical needs. Be careful, however, the fact that the power supplies deliver multiple voltages.
The connectors
The most common connectors found on the motherboard are the type ATX or ATX 2.03 on Pentium 4 (20-pin for the first, plus an additional four-pin connector for ATX 2.03) .
Cables: quantity and size
Even if there are extension cords and splitters commercially available, make sure – and especially in the case of a large tower box – your cables are of the correct length, as your power supply has the right number of connectors ( molex type ) for all your internal components. In general, the number of connectors provided is related to the total power supply output.
Ventilation
In addition to its self ventilation the power supply is contributing to the cooling of the CPU by allowing, among other things to extract the hot air around the processor. This is very important, especially when we know the sensitivity of its temperatures.
The annoyance of the noise
It can be very unpleasant to be disturbed by the noisy power of the computer – especially in a quiet environment – that is why there are models of power that allows adjustment of sound level: fans, aeration devices optimized for minimum noise.
The brand as a guarantee of purchase
When choosing a brand of power supplies , you are sure, with rare exceptions , that the quality is equal to the investment. Sometimes the power of unknown brands do not deliver enough current to power the entire circuitry of your computer. Among the manufacturers considered to be reliable on the market we find Morex, Antec, or Enermax.
Knowing the electrical characteristics
To choose the right model, before any purchase , it is vital to know some important parameters : The output power (in Watts) , and the intensities (in amps) of current issued , and in fact these characteristics vary from one model to another while the voltages (in Volts) are fixed. These indications are still marked on the box, usually on a label (sometimes placed on the side the least accessible). Make sure you read these features before buying the device .
Knowing the physical characteristics
If you replace your PC power supply, it is important to check that the new supply has the same physical format as the old one . The mounting holes must be compatible with the PC case and verify that the size and place of the switch at the end are able to adapt without problems. As a precaution, especially if you are not sure about the exact type of supply you intend to buy , please remove your old power supply (4 screws to remove) to bring it to the vendor of electronic components. This way, you can easily compare it with the old and verify that the size of the object, the mounting holes, the number and type of cables, the switch position and grills / fan cooling all are in the right place.
If you change the supply , it may be wise to take this opportunity to change the housing at the same time. Indeed, the PC cases are often sold in most cases with a suitable supply . In addition, the price difference between only the case and case + power supply is often low until zero sometimes .
Written by hugepedia, date Sep 07, 2010 in computer parts
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[...] you can see the power supply it has been moved to the bottom of the case, a very smart move, considering the amount of heat [...]