power supply : Computer Hardware Buyers’ Glossary

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power supply
The power supply is a box inside the computer that converts 115 Volts AC to the 5 and 12 volts DC that the electronic components use. In Canada and the USA the mains are 115 volts. In Europe they are 230 volts +10% or -6%. In Scotland they are 240 volts. In India you may have 90 to 230 volts coming from different outlets in the same room. Most power supplies have switch to adjust for input voltage. If it set incorrectly you could do major damage. Higher voltage makes for more efficient transmission, but increases risk of death from electric shock.

The best quality power supplies are PC Power and Cooling Turbo-Cools. The extra expense may be worthwhile if:

  1. You have poor quality AC power.
  2. You have several high current devices, such as large disk drives in the machine.
  3. It is crucial that the machine run reliably without hiccups.
If have problems with severe sags or power outages, you also need a UPS.
Sometimes your computer will turn itself off a few seconds after you power it up. Not to panic. You can usually rectify the problem with a simple cleaning. The power supply has various sensors to make sure the computer is not overheating and that the fans are working properly. If they are not, it shuts itself down. Try opening up the machine and clear out the dust with a blast of canned air to free up the fans, and clear out the heat sinks. Clear out any holes in the case or the power supply used for ventilation. Any dust that won’ come free with the blast, try freeing with a Q-Tip, Kleenex moistened with isoproyl alcohol or a tooth pick. Make sure the connections from the power supply to the various sensors are properly seated.
case
fan
power bar
UPS
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