What is a PC power supply? - How it works, types and characteristics

This tool performs the function of supply electricity to the computer, which is known as a transformer, as it is responsible for converting energy into direct current. Because this type of electricity is what the computer and its components need due to the low voltage, as they range from 9 to 12 volts.

This unit is known as one power source and it is very important, it also supplies electricity to the motherboard and each of its components. Some are: optical drives, video cards, USB devices among others, this is responsible for providing smooth operation in the computer.




This power source is vital for computer components taking that into account without this part the rest of the hardware would not work. We also refer to the power source as a PSU.

Find out how the PC power supply works

Interestingly, the power supplies are rated in watts a because of the power they supply to the computer. Not to mention that every part of the computer needs energy in moderate quantities. For this reason, it is very important to have the appropriate power supply that provides the amount of direct power to the computer.

Currently the track load is 12V, thus leaving the other tracks almost obsolete. Emphasizing that power supplies will always be defined in watts; at the same time, it is important to note that the computer turns on and off via a button, although it can also be turned off via the menu.

Day after day, the progress of technology globally is impressive. Previously the power supplies were heavy and large, this in order to convert the line voltage to the one appropriate for the computer.



It should be noted that the power sources currently existing they are light and small, as they transform the 60 Hz current to higher frequencies. Allowing in this way to reduce the voltage to the one best suited to the PC. Remember that it is essential to clean your PC's power supply.


Power sources can be classified into two groups

Source types are used to control the energy and voltage the equipment needs to function. They are classified into:

A power source

What is a PC power supply? - How it works, types and characteristics

This device is capable of transform alternating current into direct current necessary for the electrical elements of the equipment, it is located in a computer cabinet.

This type of source has several characteristics, it has a mechanical switch that is used to turn the equipment on and off, it saves electricity, you can cut off the power, they can be incorporated into old and modern equipment.

Some of the parts of a power source HV are: mechanical switch, power connector, fan, HV connector, voltage selector and power connector to other items.

ATX power supply

What is a PC power supply? - How it works, types and characteristics

The ATX power source is named as the source digital or button, has the same purpose as AT. It is responsible for transforming alternating current into direct current, thus controlling the energy the computer needs to operate.



Among the most important features it has, the ignition is digital, the switching off of the source is controlled by software, it can be installed in old and modern microprocessors, it controls the electricity.

The ATX power supply has several parts which are: power connector, fan, ATX connector, voltage selector, SATA connector, BERB connector and 4-terminal MOLEX.


At the same time, it is important to note that there are power sources according to their quality and they are divided into: original power sources, imitated power sources and certified power sources. You just have to evaluate to evaluate all the indications of your computer and correctly select the best power supply that your PC requires.

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