Power Supplies by Steve Valentino
All of the high-tech peripherals and latest editions of computer software products that you’ve installed are useless if your computer’s power supply is not sufficiently providing electricity. Before your computer can operate properly, it needs an adequate amount of electricity. ... The power supply is typically known as the “switching power supply.” This is a metal box found in a corner of the computer case. ... In most cases, power supplies are visible at the back of the computer that contains a power-cord receptacle, cooling fan and off/on switch.

Computer Power Supply: How Much is Enough? by Michael Quarles
You may be wanting to build a new PC, or upgrade the unit you have now. Since computers require more wattage than ever before, concerns about your power supply are sure to surface. The question "How much is enough?" has to be answered. Fortunately, simple math, and the numbers I'll supply with... If, for instance, you planned on salvaging an older case with a 250 watt power supply, and wanted to base your unit on a Pentium 4, you better think again. ... Not having enough power can mean a fried computer.

5 Simple Steps to a Quiter PC by Rudradatta Rath
No one wants their computer to be loud, but in order to keep components running at safe temperatures, cooling fans can wind up making the system sound like a blow dryer. A computer sitting in the living room for use with a home theater system has to be quiet so that it does not interfere with... These fan less power supplies don’t follow the guidelines of typical design and there are other ways to quiet a power supply without removing the fans all together. ... Power supplies: The typical computer power supply features two 80mmfans to keep it cool, which will obviously also generate some...

Power and Your PC by Jason Kohrs
The power coming into a computer is the most critical component, and it may be one of the most overlooked. It is just taken for granted that it will always be there and working properly. A top of the line processor and ultra powerful video card do nothing if a system does not receive the ample,... In addition to checking out the total wattage of a power supply, looking for strong amperage ratings on the 3.3V, 5V, and 12V lines is also recommended, as power supplies with identical total power ratings may distribute the power to the various lines in different quantities.

What's a USB Hub? by Iggy Quazi
Since the mid 90's we have seen the birth and growth of a connective technology called Universal Serial Bus (USB). Originally designed to connect computers and telecoms equipment, it has slowly become the primary means of connecting a whole host of other devices and has made significant... The only difference is that the Powered Hub comes with a separate power supply that must be plugged into the mains socket, supplying the power to all the USB ports on the hub allowing ANY type of USB devices to function properly.

How to Choose a PC Case by Gary Hendricks
One of the most important but overlooked components in your PC is the PC case. Selecting a good PC case is an important step in building your computer, since it determines several things. It determines the number of PC components you can have, as well as how well your system's temperature. ... Power Supply Most PC cases come with power supplies. ... My advice is to go for at least a 400W power supply. ... With more and more components being fitted into a PC, you will certainly need enough juice to power them.

Choosing a Computer Case by Matthew Thompson
ATXPowerSupplies.Com writes this article on "choosing the right computer case for your computer" to help you in your decision making process. There are literally thousands of computer cases on the market which sometimes makes choosing the right computer case quite a task. ... In most applications where the computer is set in open space the fans in the power supply and on the cpu are enough to cool the computer. ... Ask yourself this important question because most companies that sell computer cases will include a small power supply that is, most of the time, too small for your application.

Five Tips on How to Build a Quiet PC by Aaron Brandon
If you're a computer enthusiast who's ready to mod your current computer with the latest and greatest computer hardware, or if you're someone who just can't stand the noise your computer is constantly making, you’re in luck. Below are the top five tips on building a quiet pc. ... 1.) Power Supply - This is the device that produces the power for your computer. ... If your computer is mainly used for documents, internet, and e-mail, chances are you don't need more than one case fan. ... 5.) Computer Case - This is often forgotten about.

The PSU Factor: The Forgotten Component by Jason Busch
Lately, more focus on a performing computer system has been on one component which has been overlooked for several years: the Power Supply Unit. The PSU has been discussed to some extent in the past, however with new graphics cards, processors, and memory which require a much more stable power... If you've had your computer system for around two years, it's time to get a new power supply and/or begin tests on it to determine if it's putting out the same power as it was when it was new. ... What is potentially more revelating, is that many hard drive errors and operating system errors in...

Computer Spring Cleaning by Abbie Frank
Get juniors action figures out of the CD-ROM and let's get to cleaning up that home computer! If you're like most of us, your computer has become a central point in your home. From entertainment, to finances, the home computer has become indispensable in your day to day life. ... There usually is at least a fan in the box itself, one on the CPU, another on the motherboard, and yet another inside the power supply. ... Again, do not put anything directly inside the power supply, just use the nozzle to direct the compressed air to remove the majority of the collected dirt.