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. ... A 400 watt power supply barely covers it. ... It requires a total of only 214 watts, allowing me to use the 300 watt power supply that...

The Importance of Your Computer Power Supply by Alan LeStourgeon
Inside your computer is a component that is the lifeblood of your hardware system. It is responsible for your motherboard, your hard drives, your CD and DVD drives, and a half-dozen other possible components. For many people, the only part they see of this important component - the power supply... Many systems have 500 watts or more of power available, and some high-end gaming systems are being fitted with 1000 watt power supplies. ... Finding out how many watts a power supply can generate is the first way to determine if your computer system is risking being underpowered.

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. ... Through the power supply system’s switcher technology, power deliveries the electricity once the alternating current (AC) input from an electrical outlet is converted into direct...

What Power Supply Do I Need? by Steve Valentino
In our world today, the quality of a personal computer is often measured only by its processor speed, memory capacity, and hard drive space and for gamers, the quality of the video card. Sometimes, the computer monitor will grab some attention, especially if it has an LCD screen. ... There are two basic things to consider whenever you are buying a new power supply for your computer -- power requirements and the power supply's form factor. ... Power Requirement Modern power supplies have power outputs that range from 200 watts to 500 watts.

Computer Power Supply - Developments You Need To Know by Michael Quarles
Not so long ago, when you wanted a new power supply, you went to your local electronics store and picked up a standard 300 watt unit. It didn’t matter which one you bought, because they were all virtually the same. They had the same connectors, the same fan in the back, a generic unit for all PC’s. ... For the truly power mad, a 1000 watt can be found for $400. ... You can still get that 300 watt model, but it has cousins now in the 400 to 500 watt range that are almost as cheap. ... Gamers routinely purchase 700 watt PSU’s, and get them for under $100.

The Right Way To Discharge Capacitor In Switch Mode Power Supplies by Jestine Yong
Switch mode power supply contain some large filter capacitors that can hold dangerous charges even if the unit has not been used for several days. Typical values of this type of filter capacitor are 220uf 250volt and 330uf 400volt! If you are going to work on the power supply circuits, it's a... There are three ways to discharge the big filter capacitor in a power supply. ... I use a 2.2k ohm 10 watt resistor to discharge the high voltage capacitor in a switch mode power supplies. ... 2)Place the leads of a socketed 100 watt electric bulb on the leads of the capacitor.

Power Supplies, Video on Board, and Documentation: A Wish List by Michael Quarles
I suppose each of us has a wish list for things we’d like to see come about in the world of computing. While some of mine may be a bit far-fetched, others are practical, and could be achieved with only slight improvements in technology. Still others could be had by manufacturers simply changing... Many persist in offering only a 300 or 350 watt power supply with cases that would otherwise be excellent to build a system in. ... For instance, there is the matter of power supplies that are offered with cases.

UPS Power Supplies To Protect Your Computer by Alan LeStourgeon
Many people do not realize the absolute importance of purchasing a UPS power supply for their system. UPS stands for Uninterruptible Power Supply, but it is not uncommon to hear people refer to them as UPS power supplies, despite the redundancy. It can also be confusing to newcomers because... An uninterruptible power supply works by filtering the electrical power coming from electric company while storing a small amount in a battery. ... By attaching your UPS to your computer via a standard USB cable, your computer will give you reports of activity on the power supply.

Building Computers: Re-using an Old Case by Michael Quarles
In planning to build a computer, the majority of a person’s thinking centers on the CPU, motherboard, and hard drive. What case to use is of secondary concern, with the decision based often on personal taste rather than technical reasons. Some builders may want to re-use an old case. ... The most obvious move is to install a stronger power supply. ... In the light of reality, however, using that old case makes economic sense only if it comes with a sufficent power supply to fill your needs. ... Many older cases were sold with 230 or 250 watt units.

Computer Cases: The Best Bargain by Michael Quarles
People who are about to build their first computer will start by doing a bit of daydreaming. Their minds will conjure visions of the perfect machine, that blend of CPU, motherboard, and hard drive that will give them blistering speed, conquering the toughest tasks effortlessly. ... To decide, please reference my ezinearticles.com story "Computer Power Supply: How Much Is Enough?". ... For the unit we assembled in my book, we were able to get by nicely with a 300 watt supply, by doing some careful planning.