Difference between revisions of "Power supply unit (computer)"
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| − | A '''power supply unit''' ('''PSU''') converts mains AC to low-voltage regulated DC power for the internal components of a [[computer]]. | + | A '''power supply unit''' ('''PSU''') converts [[mains AC]] to low-[[voltage]] regulated [[Direct current|DC power]] for the internal components of a [[computer]]. |
== Description == | == Description == | ||
| − | Modern personal computers universally use a switched-mode power supply. | + | Modern personal computers universally use a [[switched-mode power supply]]. |
| − | Some power supplies have a manual selector for input voltage, while others automatically adapt to the supply voltage. | + | Some power supplies have a manual selector for [[input voltage]], while others automatically adapt to the [[supply voltage]]. |
== ATX == | == ATX == | ||
| Line 13: | Line 13: | ||
While an ATX power supply is connected to the mains supply, it always provides a 5 V standby (5VSB) voltage so that the standby functions on the computer and certain peripherals are powered. | While an ATX power supply is connected to the mains supply, it always provides a 5 V standby (5VSB) voltage so that the standby functions on the computer and certain peripherals are powered. | ||
| − | ATX power supplies are turned on and off by a signal from the motherboard. | + | [[ATX]] power supplies are turned on and off by a signal from the [[motherboard]]. |
| − | They also provide a signal to the motherboard to indicate when the DC voltages are in spec, so that the computer is able to safely power up and boot. | + | They also provide a signal to the [[motherboard]] to indicate when the DC voltages are in spec, so that the computer is able to safely power up and boot. |
The most recent ATX PSU standard is version 2.31 of mid-2008. | The most recent ATX PSU standard is version 2.31 of mid-2008. | ||
| Line 28: | Line 28: | ||
* [[Computer hardware]] | * [[Computer hardware]] | ||
| + | * [[Direct current]] | ||
* [[Electricity]] | * [[Electricity]] | ||
| + | * [[Mains electricity]] | ||
== External links == | == External links == | ||
| Line 36: | Line 38: | ||
* [http://www.tomshardware.com/reviews/power-supply-specifications-atx-reference,3061-7.html Power Supply 101: A Reference Of Specifications] | * [http://www.tomshardware.com/reviews/power-supply-specifications-atx-reference,3061-7.html Power Supply 101: A Reference Of Specifications] | ||
* [http://pcsupport.about.com/od/insidethepc/tp/atx-pinout-power-supply.htm ATX Power Supply Pinout Tables] | * [http://pcsupport.about.com/od/insidethepc/tp/atx-pinout-power-supply.htm ATX Power Supply Pinout Tables] | ||
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| + | [[Category:Computer hardware]] | ||
| + | [[Category:Electricity]] | ||
| + | [[Category:Electric power]] | ||
Latest revision as of 21:10, 3 September 2016
A power supply unit (PSU) converts mains AC to low-voltage regulated DC power for the internal components of a computer.
Description
Modern personal computers universally use a switched-mode power supply.
Some power supplies have a manual selector for input voltage, while others automatically adapt to the supply voltage.
ATX
Most modern desktop personal computer power supplies conform to the ATX specification, which includes form factor and voltage tolerances.
While an ATX power supply is connected to the mains supply, it always provides a 5 V standby (5VSB) voltage so that the standby functions on the computer and certain peripherals are powered.
ATX power supplies are turned on and off by a signal from the motherboard.
They also provide a signal to the motherboard to indicate when the DC voltages are in spec, so that the computer is able to safely power up and boot.
The most recent ATX PSU standard is version 2.31 of mid-2008.
