1.7 Power Supply Unit

• PSU: Power Supply Unit
• Main Function of the PSU: Supply enough power for all the components of the computer
• PSU is the most important part of a computer, They are differentiated by Wattage and efficiency
• A PSU converts the alternating-current (AC) electricity in homes to direct-current (DC) electricity for the internal components of a computer.
• The importance of a PSU is that it will convert to the right voltage required for the motherboard.
• Watt (W): the unit of power: 1 joules per second
• A computer components require certain amount of Wattage to perform fully; ranging from 250W to 1000W
• It is recommended to have a PSU that offers at least 100W more than what your system requires.
• Efficiency in electronics refers to the amount of power that is lost in other areas such as heat.
• A More efficient power supply unit will provide power for the computer better and use up less electricity
• The primary function of a power supply is to convert one form of electrical energy to another, making it a crucial component for computer systems
• A power supply converts alternating current from the wall into direct current for the components to use.
• Wattage is a crucial consideration when choosing a power supply
• Sufficient wattage ensures that all components receive enough power to function properly
• Efficiency ratings, such as 80 Plus Gold, indicate how effectively a power supply converts electricity into usable power for the components
• Higher efficiency ratings means less energy is wasted as heat, resulting in a more efficient and a potentially cooler system.
• When selecting a power supply, factors like modularity, wattage needs, and efficiency ratings should be considered
• AC power is used for power transmission due to its ability to be easily stepped up or down using transformers
• DC power is essential for modern electronic devices, as transistors, the building blocks of integrated circuits, require a constant DC voltage.
• Batteries output DC power, making it convenient for portable electronics, as most devices operate on DC power.
• AC power cycles between positive and negative voltage, while DC power has a constant voltage.
• AC power flows back and forth, while DC power flows in one direction.