What is a PC power supply?

A PC power supply (also known as a PSU, Power Supply Unit) is a critical component that provides the necessary power to all parts of a computer. The primary function of a PC power supply is to convert the AC (alternating current) from an electrical outlet into DC (direct current) power, which is needed by various components in the computer, such as the CPU, memory, hard drive, and graphics card. The power supply outputs voltages of 12V, 5V, and 3.3V, each of which is supplied to different components of the system.

The basic structure of a PC power supply includes a transformer, rectifier, and filtering circuit to convert AC power into DC power. This ensures that the components of the computer receive stable voltage to function properly. Additionally, modern PC power supplies come with safety features such as overcurrent protection, overvoltage protection, and short circuit protection to safeguard the system.

The capacity of a PC power supply needs to be selected based on the system's power consumption. For example, gaming PCs or high-performance systems with powerful graphics cards and processors require a higher-output power supply. The efficiency of the power supply is also an important consideration, as high-efficiency power supplies reduce energy waste and lower heat generation. The "80 PLUS certification" is a standard for efficiency, where a power supply is considered efficient if it operates at 80% or higher efficiency.

PC power supplies come in two main types: modular and non-modular. Modular power supplies allow users to attach and detach cables as needed, reducing cable clutter and improving airflow within the case. Non-modular power supplies, on the other hand, have cables permanently attached, which may make wiring simpler but can result in more unused cables inside the case.

※Includes information on some trading companies