I want a basic summary of what a power supply is (in a computer). I want to know what is does and how it works.
2007-01-23 00:57:29 · 4 answers · asked by Walter 2 in Computers & Internet ➔ Hardware ➔ Other - Hardware
Basically, all it does is receive the power from the wall outlet and transform it to a form usable by the devices located within the computer. It has to distribute it evenly and with enough power to power as many devices as you have plugged into it.
2007-01-23 01:01:38 · answer #1 · answered by nogoodaddress 5 · 1⤊ 0⤋
In short, it's a power converter, that converts 110 volts of household AC [alternating current] to around 12 volts of DC [direct current] like that of a battery. Most electronic devices need direct current to operate, so most every gizmo in the universe will either run off of a battery or will have in place a power supply to convert AC to the DC that it needs to function.
Inside of a power supply, you will find a myriad of diodes that convert the AC to DC, and capacitors to store the energy, but I suggest care if you open one up, as the big round thing [the capacitor] can give you a good spanking if you touch it, even if it has been unplugged for a short time. A capacitor is a storage area for voltage, sort of like the water tank behind a toilet, except it's storing voltage for release when suddenly needed. Touching it can give you quite a harmful shock, even deadly depending on the microfarads of the capacitor.
2007-01-23 09:09:19 · answer #2 · answered by gtimandan 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
it supplies power to the parts and to the computer without this power supply the computer cannot turn on
2007-01-23 10:02:41 · answer #3 · answered by Dylan. A 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
http://computer.howstuffworks.com/power-supply.htm
Read and enjoy!!
2007-01-23 09:01:05 · answer #4 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋