Power Supply Unit is designed to supply power to a computer. This device converts AC current to DC current. You won’t believe but this part of computer is one of the most important among the rest because without it your computer system is nothing more than a box of metal and plastic. After discussing the role of power supply of computer we will discuss how does power supply in computers work?

You can find PSU inside one square box at the back of CPU. It has got large number of cables that are attached to other components of computer. Basically most of the failures in power supply unit occur because of overheating. Never compromise with the quality of power supply unit for you system. Better quality helps you in keeping your system up and running. Power supply is essential as it makes your computer system to work. Also capacity of power supply tells what all stuffs your computer can do like for example playing games need a lot of memory of computer.

As soon as power comes in from electric switch to power supply unit, the power supply’s job is to send that input energy into a form that your system can use and distribute among rest of the components of your computer. As soon as you press/push down the button of your computer, you are a kind of signal to power supply unit to start flow of power to components of the computer. Earlier there used to be a large switch whose work was to block flow of power into CPU but now you can find CPU’s that has got small amount of voltage inside it that can at least make button work.

One of the important parts of Power Supply Unit is Switcher. It basically converts AC current flowing in your house electric line to DC power that your computer can use. Earlier switches used to be quite heavy and bulky but now they come in perfect shape and design. One of the best thing about switcher is that it draws only required amount of power from electric line thus preventing overload of power in your computer. There are several types of power supply available in the market and all of them works almost same. Yes but they differ in the amount of power that has to be provided to each of them and also they differ in number of components to which they are connected inside computer. Certain power supply units like one in laptops control the amount of power used by the laptop that results in increase in efficiency and battery life.

How Does Power Supply in Computers Work?

Sometime situations arises where one has to change power supply themselves then in that case you have to remove cabinet of CPU then find the location of power supply unit and then remove it. Now when you go to get one new power supply unit for your system make sure that the new power supply unit has got same rating as the one your computer has otherwise it would create a lot of problem later on . Always remember that it is very important that your computer system power supply unit is compatible with your system mother board. Computer with old motherboard uses 20-pin ATX connector, and new one uses 24 pin ATX. You can use 24 pin power supply with 20 pin but not vice versa.

PSU better known as Power Supply Unit is one of the most important parts of computer. This part needs most attention as compared to others. PSU powers everything, right from USB ports, wireless modem to motherboard, graphics card, hard disk, and all such parts of computers. If you left your PSU unchecked, it can damage either one or all the parts of your components. If your computer takes a long time to turn on after pressing ‘on’ switch, it means you have fault in power supply. Also if your computer gets off automatically, it may be due to result in power supply unit.

You can replace your power supply unit very easily. Make sure that your PSU is unplugged. Once checked you can unscrew your PSU, remove old PSU and can place new one. As soon as your new PSU is installed next you have to do is replace your lithium battery from motherboard and put it back again. Now turning on your computer again make sure that all wires are connected to motherboard. Once checked, set proper voltage of your system and then turn on the power of your system and enjoy newly improved PC.

There are 2 scenarios where people consider replacing their PSU:

1. When you want to upgrade your CPU. Earlier you were having mid-range processor, CD ROM, RAM and all they need is 350 watt power supply. Now in order to upgrade your CPU you should have PSU that can supply power of 450 watt. All the components of computer are power hungry. Even fastest processor can consume up to 100 watts from Power Supply Unit.

2. Other case is when suddenly your PSU dies in the middle of your work. This may be due to failure in fan resulting in damaging of CPU. In case fan gets off automatically, save your data first and turn off your computer immediately. If you turn it off on time may be you can succeed in saving your computer system. If fan stops working, never replace fan itself, try to replace the whole unit.

One thing that every beginner thinks while replacing Power Supply Unit is “Will I be able to fix all the wires?” Always keep this in mind that all four wire plugs are interchangeable. There is no danger of fixing wrong plugs. You can plug in wire into hard drive as wires are keyed to fit in one way only. If we talk about power plug to motherboard, it is unlike any other, big rectangular box having bunch of wires attached to it. Earlier mother board use to have two power plugs attached to them marked as P8 and P9.

In short replacing Power Supply Unit is quite an easy task. All you have to do is unhook wires from motherboard and drives take out screws and easily remove Power Supply Unit by holding it from the back. Put new power supply, fix all screws at their places and hook up wires to all the peripherals of computer, that’s it.

Once the wires are unhooked from the drives and motherboard, take out the four screws that hold the power supply to the back of the case, and ease it out. Put the new supply in, tighten up the screws, and hook up the wires.

The guys over at OCZ constantly update their RAM modules, but we know that this is only one part of OCZ’s business. Every once in a while, OCZ updates its other product lineups and one of these is represented by the gamer-oriented power supplies.

The latest power supply coming form OCZ is dubbed ModXStream Pro, and it is advertised as a superior gaming-grade power supply that offers consumers a combination of OCZ’s cutting-edge PSU architecture and an efficient modular cable management system. According to the press release, the ModXStream will be available in 400W, 500W, 600W, and 700W configurations, and will also offer improved stability and optimal high-performance power to the latest GPUs and CPUs.

The ModXStream Pro Series is built to support the latest NVIDIA SLI and ATI CrossFire modes. The compact form factor and the modular design will help improve the air flow inside your PC case. The new power supplies are kept ultra-cool with a load-controlled 120mm fan, being engineered as the quietest PSU available and eliminate distracting noises from your PC. Power efficiency is as high as 86% at typical load and up to 82% at full load.

“Global market presence for OCZ high-performance power supplies continues to grow rapidly due to our ability to remain on the cutting-edge of both efficiency and stability,” said Ryan Edwards, Director of Product Management. “With the introduction of the ModXStream Pro line of PSUs, end-users can have the whole package – efficiency, stability, low noise, clean high-performance power, and the increased air flow and convenience of modular cables. With a power output to fit every need, the 400 – 700W MXSP are an exciting addition to the extensive range of PSUs offered by the OCZ Technology Group.”