The power supply unit (PSU) is an essential component of a desktop computer, responsible for providing electrical power to all the internal components. It converts the alternating current (AC) from the wall outlet into direct current (DC) that is required by the computer's components.
Desktop power supplies come in various wattages to accommodate different system configurations and power requirements. They typically feature a standardized form factor, such as ATX (Advanced Technology eXtended), which allows them to fit into standard computer cases.
The PSU is equipped with multiple connectors to supply power to various components, including the motherboard, CPU, graphics card, storage drives, and peripherals. The most common connectors include the 24-pin ATX power connector for the motherboard, 4-pin or 8-pin CPU power connectors, and SATA or Molex connectors for storage drives and peripherals.
Modern power supplies often include additional features to improve efficiency, such as 80 Plus certification, which ensures that the PSU operates at high efficiency levels, reducing power wastage and minimizing heat generation. They may also have modular or semi-modular designs, allowing users to connect only the necessary cables and reducing cable clutter inside the computer case.
Furthermore, power supplies incorporate various safety features to protect the computer components from power surges, voltage fluctuations, and short circuits. These features include overvoltage protection (OVP), undervoltage protection (UVP), overcurrent protection (OCP), overtemperature protection (OTP), and short circuit protection (SCP).
