If you’re wondering why your computer can’t turn on one fine morning, the problem could be with your power supply. Actually, the computer’s power supply is the heart of your machine and needs to provide a constant set power rating while the computer is on. Surely, when a constant supply of power is required, you can’t expect it to fail without a warning! Therefore, it is very essential that the power unit is robust and dependable.
The primary function of your computer’s power supply is to step down and convert your household power, which provides alternating current (AC), to direct current (DC). Typically, each power unit that comes with your computer is theoretically capable of lasting long enough until your computer needs an upgrade, or even for the life of your computer. However, sometimes, it could explode without warning and leave you stranded. In this case, you need to replace it with a new one.
Although you may be able to do it yourself, I wouldn’t recommend doing it if your computer is still under warranty, or else you could risk voiding it. It is best to have a broken computer power unit handled by a trained technician because there may be other problems associated with a non-functioning computer that your technician can discover.
In case you need to change the computer’s power supply yourself, you’ll need to remove the casing first, then locate the power unit in your computer and carefully remove it without damaging any other components. Make sure you get a power unit with the same ratings as the one your computer has, otherwise you could cause your computer to have other serious problems. Typically, your computer will require either an AT form factor power unit or an ATX form factor power unit. Newer computers might need the ones with SATA connectors with the recent appearance of SATA hard drives.
It is very important that your computer’s power supply is compatible with your computer’s motherboard. Computers that have older motherboards or have fewer features use the 20-pin ATX connector. However, newer computers use 24-pin ATX connectors. It is possible to use a 24-pin power supply with a 20-pin power supply, but you can’t try otherwise.
You can even go for modular power supplies if you need only certain connections, or you can buy a standard power supply unit and connect your important computer components and peripherals. There is one thing to be careful about: only go for the most reputable and standard brands. If you get a lower power unit, then your computer is at risk again. If the power unit fails once again, you will have to do the whole process again.
