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What is an ATX Power Supply?

Friday, May 08, 2009
Related Tags: power | atx | devices | supply | wattage
 

Instructions

Function

  • Step 1:
    Power supplies convert current from an electrical outlet to voltages that a computer can use.

Identification

  • Step 1:
    Power supplies usually look like cubes of metal with one or two fans. They are normally found in the upper back corner of computer cases.

Specifications

  • Step 1:
    Power supplies vary greatly in how much wattage they can deliver to a computer. Running a computer with many high level devices requires more powerful power supplies.

Upgrades

  • Step 1:
    ATX power supplies can usually be upgraded easily and do not require any changes to an operating system or software.

Issues

  • Step 1:
    Power supplies are one of the most common hardware devices in a computer to experience complete failure or burnout. If a computer is very hot and smells like it is burning, there is a good chance the power supply has burned out.

Resources


What is an ATX Power Supply? Provided by eHow.com
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