Pace IT - Power Supplies

Introduction to the power supply.

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Instructor, PACE-IT Program – Edmonds Community College

Areas of Expertise Industry Certifications

PC Hardware

Network Administration

IT Project Management

Network Design

User Training

IT Troubleshooting

Qualifications Summary

Education

M.B.A., IT Management, Western Governor’s University

B.S., IT Security, Western Governor’s University

Entrepreneur, executive leader, and proven manger with 10+ years of experience turning complex issues into efficient and effective solutions.

Strengths include developing and mentoring diverse workforces, improving processes, analyzing business needs and creating the solutions required— with a focus on technology.

Brian K. Ferrill, M.B.A.

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Introduction to the power supply.PACE-IT.

– Alternating current vs. direct current.

– PC power supplies.

– Choosing a power supply.

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Alternating current vs. direct current.Introduction to the power supply.

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Alternating current vs. direct current.Introduction to the power supply.

– Alternating current (AC).» The common source for AC is your wall socket, and the

most standard unit of measurement is the volt (V). AC is used because it is the better medium for transmitting.

» The flow of the electrical charge periodically reverses, which is represented by a wave. The reversal cycle is measured by the frequency of its change and is represented by its Hertz (Hz), which is the number of cycles per second.

» The most common wall current in the United States and Canada is 110V – 120V @ 60 Hz.

» The most common wall current in other countries is 220V – 230V @ 50Hz.

– Direct current (DC).» The common source for DC is converted AC or

batteries.» DC is a constant power; there is no reversal cycle.» DC works best for applications that need to store an

electrical charge or that require the constant power characteristic of DC.

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PC power supplies.Introduction to the power supply.

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– The power supply’s job description.» To take the AC wall current and change it to the

appropriate DC current for the PC—and to do so in the right amount.

» To supply those voltages through the appropriate style of connector.

» Common PC component voltage requirements are: +3.3V, +5V, +12V, and -12V.

– Power supplies are rated by the watts (W) they can supply.

» The watt is a unit of measure for electricity.» Watts can be determined if you know the voltage and

amperage (A) requirements.» V x A = W.

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– Common PC power connectors.» 24 pin main motherboard power connector

(supplies +3.3V, +5V, +12V, and -12V). This is for most ATX form factors.

» 20 pin main motherboard power connector (supplies +3.3V, +5V, +12V, and -12V). This is for Micro-ATX form factor.

» 4 or 8 pin auxiliary motherboard power connector (supplies +12V). This supplies additional voltage to the CPU.

» 4 pin Molex connector (supplies +5V and +12V). This is for some peripheral devices and fans.

» Berg connector (supplies +5V and +12V). This is for floppy disk drives.

» SATA connector (supplies +3.3V, +5V, and +12V). This is for some peripheral devices.

» 6 or 8 pin PCIe auxiliary power connector (supplies +3.3V and +12V). This supplies more voltage to PCIe add-on cards that require it.

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Choosing a power supply.Introduction to the power supply.

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Choosing a power supply.Introduction to the power supply.

– Know the form factor.» ATX, Micro-ATX, and ITX use different standard

sizes.

– Know the voltage requirements.» United States and Canada vs. most of the world.» Some power supplies can switch or be switched

between standard voltages and some cannot.

– Know what is going to be inside the case.

» The type of motherboard, CPU, and the number and types of peripherals will make a difference in the connectors that are needed.

– Know the wattage requirements.» It is better to have more watts available and not

need them than to need more watts and not have them.

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AC power usually comes from a wall socket. The flow of the electrical charge periodically reverses. DC power usually is converted from AC or comes from a battery and supplies a constant electrical charge. AC is good for transmitting electricity over a distance, while DC is best for applications that need a constant charge (most electronics).

Topic

Alternating current vs. direct current.

Summary

The job of the PC power supply is to convert AC power into the proper DC voltages that a PC needs. Common PC voltage requirements are: +3.3V, +5V, +12V, and -12V. It does this through various types of plugs.

PC power supplies.

When choosing a power supply, there are several items that need to be considered. The form factor of the motherboard, the voltage requirements, and the amount and types of peripherals will make a difference. In addition, it is important to know the wattage requirements of the system. It is also better to have more watts than needed.

Choosing a power supply.

What was covered.Introduction to the power supply.

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THANK YOU!

This workforce solution was 100 percent funded by a $3 million grant awarded by the U.S. Department of Labor's Employment and Training Administration. The solution was created by the grantee and does not necessarily reflect the official position of the U.S. Department of Labor. The Department of Labor makes no guarantees, warranties, or assurances of any kind, express or implied, with respect to such information, including any information on linked sites and including, but not limited to, accuracy of the information or its completeness, timeliness, usefulness, adequacy, continued availability or ownership. Funded by the Department of Labor, Employment and Training Administration, Grant #TC-23745-12-60-A-53.

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