Specifically, it converts the mains AC to low-voltage controlled DC power for the use of internal computer parts.

Besides, it handles the overheating issue by regulating voltage.

In a word, the power supply is vital.

power supply unit

Other internal hardware will not function properly without power supply PC.

Generally speaking, the power supply unit is located in the back of the computer case.

-image from Corsair

It can be found by following the computers power cable.

And you might often only see the backside of the power supply.

The required power varies on different parts, so it is necessary to get the right volume with PSU.

Main Power Supply Types

The power supply is mainly divided intointernal power supplyandexternal power supply.

For internal power supply, there are ATX and ATX12V for you.

The external power supply is often utilized for gaming consoles.

For instance, it is common to see a power supply between the gaming console and the wall.

In fact, the internal power supply functions same with the external power supply.

The Xbox One power supply is one of such facts.

Compared with internal power supply, the external power supply has an advantage over it.

The external power supply is movable and can be replaced with ease.

Working Theory of PC Power Supply Unit

How does the PC power supply work?

Before learning the working theory of power supply unit, you should have an overall understanding of its components.

The computer power supply unit main containstransformer, rectifier, filter, voltage regulators and IC voltage regulators.

As you know, power supply unit is utilized to convert power.

Power supply unit has 3 available silicon diode rectifiers jot down to convert AC power to DC.

The first one ishalf wavethat is the lowest-cost rectifier using a single silicon diode.

The drawback is that it can only convert half of the AC wave.

The second one isfull wave.

It requires a center tap in the secondary winding.

Main Applications of Computer Power Supply

What does a power supply do?

According to summarization, there are several uses for power supply unit.

Firstly, it can be used tochange voltage.

This is the leading and primary use of power supply unit.

Then, it is used toconvert power.

The outlet power cannot be used by computer components directly.

Instead, the power needs to be converted by computer power supply unit.

Last but not the least, the power supply can be utilized toregulate power.

Most electronics need regulated power.

Though a power supply can change the voltage and power jot down, the output is not always steady.

Read here, you may have a further understanding of power supply unit (PSU).

Hope this post can be useful you.

Here comes the end of the post.