UD5 Ensamblado de equipos microinformáticos 2 MODIF

Understanding Power Supplies in Computers

Introduction to Power Supplies

• The power supply is a crucial component responsible for supplying electrical current to internal components of a computer, such as the motherboard, hard drives, optical devices, and graphics cards.

Functionality of Power Supplies

• Power supplies convert energy from wall outlets (AC - Alternating Current) into usable DC (Direct Current) for computer components.

• In Spain, the standard voltage for AC is between 220 to 230 volts. This AC is characterized by its sinusoidal wave pattern.

Characteristics of AC and DC

• AC has less energy loss over long distances compared to DC due to its wave-like transmission.

• Components require stable DC voltage (e.g., 3.3V, 5V, or 12V), which allows them to function continuously without interruption.

Conversion Process

• The power supply converts incoming AC from the electrical grid into various levels of DC required by different components.

• Typical output voltages from power supplies are 3.3V, 5V, and 12V; incorrect output can indicate a malfunctioning power supply.

Connectors and Outputs

• Various connectors lead from the power supply to the motherboard and other devices like hard drives and optical drives.

• Standard household plugs have three connections: live wire, neutral wire, and ground; these connect the power supply to the wall outlet.

Choosing a Power Supply

• When selecting a power supply, consider its maximum wattage capacity as an essential specification.

• Wattage is calculated using the formula: Power (Wattage = Voltage x Current). Each component's specifications will help determine total wattage needs.

Summary of Specifications

• It’s important to sum up all components' wattage requirements when choosing a suitable power supply unit (PSU).

• Websites often categorize PSUs based on their wattage ratings ranging from around 600 watts upwards.

Understanding Electrical Power and Component Requirements

Basics of Electrical Power

• The discussion begins with the definition of electrical tension (voltage) and current intensity, explaining that electric current is measured in amperes.

• It emphasizes that power is calculated as the product of voltage and current, highlighting the importance of understanding these concepts for component selection.

Selecting a Power Supply

• When choosing a power supply, it’s crucial to ensure its maximum output can meet the total power requirements of all connected components.

• The speaker notes that the nominal value indicated on power supplies (e.g., 650 watts) must be sufficient to support all hardware demands including CPU, graphics card, and peripherals.

Practical Considerations in Power Supply Selection

• In practice, consumers often rely on store recommendations based on their intended components rather than performing detailed calculations themselves.

• The speaker suggests using online calculators to determine the minimum required wattage for a specific configuration, which can help guide purchasing decisions.

Using Online Calculators

• An example is given about using a well-known calculator website to input various components like CPU type and memory size to estimate necessary power supply capacity.

• For instance, selecting an Intel Core processor along with specific storage options may recommend at least a 468-watt power supply.

Adjusting for Higher Demands

• As performance demands increase—such as higher-end graphics cards or processors—the recommended wattage also rises; thus, users should consider supplies rated above their minimum needs.

• The discussion highlights that while some components may not significantly impact overall consumption (like certain CPUs), others like high-performance GPUs will require more substantial power supplies.

Final Recommendations

• It's advised not to undershoot on wattage; having extra capacity ensures stability and accommodates future upgrades or additional components.