Power Supply Unit (PSU)

A Power Supply Unit (PSU) is a crucial component in computers and other electronic devices. It’s
responsible for converting electrical power from an outlet (usually AC power) into the appropriate DC
(direct current) power needed to run the device’s components, such as the motherboard, CPU, hard
drives, and graphics cards.

For computers, PSUs come in various wattages, typically ranging from 300W to 1200W or more,
depending on the system’s power requirements. When choosing a PSU, you want to make sure it provides
enough power for all the components you have, with some overhead for future upgrades or power spikes.

PSUs also typically include features like:

 Modular vs. Non-modular: A modular PSU allows you to connect only the cables you need,
helping with cable management, while a non-modular one comes with all cables permanently
attached.

Types of Modular PSUs:

1. Fully Modular:

o In a fully modular PSU, all cables, including the 24-pin motherboard cable, 8-pin CPU
cable, PCIe cables, and SATA power cables, are detachable. This gives you maximum
flexibility to use only the cables you need and customize your setup for a neat, tidy build.

2. Semi-Modular:

o In a semi-modular PSU, the essential cables like the 24-pin and 8-pin CPU power cables
are permanently attached, but the other cables (e.g., PCIe or SATA power) are modular.
This gives you some flexibility in cable management without needing to detach
everything.

3. Non-Modular:

o In non-modular PSUs, all the cables are fixed in place, so you can’t remove or change
them. This is the most basic type, usually cheaper but more challenging when it comes to
cable management, especially in cases with limited space.

Types of Modular PSUs:

1. Fully Modular:

o In a fully modular PSU, all cables, including the 24-pin motherboard cable, 8-pin CPU
cable, PCIe cables, and SATA power cables, are detachable. This gives you maximum
flexibility to use only the cables you need and customize your setup for a neat, tidy build.

2. Semi-Modular:
 o In a semi-modular PSU, the essential cables like the 24-pin and 8-pin CPU power cables
are permanently attached, but the other cables (e.g., PCIe or SATA power) are modular.
This gives you some flexibility in cable management without needing to detach
everything.

3. Non-Modular:

o In non-modular PSUs, all the cables are fixed in place, so you can’t remove or change
them. This is the most basic type, usually cheaper but more challenging when it comes to
cable management, especially in cases with limited space.

PSU Connectors

When it comes to power supply units (PSUs), there are several types of connectors that serve different
purposes. Here are the most common ones:

1. 24-pin ATX Connector

 This is the primary power connector for the motherboard. It supplies power to the motherboard,
including 3.3V, 5V, and 12V lines. Modern PSUs usually have a 24-pin connector, and older
systems might use a 20-pin version.

2. 4+4-pin (8-pin) CPU Connector

 Provides power to the CPU. Some PSUs come with a 4-pin connector, but most modern systems
require an 8-pin connector for additional stability.

3. 6+2-pin PCIe Connector

 This is used for powering graphics cards. Many high-performance GPUs require one or more 6+2
PCIe connectors. These connectors can be used as either 6-pin or 8-pin, depending on the GPU’s
power requirements.

4. SATA Power Connector

 Used for powering SATA devices like SSDs, HDDs, and optical drives. The SATA power
connector typically has 15 pins and provides 3.3V, 5V, and 12V power lines.

5. Molex (4-pin) Connector

 An older connector still used by some legacy hardware, such as certain fans and devices. It
provides 5V and 12V power.

6. Floppy Drive Connector (4-pin)

 A small, older connector used to power floppy drives, though it's rarely used in modern systems.

7. 12V Rail
  While not technically a connector, the 12V rail refers to the power output from the PSU that is
typically used by components like the CPU, GPU, and some fans.

PSU Parts

When discussing the power supply system of a computer, we're typically referring to the Power Supply
Unit (PSU) and the related components that help deliver power to various parts of the computer. Here’s a
breakdown of the key parts and their functions in a computer’s power supply system:

1. Power Supply Unit (PSU)

 This is the central component that converts AC (alternating current) from the wall outlet into
DC (direct current) power, which is used by the computer's components. It also regulates and
distributes different voltages needed by the system, such as 12V, 5V, and 3.3V.

2. Motherboard Power Connector (24-pin ATX connector)

 The PSU connects to the motherboard via a 24-pin ATX connector (formerly 20-pin in older
systems). This is the main power cable that supplies power to the motherboard, which then
distributes it to other components (CPU, RAM, etc.).

 12V, 5V, 3.3V rails are delivered through this connection.

3. CPU Power Connector (4/8-pin)

 The CPU (Central Processing Unit) requires a dedicated power connection, which is usually
provided through a 4-pin or 8-pin connector (the latter is common in modern high-performance
systems). This connector delivers additional 12V power to the processor.

4. Graphics Card Power Connectors (6+2 PCIe connectors)

 High-end graphics cards (GPUs) often require additional power from the PSU. These cards use
6-pin or 8-pin PCIe connectors. Some PSUs provide 6+2-pin connectors, which can be used as
either 6-pin or 8-pin, depending on the GPU's power needs.

5. SATA Power Connectors

 These connectors are used to power SATA-based storage devices like SSDs and HDDs. SATA
power connectors typically provide 3.3V, 5V, and 12V rails.

6. Molex Power Connectors

 An older type of connector that is still used for legacy components, such as older drives and
certain peripherals. They provide 5V and 12V power.

7. Floppy Drive Power Connector (4-pin)

  Used for powering floppy disk drives, this is mostly obsolete now but can still be found in older
systems. It provides 5V and 12V power.

8. Cooling Fans

 PSU cooling fans help keep the power supply unit cool. These are typically located inside the
PSU itself, though your system may also have case fans that work in tandem to keep the internal
temperature of the case regulated.

 Fans usually run on 12V DC.

9. Capacitors

 Capacitors are used within the PSU and throughout the system to smooth and filter voltage, store
energy, and ensure that there are no voltage spikes that could damage components.

 Electrolytic capacitors are typically used in power regulation circuits to store energy for voltage
smoothing.

10. Transformer

 The PSU contains a transformer that steps down the high-voltage AC power (from the wall
outlet) to a lower voltage (like 12V, 5V, or 3.3V) for use by various components of the computer.

11. Rectifier (Bridge Rectifier)

 After the transformer, the rectifier converts AC power into DC power, which is needed by all of
the computer's components. The rectifier typically uses diodes to perform this conversion.

12. Voltage Regulation and Distribution

 Inside the PSU, voltage regulation circuits ensure that the power is stable and delivered at the
correct voltage levels to various components. This regulation is critical to prevent damage from
voltage fluctuations.

 PSUs often have separate rails for different voltages (e.g., 12V for CPU/GPU, 5V for
peripherals).

13. Power Protection Circuitry

 Modern PSUs include protection mechanisms like:

o Overvoltage Protection (OVP): Prevents excess voltage.

o Overcurrent Protection (OCP): Prevents too much current from damaging components.

o Short-circuit Protection (SCP): Protects the PSU and components in case of a short.

o Overtemperature Protection (OTP): Shuts the PSU down if it overheats.

 o Under-voltage Protection (UVP): Shuts down if the voltage falls below a safe level.

14. Wires and Cables

 Wires connect the PSU to the components, including the motherboard, storage devices, and
graphics card. They are insulated and designed to handle the necessary voltage and current levels.

15. Heat Sink

 PSUs often have heat sinks to help dissipate heat generated by the internal components
(especially the voltage regulators and transformers). These are passive cooling solutions.
Switch Mode V/s Linear PSU
SMPS (Switch Mode Power Supply) units, including those used in computers, often come with
certifications that ensure they meet certain standards for efficiency, safety, and quality. Here are the most
common certifications and what they represent:

80 PLUS Certification

 The 80 PLUS certification is one of the most recognized certifications for power supply units,
focusing on energy efficiency. It indicates how efficiently the PSU converts AC power from
the wall into DC power used by the system. The certification is given in different levels based
on efficiency at 20%, 50%, and 100% load:

o 80 PLUS: At least 80% efficiency at 20%, 50%, and 100% loads.

o 80 PLUS Bronze: 82% efficiency at 20% load, 85% at 50%, and 82% at 100%.
 o 80 PLUS Silver: 85% efficiency at 20% load, 88% at 50%, and 85% at 100%.

o 80 PLUS Gold: 87% efficiency at 20% load, 90% at 50%, and 87% at 100%.

o 80 PLUS Platinum: 89% efficiency at 20% load, 92% at 50%, and 89% at 100%.

o 80 PLUS Titanium: 90% efficiency at 20% load, 94% at 50%, and 90% at 100%.

Computer Power Supply Tester

A Computer Power Supply Tester is a tool designed to quickly check the output and
functionality of a computer’s power supply unit (PSU). When troubleshooting a PC that won’t
power on or showing instability, it’s often helpful to use a power supply tester to verify
whether the PSU is operating properly.

Features & How It Works:

1. Connect the Power Supply:

o You plug in the 24-pin ATX connector (main motherboard connector) and
other relevant connectors (like 4/8-pin CPU power, PCIe, etc.) into the tester.

2. Power On the Tester:

o After the PSU is powered on, the tester will assess the voltages supplied by
the PSU to the different rails, including:

 12V rail (for drives, fans, and major components)

 5V rail (for logic circuits)

 3.3V rail (for memory and motherboard components)

 -12V rail (less commonly used, but important for legacy components)

3. Indicators:

o The tester will show either LED lights, LCD screens, or audible alerts to
indicate the status of the voltages.

 Green LED: Voltage is correct.

 Red LED or a Warning Sign: Voltage is too high or too low, meaning
the PSU could be faulty.

4. Testing Other Connectors:

 o Some testers also allow you to check other PSU connectors like the 6/8-pin PCIe
power connectors (for graphics cards), or SATA power connectors.

Why Use a Power Supply Tester?

 Quick Diagnostic: Helps you identify whether the power supply is the issue
without having to manually measure voltages with a multimeter.

 Simple and Effective: Especially useful for non-experts to rule out PSU issues quickly.

 Prevents Misdiagnosis: Sometimes, computer problems are mistakenly attributed to

the motherboard or other components when the real issue is a failing power supply.

When Should You Use One?

 If your computer is not turning on or randomly shuts down, a power supply tester can
help verify if the PSU is the cause.

 Before installing a new PSU into your computer, it can be useful to test it to ensure
it’s functioning correctly.