A part that provides electricity to at minimum one electric load is called a power supply. It changes one kind of electrical power into another, but it can also transform another sort of energy, such as chemical, mechanical, or solar energy, into electrical energy.
Devices are powered by electricity through the best power supply. For instance, computer power supplies, which also typically contain one or more fans, transform AC to DC.
How do computer power supplies work?
Typically, power supplies come in various voltages like 3.3, 5, and 12 volts. Watts are the primary unit of measurement for a power source. Voltage in volts multiplied by the current in amperes results in watts. You may recall that the first computers had big, hefty red toggle switches. You were aware of your actions when turning the PC on or off. Actually, the 120-volt power that was being sent to the power supply was controlled by these switches.
Today, a push button is used to switch on the power, and a menu choice is used to turn the computer off. The power supply may receive a message from the operating system instructing it to shut off. The power supply gets a 5-volt signal from the push button to determine when to turn it on.
You now know how the power supply in computers works and why a power supply is necessary for a computer to function.
Types of power supply units
The best power supply has four different types.
Modular: Modular PSUs have removable power cables, except for the connectors for primary power and disk drives. When adding new parts, you can attach extra cables or remove cables that won’t be linked to any parts.
Non-modular: In non-modular PSUs, the cables cannot be relocated because they are intently attached to the power supply. The advantage is that they are typically less expensive than plenty of modular PSUs of equivalent quality.
Semi-modular: Some cables can be detached in semi-modular PSUs, whereas some can’t.
Fully-modular: Every cable, including the main power cable, is removable in fully-modular PSUs.
Form factors of power supply units
A power supply’s form factor will reveal important details about the device, such as its dimensions and the functions it offers. Your choice of power supply will be aided by your knowledge of these typical form factors. In order to ensure that your power supply will suit within your case and function as effectively as possible, follow these guidelines:
ATX
Until recently, the main power supply for ATX power supplies was a single 20-pin connector. But they now have a 24-pin power connector. ATX power supplies have an additional 3.3V rails built-in. An example of a function provided by ATX is soft-off, which enables specific software to turn off the power supply.
ATX12V
Despite the fact that ATX12V standards are fundamentally superior to regular ATX, both power supplies have the exact dimensions and shape. The most common form factor, ATX12V power supplies, exists in a variety of types that have been enhanced through time.
ATX12V 2.1 and ATX12V 2.2 are the most recent versions. A 24-pin main power connector is part of these versions, which have been created to function as effectively as possible.
Small form factor (SFF)
This power supply is perfect for less expensive installations concerned by desk space because it is smaller than the conventional ATX while functioning. The three SFF power supply examples are CFX12V, LFX12V, and TFX12V.
EPS12V
In addition to the standard 4-pin connector found in ATX12V units, EPS12V power supplies provide an 8-pin CPU power connector, which is designed to give servers a more stable environment. The EPS12V form factor power supply should be avoided because most home computers can’t use it.
How to choose a suitable power supply?
Choosing a suitable power supply can be tricky. The following factors need to be taken into account while buying a power supply for your PC:
- Define the power requirements for your CPU, GPU, and other components in order to ensure proper operation.
- Make sure the power supply unit connections match the ones for your other components.
- Acoustics, cable management, and upgradeability are important long-term considerations.
- A power supply begins to heat up when it starts to output sufficient wattage. The PSU’s fan speed will increase significantly in response to excessive heat and may become very noisy. You may choose a PSU that will power your pc without making noise by paying attention to things like performance and wattage constraints.
- You can reduce the cost of your energy bill by being aware of the efficiency requirements of your power supply. When selecting a power supply, efficiency is so crucial to notice.
Comparison between the Dell N6H3C and Dell YN637 power supplies
The comparison between the Dell N6H3C and Dell YN637 is given in the table below:
| Dell N6H3C | Dell YN637 | ||
| Brand | Dell | Brand | Dell |
| Compatible with | PCs | Compatible with | PCs |
| Wattage | 300 Watts | Wattage | 525 Watts |
| Type | ATX, SATA | Type | ATX |
| Weight | Approx 1 pound | Weight | Approx 5 pounds |
| Dimensions (LxWxH) | 7.6 x 7.4 x 3.8 inches | Dimensions (LxWxH) | 8 x 8 x 5 inches |
Both power supplies provide almost the same features except the wattage, which is a significant factor that needs to be taken into account while purchasing a power supply for your need. If you are looking for a power supply for your personal computer, you can go with the Dell N6H3C as it consumes less wattage and weight and is smaller in size than the Dell YN637.
In a nutshell
Buying a power supply can be a significant investment so investing in the right product is crucial. We have discussed all the factors that need to be considered while buying a power supply for your PC and their benefits and a comparison between two good power supplies powered by Dell, a well-known IT company. Don’t go wrong while buying a low-quality power supply as it can be heavy on your pocket because it can risk your computer, and with a heavy load on the electricity resulting in hefty bills.
