Sometimes just called a "power supply", a power supply unit (PSU) converts AC (alternating current) power to DC (direct current) power in desktop computers and distributes that power to the internal components. While power supply units are present in laptop computers, the power conversion is usually handled by an external transformer (usually called an "adapter") between a laptop and a power cord while the PSU simply handles the distribution. Of course, that's only when the laptop battery isn't being used.
Power Supply Units and Wattage
The PSU wattage output usually isn't a problem for laptop computers because the internal components are matched in such a way that normal usage won't go beyond what the PSU is rated for.
People like to add stuff to desktop computers, however, and this is where the problem lies. If you build your own computer, you'll know to get a PSU with a lot of wattage (450 watts and above) simply because you know you'll be adding more to it than most pre-built computers.
People with pre-built desktop computers don't usually add enough to their computers to make much of difference, unless the PSU is low wattage to begin with.
A Case in Point
A friend of mine owns a Dell desktop computer and is thinking of getting a Dell Mini as a netbook. After his recent experience with the desktop computer, he may be reconsidering.
When I bought my desktop computer, the first thing I checked was the power supply unit. I was happy because it was a 500-watt unit. I knew I could add an additional hard drive to it and it wouldn't cause any problems.
My friend didn't do that, obviously. He probably wasn't allowed to do so since opening the case would probably void his warranty. I guess it doesn't matter now because his warranty expired. Anyway, he added a hard drive to it and didn't pay attention to how sluggish his computer became because, after all, it was running Windows. It always seem sluggish to him anyway.
A couple of weeks ago, his PSU died. He was lucky in that it happened at the end of his work week and he had the entire weekend to replace it. He was also lucky it didn't take out other components at the same time, as faulty PSUs are known to do. When he pulled the old one out, he discovered it was a 350-watt PSU. No wonder it blew – it couldn't handle that extra hard drive if he started using other peripherals at the same time.
Needless to say, he replaced it with a beefier PSU and the computer isn't as sluggish now as when he first got it. He's happy with it, but I still think he's going to think twice about buying a Dell in the future.
Similar Articles:
- Will the new All-In-One Computers cut into Laptop Sales?
- Is a Laptop Computer better than a Desktop Computer?
- Finding and Buying the Right External Hard Drive Enclosure
- Laptop Computer Speakers
- Computer Case Fans and CPU Fans
If you wish to leave anchored links within the comments -- you're allowed to leave one anchored link if you don't let a CommentLuv link appear.