This article will show you how to install a power supply on a Windows computer. A power supply unit (PSU) is a component that transfers energy from an electrical outlet to a computer component. Keep in mind that if you are buying a pre-assembled computer, you do not need to install the PSU, but you may need to replace it someday.
Steps
Step 1. Find a PSU for your computer
The model you need depends on the motherboard and case size, that is, study the parameters of your motherboard to find out which power supplies will work with it. Typically, power supplies are sold at electronics stores, specialty computer stores, or online stores.
Buy a PSU that is designed to work in your country. For example, a power supply unit for Russia and most other countries operates at 220 V, and a power supply unit for the United States operates at 110 V
Step 2. Collect the tools
You will need at least one screwdriver (most likely a Phillips screwdriver) to remove the right side panel of the computer case (when looking at the back of the case). You may also need another screwdriver to secure the PSU - take a look at the screws that come with the PSU to see if an extra screwdriver is needed.
Step 3. Ground yourself
This will prevent accidental damage to internal components of your computer from static electricity.
If you want, buy an ESD wrist strap to ground yourself
Step 4. Open the computer case
Do this to gain access to your computer hardware.
Step 5. Lay the computer case on its side, open side up
Step 6. Install the voltage switch on the power supply
If the PSU has such a switch, set it to the "220v" or "240v" position. In this case, the PSU will provide sufficient power without damaging the components to which it is connected.
Not all power supplies have a voltage switch, and those that do are already set to the voltage of the country in which they are sold
Step 7. Locate the power supply
Typically, it is located at the top of the case; therefore, the power cable is usually connected to the top of the rear of the chassis.
- Check your computer's manual to find out where the PSU is, or find the rectangular slot on the back of the case.
- If you are replacing an old PSU, locate it using the power cable, which is connected to the connector on the back of the case.
Step 8. Install the power supply
The power supply has a rear panel with connectors and a fan, and a bottom panel with a fan. The rear panel of the PSU should face the rear panel of the chassis, and the bottom panel should face the lower panel of the chassis.
If you are changing an old PSU, remove it first
Step 9. Secure the power supply
Press the rear panel of the PSU against the rear panel of the case, insert the supplied screws and tighten them.
Many cases have special shelves on which the power supply is located
Step 10. Connect the power supply to the motherboard
Locate the main power cable on the PSU (at the end of the largest plug) and connect it to the long rectangular connector on the motherboard, and then connect the auxiliary power cable to the motherboard.
- Depending on the PSU and motherboard models, an additional power cable may not be available.
- The main power cable plug is usually a 20 or 24 pin connector.
Step 11. Connect the PSU to other computer components
Connect cables with small plugs to the hard drive, optical drive, and video card. If you have other components (such as a backlight), connect the cables to them.
Step 12. Close the case and connect the cables to it
Place the side panel, lift the case and connect the power cable and monitor to it.
Step 13. Turn on your computer
If everything is connected correctly, the PSU fan will work, and the system will boot as usual. If you hear a beep and nothing is happening, something is wrong, or the power supply is not supplying enough power to the computer components.
Advice
- Always use new cables that come with a new power supply. Never use cables from an old PSU, as this could damage the motherboard.
- PSU cables should be connected to the components tightly, but without undue effort.
- When you connect all the components to the PSU, there may be extra (unconnected) cables left.
Warnings
- Keep in mind that all power supplies have capacitors that conserve power even if you unplug the power supply from the wall outlet. Therefore, never open or insert metal objects into the ventilation slots of the power supply to avoid electric shock.
- When unscrewing the screws that secure the PSU, hold it in place, because the torque from removing one screw can affect the extraction of other screws.