It converts the AC power from a wall outlet into the DC power required by the computers internal components.
One of the key aspects of a PSU is the voltages it supplies.
Understanding the voltages supplied by a PSU is essential for ensuring compatibility and optimizing the performance of your system.
The most common PSU voltages are the 12V, 5V, and 3.3V rails.
Additionally, a PC PSU may provide other voltages, although less commonly used.
These voltages serve specific purposes and are sometimes required by specific components or peripherals.
The 12V rail is divided into multiple rails to distribute power evenly across the various components.
These rails help provide a stable power supply and prevent overloading of a single rail.
The CPU and graphics card are the primary consumers of power from the 12V rail.
High-performance CPUs and graphics cards often require significant power to operate efficiently.
When selecting a PSU, it is important to consider the power requirements of your CPU and graphics card.
5V Rails
Another important voltage supplied by a PC power supply unit is the 5V rail.
The 5V rail supplies the power necessary to operate these USB devices, enabling data transfer and gear functionality.
These components play crucial roles in the operation and communication of various hardware components within the computer system.
When considering a PSU, it is important to assess the power requirements of your USB devices and peripherals.
3V Rails
The 3.3V rail is another important voltage supplied by a PC power supply unit.
Integrated circuits (ICs) on the motherboard often require a 3.3V power supply.
Memory modules, including DDR3 and DDR4 RAM, also require the 3.3V rail for proper operation.
The 3.3V rail supplies power to the memory modules, ensuring stable data storage and retrieval.
One such voltage is the -12V rail.
Another voltage that can be found in some PSUs is the 5V standby rail.
This rail provides a constant power supply even when the computer is turned off or in a sleep mode.
Ensure that the PSU can provide the necessary voltage options to support these devices effectively.
Understanding these additional voltages and their applications allows for proper compatibility and functionality with various devices and peripherals.
The most common voltages provided by a PSU include the 12V, 5V, and 3.3V rails.
The 12V rail powers high-consumption components such as the CPU, graphics card, and storage devices.
The 5V rail supplies power to USB ports, peripherals, and certain motherboard components.
The 3.3V rail powers specific components like integrated circuits and memory modules.
This will help in maintaining stability, compatibility, and efficient performance of your rig system.
