Podcast
Questions and Answers
What is the benefit of using soft power?
What is the benefit of using soft power?
It allows the user to turn off the system without shutting down the operating system manually.
Where are the important settings for ATX soft power?
Where are the important settings for ATX soft power?
In the basic input/output (BIOS) setup, also known as CMOS setup.
Molex connectors are used to power what devices in a computer?
Molex connectors are used to power what devices in a computer?
Fans, hard drives, and secondary supplementary equipment.
What is the benefit of a computer power supply that has modular connectors?
What is the benefit of a computer power supply that has modular connectors?
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What is the purpose of rails in a computer power supply?
What is the purpose of rails in a computer power supply?
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What can be most destructive to a computer as a result of voltage spikes or surges?
What can be most destructive to a computer as a result of voltage spikes or surges?
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What relatively inexpensive device can help protect a computer against power spikes?
What relatively inexpensive device can help protect a computer against power spikes?
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What are the symptoms of a catastrophic computer power supply failure?
What are the symptoms of a catastrophic computer power supply failure?
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What is the maximum acceptable variance from the specified DC voltage levels when diagnosing a potential power supply problem?
What is the maximum acceptable variance from the specified DC voltage levels when diagnosing a potential power supply problem?
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What features should a good surge suppressor have to protect a computer from power surges?
What features should a good surge suppressor have to protect a computer from power surges?
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Which element of electricity represents potential, analogous to water pressure behind a dam?
Which element of electricity represents potential, analogous to water pressure behind a dam?
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What are the considerations for wattage when acquiring a computer power supply?
What are the considerations for wattage when acquiring a computer power supply?
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What would the minimum power rating be in watts if a computer's power supply needs to provide at least 12 volts DC with 80 amps?
What would the minimum power rating be in watts if a computer's power supply needs to provide at least 12 volts DC with 80 amps?
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What does the efficiency of a computer power supply measure?
What does the efficiency of a computer power supply measure?
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Study Notes
Power Supply Basics
- Users can't turn off systems without shutting down the operating system due to soft power management in ATX power supplies, controlled by motherboard commands.
- BIOS settings, also known as CMOS setup, store important configurations related to ATX soft power.
Connectors and Components
- Molex connectors facilitate power connections to devices such as fans, hard drives, and other peripherals in a computer.
- Modular connectors in power supplies reduce cable clutter by allowing users to attach only necessary cables.
Power Supply Features
- Rails in power supplies maintain voltage stability by isolating different power outputs, preventing one output from impacting another.
- Voltage spikes, often caused by surges, can severely damage computer components, making protective devices essential.
Protection Mechanisms
- A power strip with built-in surge suppression can shield computers from damaging power spikes.
- Symptoms of catastrophic power supply failure include a complete lack of functionality (no lights or fan activity), unusual sounds, or burning smells, often indicating motherboard damage.
Voltage and Wattage Considerations
- A maximum of 10% variance from specified DC voltage levels is acceptable when diagnosing power supply issues using a voltmeter.
- Surge suppressors should have features like Underwriters Laboratory (UL) approval, reset buttons, and protection for communication lines to guard against power surges.
Electrical Concepts
- Voltage is the measure of electrical potential, similar to water pressure behind a dam.
- When choosing a power supply, ensure wattage exceeds the total wattage of all connected devices.
Power Rating Guidelines
- A minimum recommendation for power supply capacity is at least 960 watts to maintain stable 12 volts DC with 80 amps.
- Efficiency measures how effectively a power supply converts input voltage and current into usable output power.
Studying That Suits You
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Description
Test your knowledge on power supplies with these flashcards focusing on Advanced Technology Extended (ATX) specifications and functions. Each card presents a term and its definition related to power supply management and BIOS setup. Perfect for students or professionals looking to enhance their understanding of power supply technology.
