Power Supplies Flashcards

Questions and Answers

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?

In the basic input/output (BIOS) setup, also known as CMOS setup.

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?

Modular connectors prevent tangling of unused power cables. Signup and view all the answers

What is the purpose of rails in a computer power supply?

Rails isolate different types of power outputs to prevent one connection from draining others. Signup and view all the answers

What can be most destructive to a computer as a result of voltage spikes or surges?

The AC power connected to a computer. Signup and view all the answers

What relatively inexpensive device can help protect a computer against power spikes?

A power strip with built-in surge suppression. Signup and view all the answers

What are the symptoms of a catastrophic computer power supply failure?

No lights, fans, or hard drive activity; smoke, popping sounds, and a burning smell. Signup and view all the answers

What is the maximum acceptable variance from the specified DC voltage levels when diagnosing a potential power supply problem?

10%. Signup and view all the answers

What features should a good surge suppressor have to protect a computer from power surges?

Underwriters Laboratory (UL) approval, a reset button or breaker, and protection on communications lines. Signup and view all the answers

Which element of electricity represents potential, analogous to water pressure behind a dam?

Voltage. Signup and view all the answers

What are the considerations for wattage when acquiring a computer power supply?

The minimum power supply wattage should be more than the total wattage of all connected devices. Signup and view all the answers

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?

960 watts. Signup and view all the answers

What does the efficiency of a computer power supply measure?

How well the power supply converts input voltage and current into output power. Signup and view all the answers

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.

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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.