Power Supply Quiz

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Questions and Answers

Which type of electricity do power companies deliver to households?

Direct current (DC)

Alternating current (AC) (correct)

Both DC and AC

None of the above

Why can AC power damage the internal components of a computer?

AC power has a higher voltage than DC power

AC power is unstable

AC power fluctuates in voltage (correct)

AC power has a lower voltage than DC power

What do computer power supplies do?

Convert DC to AC

Reduce voltage

Increase voltage

Convert AC to DC (correct)

Which layer of a computer's architecture do power supplies belong to?

Hardware layer Signup and view all the answers

What are the other major hardware components of a computer's architecture?

Motherboard, chipsets, CPUs, RAM, storage Signup and view all the answers

What is a main consideration when selecting a computer power supply?

The input voltage of the wall socket Signup and view all the answers

What does VAC stand for?

Volts of alternating current Signup and view all the answers

Which voltage standard is used in the Americas?

110-120 VAC Signup and view all the answers

Which voltage standard is used in most countries?

220-240 VAC Signup and view all the answers

Which level of power do computers and power supplies sold in the Americas use?

Lower voltage Signup and view all the answers

Which form factor is the most common motherboard design for full-sized, personal desktop computers?

ATX Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is NOT a consideration when selecting a power supply for a computer?

Operating system requirements Signup and view all the answers

Which voltage level is used by DIMMs, chipsets, and some PCI/AGP cards?

3.3V Signup and view all the answers

Which connector has become the standard for today’s personal computer power supplies and motherboards?

24-pin Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is a correct pairing of voltage level and component that uses it?

5V - SIMMS Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is NOT a way to adapt the input power to protect a computer when using a different standard for input voltage?

Use a power supply with a higher wattage Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is NOT a component that may require a higher wattage power supply?

Standard graphics processing unit (GPU) Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is NOT a power cable connection from a PC power supply (ATX 2)?

Floppy disk drive Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is NOT a voltage delivered by the wiring of the power supply to the motherboard?

24V Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is a correct pairing of power cable connection and component it delivers electricity to?

Motherboard P4 connector - Graphics cards 8-pin Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Types of Electricity

Power companies primarily deliver Alternating Current (AC) to households.

AC Power and Computers

AC power can damage a computer's internal components due to its fluctuating voltage, which can lead to overheating or component failure.

Computer Power Supplies

Power supplies convert AC power from the wall into Direct Current (DC) needed by computer components.
They regulate voltage levels to ensure stable power is delivered.

Computer Architecture Layers

Power supplies belong to the hardware layer of a computer's architecture.

Major Hardware Components

Key components in a computer's architecture include the motherboard, CPU, RAM, storage devices, and graphics cards.

Selection Considerations for Power Supplies

A main factor in selecting a computer power supply is its wattage rating, which must match the power needs of the hardware.

Electric Voltage Terms

VAC stands for Volts Alternating Current.
The voltage standard in the Americas is generally 120 VAC.
Most other countries use a voltage standard of 220-240 VAC.

Power Levels

Computers and power supplies in the Americas typically operate at 120 V.
The standard form factor for full-sized personal desktop computer motherboards is ATX.

Selection Considerations

A consideration NOT relevant to selecting a power supply is its color or aesthetic design.
DIMMs, chipsets, and some PCI/AGP cards typically use a voltage level of 1.2 V.

Connectors and Standards

The 24-pin connector has become a standard for today's personal computer power supplies and motherboards.
Correct pairings of voltage levels and components must be adhered to for compatibility.

Adaptation and Protection

Incorrect methods of adapting input power can jeopardize equipment safety; therefore, using appropriate protective devices is vital.

Power Supply Connections

Non-standard power connections may create compatibility issues; hence it’s important to identify all necessary power cables from the power supply (ATX 2).
Common voltages delivered by power supplies to the motherboard include 3.3 V, 5 V, and 12 V, ensuring proper function of all components.
Power cables connect specific components, such as 4-pin connectors for CPUs or 6/8-pin connectors for graphics cards, delivering necessary electricity.

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Description

Test your knowledge on computer power supplies and their role in converting alternating current (AC) to direct current (DC). Discover how these essential components protect computers from potential damage and regulate voltage.