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Questions and Answers
Which type of electricity do power companies deliver to households?
Why can AC power damage the internal components of a computer?
What do computer power supplies do?
Which layer of a computer's architecture do power supplies belong to?
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What are the other major hardware components of a computer's architecture?
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What is a main consideration when selecting a computer power supply?
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What does VAC stand for?
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Which voltage standard is used in the Americas?
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Which voltage standard is used in most countries?
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Which level of power do computers and power supplies sold in the Americas use?
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Which form factor is the most common motherboard design for full-sized, personal desktop computers?
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Which of the following is NOT a consideration when selecting a power supply for a computer?
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Which voltage level is used by DIMMs, chipsets, and some PCI/AGP cards?
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Which connector has become the standard for today’s personal computer power supplies and motherboards?
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Which of the following is a correct pairing of voltage level and component that uses it?
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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?
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Which of the following is NOT a component that may require a higher wattage power supply?
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Which of the following is NOT a power cable connection from a PC power supply (ATX 2)?
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Which of the following is NOT a voltage delivered by the wiring of the power supply to the motherboard?
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Which of the following is a correct pairing of power cable connection and component it delivers electricity to?
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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.