Installing your power supply

Pt. 4 of 10 | 3:25 |

How Do I build a PC

Thursday October 14, 2010

If you're going to

build your own computer

, it's going to need power. In this episode, we'll show you how to

install a power supply unit

(PSU) and, perhaps more importantly, how to pick the right PSU

using a power supply calculator

. You need to make sure that your computer has enough power to work all of the different components within it.

Download this episode now

Windows Media

Quicktime

Mobile

Show Notes

- The power supply plugs directly into the wall and distributes power throughout the computer.

- Power supplies are rated in terms of watts.

- In order to find out how much power you will need, you may want to use a power supply calculator.

- The calculator will tell you how much power you will need according to what parts you want to use, but it's always a good idea to go a little bit higher than the recommended.

- Modern power supply units have a number of cables that are packaged separate from the power supply. Older units will have one batch of cables connected directly to the power supply.

- On the back of the case near the top, you will see where the power supply should go.

- Insert the power supply from within the case ensuring that the fan on the power supply is pointing down. Screw the power supply into place.

- You'll need to plug two cables from the power supply into the motherboard, one near the CPU and one farther from it.

Tagged: