How to Install Power Supplies on a Custom PC

Choosing a power supply for your computer is one of the most important and overlooked parts of computer building. Your power supply provides power to your entire system. In this case, you want the biggest power supply you can afford as a weak supply will underpower and damage your system. On the other hand, a powerful supply won't overpower your system and it provides additional power in case of an upgrade.

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Instructions

1. Check your case design and find a matching power supply. Most cases are a variation on the ATX design and the power supply needs to be the same.

2. Look over the requirements. Find the types of connectors required by your motherboard, videocard, fans and drives. Many of them have unique styles of power connections and you must have them available on your new power supply.

3. Put the new power supply into your machine. This process varies by case design but it's typically just a few screws. Make sure you look over your old power supply carefully so you see all of its connection points.

4. Connect your drives, fans, video cards and any other powered parts before connecting your motherboard.

Tips & Warnings

• Newer motherboards often take multiple connections from power supplies; make sure you have the correct power leads on your supply before you buy it. If all else fails, just buy a really nice supply. It should have everything you need.