How to Install a DC Power Supply

A computer operates on direct current (DC). The power that flows through the electricity lines and through your house is alternating current (AC). While both types provide electricity, devices that are designed to use one type of current cannot use the other or they will explode. Your computer includes a small box that plugs into the wall that converts the AC power to DC current. This is the DC power supply that you can replace in your computer if it fails.

Difficulty: Moderately Challenging

Instructions

1. Turn your computer off and unplug the machine. Never work on your computer power supply while it is still plugged into the wall.

2. Open up the computer case using the screws on the back of the case.

3. Locate the DC power supply and unplug all the cables that are connected to it. There will be at least two cables that connect to the motherboard, perhaps more. There will also be power supply cables running to all your internal hard drives and CD/DVD drives.

4. Remove the screws that hold the power supply into the case. These screws are normally attached through the back of the case. Be sure the case is laying on its side at this point so the power supply does not fall and break other parts inside the computer.

5. Remove the old power supply and install the new power supply in the same location with the same screws.

6. Attach all the power cables you removed in Step 3. It does not matter which cables are attached to which device, but you need to make sure each device that had a cable has a cable from the new power supply attached as well.

7. Replace the cover, plug in the computer, and you should be ready to use your new DC power supply.

Tips & Warnings

• Never open up a computer that is still turned on. Never disassemble a DC power supply. Even when unplugged, it retains enough power to kill. Ensure that the wattage on the new power supply matches the old power supply. Too much power or too little power will destroy your computer and possibly start a fire.