How to Install a New Power Supply in a Desktop PC
In some cases, the performance of a computer can be directly tied to the power supply. If the power supply does not supply enough power to meet the computer's demands, the computer may run sluggishly, with poor performance, or may not at all. Sometimes a dying or failing power supply may need replacing, or you may just want to upgrade for better performance.
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Things You'll Need
- A desktop computer
- A new or replacement power supply unit that is compatible with your computer.
- A screwdriver
Instructions
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Unplug all electronic cords connected to the computer. At no time during the installation should any cords be connected to the computer. Remove the screws holding the computer cover case, and remove the cover case.
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Locate the computer power supply box, which looks like a large box out of which a bundle of wires run and connects to the power cord jack on the outside of the computer case. Unplug the power cables from the internal devices connected to it. Be careful not to damage any of the sensitive control boards or devices inside the computer, and be certain to remember--write it down if you need to--what devices will need reconnecting to the new power supply when you finish the installation.
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Unscrew the power supply from the inside of the computer case and remove it. Check the original power supply's red voltage switch for the correct setting. It should read 120 or 240 if you live within the United States. Confirm this setting as the correct voltage setting for your power outlets. Make sure your new power supply gets set to the correct voltage setting before you install it. If it cannot be set to the correct voltage, do not proceed with the installation or you may damage your computer. Return the new power supply and buy one that is compatible with the voltage requirements.
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Install the new power supply, reattach the screws that will hold it in the proper place inside the computer. Reattach the power cables that come from the new power supply to the devices that were connected to the old power supply. Make sure all of these connections are firmly in place before you turn the computer back on.
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Reattach the computer power cables and all the cords connected to the computer during normal operation, but do not close the computer case yet. Keep your hands clear of the inside of the computer case as you attach power cords and peripheral devices.
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Turn the computer on and observe the performance of the computer without touching anything inside. Do all the computer fans function normally? Does the computer operate as well as or better than before? If you feel that the computer behaves normally and you do not encounter any problems, turn the computer off, remove all the power cords and peripheral cables once more, and close the computer case. Then reattach the power cords and peripheral cables and begin using the computer.
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Check for errors if you encountered any problems starting the computer or if it would not start at all, unplug all the power cords and computer cables connected to the computer and look inside. Make sure that you connected all the correct power cables inside the computer securely and did not miss any. If you have confirmed this and the computer still doesn't start or operate normally, call your computer manufacturer or a professional computer repair shop for assistance completing the installation.
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Tips & Warnings
Make sure you keep track of what devices connect to the power supply cables inside the computer, and do not miss any when you install the new power supply. Video cards, motherboards, disk drivers and other devices may need to be connected to a power cable to operate correctly or at all.
Make sure that you have chosen a power supply compatible with your computer. Some power supply units have different connecting pins than others, and if you have concerns that you may have chosen a power supply not compatible with your computer be sure to contact your computer manufacturer or a professional computer repair shop for assistance.
Never touch, make adjustments to, or handle the interior of a computer while any live power cables or peripheral cables are connected to it. Electrocution could result.
References
Resources
- Photo Credit inside computer image by NiDerLander from Fotolia.com
