How a Power Supply ACTUALLY works.

Basics Explained, H3Vtux

19 Apr 202102:21

Summary

TLDRThis video explains how a computer's power supply works, detailing its role in converting alternating current (AC) from a wall outlet into direct current (DC) for the computer's components. It describes how the power supply distributes different voltages to various parts like the processor, RAM, and fans, and why certain appliances need varying levels of electricity. Additionally, it touches on how power supplies manage heat and why it's important to keep them ventilated. The video invites viewers to explore more about electricity and its principles.

Takeaways

🔌 Your computer needs electricity to function, just like any other powered appliance.
🔄 Unlike simple appliances, computers require different amounts of electricity in different places.
⚡ A power supply converts alternating current (AC) into direct current (DC) to power the computer's components.
🌊 Alternating current flows back and forth like water, while direct current flows in one direction like a river.
📦 Many appliances, including computers, have power supply units that convert AC from the wall into DC for use.
📉 The power supply ensures the correct amount of electricity is delivered to prevent overloading.
🧮 Different computer components require varying power levels, like tiny switches needing less electricity, while cooling fans require more.
🔋 The power supply stores electricity and distributes it to components based on their needs, using voltages of 3.3, 5, and 12 volts.
🔥 Power supply units generate heat, which is managed by built-in fans that keep the system cool.
🖥️ Keeping your computer slightly elevated helps airflow, especially if the power supply intake is facing down.

Q & A

What is the primary function of a computer's power supply?
-The primary function of a computer's power supply is to convert alternating current (AC) from the wall outlet into direct current (DC) for the computer's components and to manage the distribution of electricity to different parts of the computer.
Why is direct current (DC) more suitable for computer components than alternating current (AC)?
-Direct current (DC) is more suitable for computer components because it maintains a constant flow of electrons in one direction, unlike alternating current (AC) which reverses direction periodically. This consistency is necessary for the reliable operation of electronic components.
How does a power supply manage the electricity fed to the device to prevent overloading?
-A power supply manages the electricity fed to the device by regulating the voltage and current levels, ensuring that each component receives only the amount of power it requires to function properly without being overloaded.
What are the three main voltages provided by a computer's power supply, and what are they used for?
-The three main voltages provided by a computer's power supply are 3.3 volts, 5 volts, and 12 volts. 3.3 volts and 5 volts are mostly used for low-power circuitry, while 12 volts are typically used for fans and disk drives.
How do the 'small calculators' on a computer's motherboard communicate with the power supply?
-The 'small calculators' on a computer's motherboard, which are actually voltage regulators, communicate with the power supply to inform it of the current needs of the components, allowing the power supply to adjust the power distribution accordingly.
Why do power supply units (PSUs) get very hot, and how do they manage heat?
-Power supply units (PSUs) get very hot because they handle and convert high amounts of electricity, which generates heat as a byproduct. They manage heat through built-in fans that push hot air away from the circuitry and draw in cool air to prevent overheating.
What is the significance of keeping a computer slightly elevated in relation to its power supply?
-Keeping a computer slightly elevated can be beneficial because it allows for better airflow around the power supply, which typically has its intake pointed downwards. This helps in cooling the power supply and maintaining efficient operation.
How does the power supply know which levels of current to send to which components?
-The power supply determines which levels of current to send to which components based on the requirements of each component and the communication from the voltage regulators on the motherboard.
What role do the power cables' 'big boxes' play in the operation of appliances like computers?
-The 'big boxes' on power cables, known as power adapters or transformers, extract alternating current from the power outlet and convert it into direct current. They also manage the amount of electricity fed to the device to prevent overloading.
Why is alternating current (AC) better suited for power lines in the electrical grid compared to direct current (DC)?
-Alternating current (AC) is better suited for power lines in the electrical grid because it can be transmitted over long distances with less loss of energy compared to direct current (DC), and it's easier to step up or step down the voltage for different uses.

Outlines

00:00

⚡ Understanding the Power Supply's Role in Computers

The computer, unlike simpler appliances, requires different amounts of electricity in various components. This is where the power supply comes into play. It converts alternating current (AC) from the wall into direct current (DC), which the computer can use. The video explains the difference between AC (electrons moving back and forth like water sloshing in a tub) and DC (a one-direction flow, like a river), emphasizing the importance of direct current for appliances. The power supply not only converts electricity but also ensures the right amount reaches different parts of the computer.

🔋 Converting and Managing Power for Your Computer

Most appliances have power boxes that convert alternating current into direct current, ensuring they receive the right amount of electricity. In a computer, the power supply manages this conversion and distribution. It makes sure components like RAM and processors, which need little electricity, get the correct amount, while components like cooling fans and disk drives, which need more, are supplied adequately. The power supply stores electricity and distributes it based on each component's needs.

🔧 How the Power Supply Distributes Voltages

The power supply provides three main voltages: 3.3V, 5V, and 12V. The lower voltages (3.3V and 5V) power the computer's circuitry, while the 12V is used for more power-hungry components like fans and disk drives. A computer’s motherboard helps communicate changing power needs to the power supply, ensuring the components are always getting the right amount of power.

🔥 Cooling and Protecting the Power Supply

Power supplies generate a lot of heat, which is why they come with built-in fans to manage airflow and prevent overheating. Hot air is pushed away from the circuitry, and cooler air is drawn in to keep the system functional. The video also suggests keeping the computer slightly elevated to ensure proper airflow, as the power supply intake is often pointed downwards.

🔌 Final Thoughts on Power Supply Functionality

The power supply is a crucial component of the computer, converting and distributing electricity efficiently. It's fascinating how it manages different power needs within the computer while also cooling itself. The video ends by inviting viewers to learn more about electricity and encouraging them to interact via comments, likes, and subscriptions.

Mindmap

Keywords

💡Power Supply

A power supply is a device that converts mains AC electricity into the lower-voltage DC power required by electronic devices. In the context of the video, the power supply's role is crucial as it not only converts alternating current (AC) to direct current (DC) but also manages the distribution of electricity to various components within a computer, ensuring they receive the appropriate voltage levels. The script mentions that the power supply 'manages which levels of current go to which components', highlighting its importance in a computer's operation.

💡Alternating Current (AC)

Alternating Current is a type of electrical current where the flow of electrons periodically reverses direction. The video script uses the analogy of 'electrons flowing back and forth like water sloshing in a bathtub' to describe AC. It contrasts with direct current and is the type of current typically provided by power grids. The power supply's first task, as mentioned in the script, is to convert this AC into DC for the computer's internal components.

💡Direct Current (DC)

Direct Current is a type of electrical current that flows in one direction. The script likens it to a river, where the flow stays in one direction, as opposed to the back-and-forth motion of alternating current. DC is more suitable for powering electronic devices, including computers, which is why the power supply converts AC to DC.

💡Electricity

Electricity is the flow of electrons, which can be harnessed to do work. The video script touches on the basics of electricity, stating that it is 'the flow of electrons'. It is the fundamental resource that powered appliances, including computers, rely on to function. The script also suggests a link to another video for a deeper understanding, indicating the complexity and importance of electricity in various applications.

💡Voltage

Voltage refers to the electric potential difference between two points. In the video script, voltage is discussed in the context of the different levels of electricity required by various computer components. The main voltages mentioned are 3.3, 5, and 12, which are used for different parts of the computer, such as circuitry and fans/disk drives. Voltage is a critical factor in ensuring that components receive the right amount of power to function correctly.

💡Circuitry

Circuitry encompasses the network of conductors and components through which electricity flows. The script mentions that the first two voltages (3.3 and 5) are used 'mostly for circuitry'. Circuitry is essential in a computer as it forms the pathways that allow electricity to reach and power the various electronic components.

💡RAM (Random Access Memory)

RAM is a form of computer memory that can be read and changed in any order, typically used to store data that the device's processor is actively using. The script refers to RAM when discussing the tiny switches and capacitors that 'let your RAM store data'. RAM requires a specific voltage level to operate, which is managed by the power supply.

💡Processor

A processor is the electronic circuitry within a computer that performs most of the processing inside a computer. The script mentions that powering a processor to 'do math' takes very little electricity compared to other components like cooling fans or disk drives. The processor is a critical component that relies on the power supply to receive the correct voltage for its operations.

💡Cooling Fans

Cooling fans are mechanical components used to dissipate heat from electronic devices. The script notes that powering the 'cooling fans' requires more electricity compared to some other components. These fans are essential for maintaining the temperature of the computer's internal components and are an example of a device that requires a higher voltage from the power supply.

💡Disk Drives

Disk drives are data storage devices that use magnetic or optical recording to save and retrieve digital information. The script includes disk drives in the list of components that use the 12-volt supply, which is higher than what is needed for circuitry. Disk drives require more power to operate their mechanical parts, such as the spinning disks and read/write heads.

💡Motherboard

The motherboard is the main printed circuit board (PCB) within a computer and serves as the central hub for all other components. The script mentions 'small calculators in the computer's motherboard' that communicate with the power supply. These calculators, or more accurately voltage regulators, are responsible for ensuring that components receive the correct voltage levels, showcasing the motherboard's role in managing the computer's power distribution.

Highlights

Your computer needs electricity to function, but unlike simpler appliances, it needs different amounts in various places.

The power supply converts alternating current (AC) into direct current (DC).

Alternating current flows back and forth like water sloshing in a bathtub.

Direct current flows in one direction, similar to a river.

Alternating current works well for power grids but not for most appliances.

Appliances often have boxes on their power cables to convert AC to DC.

The power supply manages how much electricity is fed to the device to prevent overload.

It distributes power based on the needs of different components.

Tiny switches and capacitors in RAM and processors require minimal electricity.

Motors for fans and disk drives need more power.

The main voltages in a computer are 3.3V, 5V, and 12V, used for different components.

Motherboards communicate with the power supply to adjust electricity needs.

Power supplies get hot, which is why they come with built-in fans.

Many power supplies have intake fans pointed downward, so keeping the computer elevated can help.

Electricity is a fascinating topic with many nuances, such as power management in computers.