What kind of power supply should you buy?



You need to replace the power supply on an old computer, but the power supply has a unique shape that you’ve not seen before. What’s the best way to handle this replacement?

A) Purchase a 3rd-party power supply that is close to the same size

B) Contact the original manufacturer for a replacement

C) Move the motherboard to a new case and use a standard power supply

D) Buy a 3rd-party power supply and mount it on the outside of the case

E) Start a new web site: oddlyshapedpowersupplyowners.com


The answer: B) Contact the original manufacturer for a replacement

Although today’s computers tend to use standardized power supplies, some older systems used proprietary and uniquely-shaped power supplies that are matched to the motherboard. You can’t directly replace the power supply with a standard model, and the best choice is to contact the manufacturer for an exact replacement.

Want to know more? Watch “Computer Power.”

Without the supply of power, your computer won’t have much to do. In this video, you’ll learn about power supply standards and how different connectors are used to power the components inside of modern personal computers.