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Common PC Problems:
• Slow Computer
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Miscellaneous:
• Windows Shortcuts
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• Tools, Static & Cleaning
• Form Factor
• PC Case & Fans
• Motherboard
• Processor (CPU)
• Power Supply Unit
• RAM
• Hard Drive
• Solid State Drive
• Optical Drive
• Floppy Disk Drive
• Graphics Card
• Sound Card
• Network Card
• Computer Monitor
• Keyboard & Mouse
• Laptop / Netbook
• Building a Computer
• Overclocking
Operating System & Backup:
• Operating System
• Drivers
• Windows Tools
• User Accounts
• Backup
• Windows 10
Internet & Network:
• Internet
• Wi-fi or Cable
• Improve Broadband Speed
• Network Computers
Computer Peripherals:
• Printer
• Scanner
• External Hard Drive
• USB Flash Drive
Computer Security:
• Anti-virus
• Anti-Spyware
• Phishing
• Firewall
Common PC Problems:
• Slow Computer
• Hardware Failure
• Software Failure
• Printing Problems
Miscellaneous:
• Windows Shortcuts
• Glossary of Terms
• HTML Colour Picker
• Number Base Converter
When purchasing a new Power Supply Unit (PSU) you need to get one with all the correct connectors for your computer. Below are the connectors you will most likely find in a desktop ATX computer.
PSU Connectors - ATX main power connectors
The main ATX power connector (sometimes called P1) has a 20 pin connector on an older motherboard and a 24 pin connector on a new motherboard. You may also find a 20 + 4 pin connector which can be used on either type of motherboard.
PSU Connectors - 4 pin ATX +12v power connector
An extra 4 pin +12v connector is plugged into the motherboard to supply dedicated power to the CPU. A high-end computer may need more power and will use a 8 pin connector (EPS12V). You may also find a 4 + 4 pin connector which can be used on either motherboard.
PSU Connectors - Drive power connectors
A computer that uses the older IDE (PATA) drives will use 4 pin Peripheral power connectors and the old floppy disk drives used the small floppy drive connector.
PSU Connectors - SATA and PCIe power connectors
A newer computer will have SATA drives which use small SATA power connectors. Modern graphics cards may require their own dedicated power which is supplied via a 6 pin PCI Express power connector which plugs directly into the graphics card. High-end graphic cards may require more power and an 8 pin PCI Express power connector is used. You may also find a 6 + 2 pin connector which can be used with either graphic card.
If you intend to use two graphics cards together (SLI or Crossfire) then you will need a PSU with plenty of power and also two PCI Express power connectors. You can buy a PSU that is compatible with SLI or Crossfire and which will deliver sufficient power for two graphics cards. More information on SLI and Crossfire can be found on the graphics card page.
