6.8. Getting an A+
This chapter sheds light on power and how it interacts with your computer. The following points are covered:
The current specification of power supplies is ATX, and the ATX power supply will be found in one form factor or another on most current computers.
The main power connector has 20 or 24 pins. Four-pin floppy and peripheral connectors supply 5V and 12V, and five-pin SATA connectors supply 3.3V, 5V, and 12V.
Power supplies convert 120VAC or 240VAC power into DC power for the computer.
Power supplies come in a variety of power sizes, from 160W up to and beyond 1200W.
AC adapters are used on laptops to convert power from AC to DC, and usually automatically switch between 120V and 240V.
Surge suppressors, line conditioners, and UPS deal with various power-supply problems, including surges and brownouts.
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