A server power supply is part of the hardware that is used to convert the power supplied from the outlet into usable power for many parts inside the computer case. Converts alternating current (AC) into a continuous form of power required by computer components for normal operation, called direct current (DC). Regulates overheating by controlling the voltage, which can be changed automatically or manually depending on the source of electricity.
A server power supply is also known as a power converter. Modern PCs universally use switchable power supplies. Some devices have a manual switch to select the input voltage, while others automatically adapt to the mains voltage. CoolMax and Ultra are the most popular power supply manufacturers.
Functions
Unlike some optional hardware components used with a computer (printer, for example), the power supply is a decisive element, because without it the rest of the internal equipment will not be able to function.
Motherboards, cases, and power supplies have different sizes, called form factors. All three components must be compatible to work.
The desktop computer's power supply changes the alternating current from the wall outlet to low-voltage direct current for the processor and peripherals. Several types of DC voltages are required, they must be regulated to ensure stable operation of the PC.
Computer batteries have protection against short circuit, high and low voltage, protection against overcurrent and overheating.
Modern power supplies have a backup voltage that allows you to turn off most of the computer system. When the computer is turned off but the battery is still on, it can be started remotely via Wake-on-LAN and Wake-on-ring or locally through Keyboard Power ON (KBPO), if the motherboard supports it. This back-up voltage is generated by a smaller power source inside the device.
Instruments intended for use around the world were equipped with an input voltage switch that allowed the user to configure the device for use on a local electrical network.
Power rating
The total power consumption for the power supply is limited by the fact that all the guides pass through one transformer and any of its primary side circuits, for example, switching components. General power requirements for a personal computer can range from 250 to 1000 watts for a high-performance PC with multiple graphics cards. Personal computers typically require 300 to 500 watts. Power supplies are rated 40% more than the estimated system power consumption. This protects against performance degradation and power overload. Batteries indicate their total output power and how this is determined by the current limits for each of the supplied voltages. Some power supplies do not have overload protection - this is important to consider before starting the server power supply.
Energy efficiency
System power consumption is the sum of the rated power for all components that consume power. For some video cards, 12V for PSUs is critical. If the total rated current of 12 V on the battery is higher than the recommended rating of the card, then this power supply can fully service the card if any other components of the 12 V system are taken into account. Manufacturers of these components of the computer system, especially graphic cards, tend to excessively exceed their power requirements to minimize support problems due to too low power supply.
Although a power supply unit with more power will have an additional margin of safety from overload, such a unit is often less efficient and consumes more electricity at low loads. For example, a 900-watt device with an efficiency rating of 80 Plus Silver (which means that such a device is designed for an efficiency of at least 85% at loads above 180 W) can only be 73% optimal if the load is below 100 W, which is typical power idling for a personal computer. Thus, at a load of 100 watts, the loss for this source will be 37 watts.
If the same device was supplied under a load of 450 W, for which the energy efficiency reaches 89%, the losses will be only 56 W, despite the fact that it is 4.5 times more useful power. For comparison: a 500-watt power supply with a rated efficiency of 80 Plus Bronze (which means that such a device is rated at least 82% for loads above 100 watts) can provide 84 percent efficiency for 100 watts of load, spending only 19 watts.
Specifications
A test in 2005 showed that 2000W server power supplies are typically 70-80% efficient. For a 75% efficient battery, producing 75 watts of direct current requires 100 watts of alternating current, the remaining 25 watts go into heat dissipation. Better elements can show efficiencies above 80%. Energy-efficient power supplies generate less heat and require less air to cool, resulting in quieter operation.
Performance indicators
As of 2012, some high-performance consumer power supplies can exceed 90% efficiency at optimal load levels, although they will drop to 87-89% under heavy or reduced loads. Google server power supplies are more than 90% efficient. Hewlett-Packard achieved 94% efficiency. Standard batteries sold for server workstations have 90% efficiency compared to 2010.
Energy efficiency is significantly reduced at low loads. Therefore, it is important to check the server power supply and coordinate the power of the source with the needs of the computer. Efficiency usually peaks at a load of about 50-75%.
Precautionary measures
The server power supply is usually not serviced by the user. Never open the case of this unit. It contains capacitors that can hold a strong electric charge, even if the computer is turned off and unplugged for a week. This is especially important when pinning the server power supply. You can protect your equipment from power surges using surge protectors and uninterruptible power supplies.
Repair of server power supplies and alteration
The power supply is installed inside the rear wall of the housing, which also has a cooling fan. The side of the unit, located outside the case, has a connector with three sockets, to which a power cable is connected. Also, a power switch and a voltage switch are integrated into the circuit.
Bunches of colored wires run from the opposite side of the battery to the computer. Connectors at opposite ends of the wires connect to various components inside the computer to provide power. Some of them are specially designed for connecting to the motherboard, while others have connectors that are built into fans, floppy drives, hard drives, optical drives, and even some high-power video cards, which should be considered when remaking a server power supply.
External equipment
Power supplies are rated for power and show how much energy they can provide to the computer. Since each computer part requires certain conditions for proper operation, it is important to have a server power supply that can provide the necessary performance. There is a convenient tool for calculating the supply of the cooler, which is able to determine the necessary parameters.
There are also external power sources that are connected separately using a power cable and can reduce the appearance of the PC system.