Power supply unit (PSU)
Türkçe: Güç kaynağı (PSU)
The unit that converts mains AC into the low-voltage DC (12 V, 5 V, 3.3 V) a computer needs.
// EXPLANATION
A PSU consists of an input filter, PFC, a main switching converter and an output rectifier. Its quality is judged by efficiency (80 Plus), output ripple and response to sudden load changes. Graphics-card power spikes make PSU choice decisive.
// ALSO KNOWN AS
PSUpower supplypower supply unit
// RELATED TERMS
80 PlusA certification programme showing that power supplies reach at least 80 percent efficiency at 20, 50 and 100 percent load; it has tiers from Bronze to Titanium.
RippleThe small alternating voltage superimposed on a DC output, caused by switching and mains frequency.
Power factor correction (PFC)A circuit that shapes the current a power supply draws from the mains to follow the voltage, improving power factor and harmonics.
12VHPWRThe 16-pin (12+4) power connector that can carry up to 600 W to graphics cards; known for heating problems with poor seating and sharp bending.
Power electronicsThe field of converting electrical energy from one form to another (AC-DC, DC-DC) with semiconductor switches such as MOSFETs and IGBTs.
