virtalähdemoduuli

Virtalähdemoduuli, often abbreviated as PSU (Power Supply Unit), is a component responsible for converting mains electricity into the correct voltages and current required by other components in an electronic device, such as a computer. It acts as the intermediary between the wall socket and the sensitive internal electronics.

In a typical computer system, the virtalähdemoduuli takes the alternating current (AC) from the power outlet and transforms it into various direct current (DC) voltages, commonly +12V, +5V, and +3.3V, along with a -12V rail. These different voltages are necessary to power components like the motherboard, CPU, graphics card, hard drives, and optical drives.

The efficiency of a virtalähdemoduuli is a crucial factor, often indicated by an 80 PLUS certification. This rating signifies how much energy is lost as heat during the conversion process. Higher efficiency ratings (Bronze, Silver, Gold, Platinum, Titanium) mean less wasted energy and lower electricity bills.

Virtalähdemoduulit come in various form factors, the most common being ATX for desktop computers. They also differ in wattage, which determines the maximum amount of power they can supply. Choosing a virtalähdemoduuli with sufficient wattage is essential to ensure stable operation of all components, especially for systems with power-hungry hardware.

Beyond basic functionality, some virtalähdemoduulit offer modular cable management, allowing users to connect only the necessary cables, improving airflow and tidiness within the system. They are a fundamental and indispensable part of almost all electronic devices.