Q&A for How to Install a Power Supply

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Question

What could it mean if my computer starts but is unresponsive?

Community Answer

Something on the inside is not plugged in, like the 12v 4/8 pin.

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Question

How do I test to see if a power supply is functioning?

Community Answer

You can either buy a PSU tester or take a paper clip and fold it into a U-shape. On the 20/24 pin power cable, put one end of the paper clip in the slot that the green wire runs into. Then put the other end in the slot that any black wire runs in. Plug the PSU into a wall plug, and flip the switch on.

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Question

Should the fan face into the case or out of the case?

Community Answer

It depends on whether you want the power supply to affect the air pressure of the machine. If you want to have a more negative air pressure, aim the fan into the case. However, this could lead to a slight temp increase for the PSU, which could, in turn, mean louder operation.

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Question

What is the difference between a DVD drive and an HDD power connector?

Community Answer

A DVD drive is run with both a SATA power connector and a regular SATA cable plugged into the motherboard. In regards to the type of cable needed for them, there is no difference.

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Question

My computer does not turn on at all. All things are plugged in, except the graphics card. What can I do?

Community Answer

Maybe your new power supply has different requirements. Try plugging the graphics card into the power supply.

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Question

If I buy a 450w PSU can I use it with a GPU that requires a 500w PSU?

Community Answer

Usually a 450w power supply will be able to work with a GPU that requires 500w. 450w power supplies are usually rated to go up to around 500w. The 500w on the GPU specifications is usually to avoid people from using extremely under powered PSU.

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Question

How can I connect the Molex cable into my hard drive?

Denneisk

Top Answerer

If your hard drive doesn't have a Molex power connector (as is the case with most or all modern hard drives), you can use a Molex-to-SATA adapter. Check to see if your power supply already has a SATA power connector first, though.

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Question

How can I connect an AC adapter to my computer?

Community Answer

You will need a power supply and a AC Power cable to plug in to the power supply, and then the power outlet.

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Question

Graphics card not working, I have Intel (r) core (tm) i7-6700 cpu@3.40ghz 3.40 ghz. 16 GB ram. Acer aspire t3-715a. My 480 Radeon graphics card gets no signal. Regular Intel HD graphics works.

Community Answer

Did you plug your input cable (HDMI, VGA, dvi, dp) in the graphics card? Or, if you have a graphic card, that needs a 6/8 pin PCI-e cable plugged in to the graphics card.

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Question

In my power supply there are 2 main power ports that is the back main power connection port. So I should put wires in both ports or only in one port?

Rudy Toth

Community Answer

Don't add two at all, that is really not safe. You only need one power cord from the rear of the power supply that only fits one way, without force. You need a three-prong plug to your outlet for safety called the ground wire - that is the round brass post inside the plug, next to the two flat blades.

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