Introduction

• Installing a new power supply is often overlooked when new upgrades are made to PCs. When adding more powerful components and drives inside the computer, it is only natural that you should add a more powerful way to power them. There are times in emergency situations that a new power supply is required. The power supply could have been fried by lightning during a storm or just simply stopped working. Whatever the reason is, it is easy to install a new power supply yourself.
  
  

Removing the Old Power Supply

• Before installing a new power supply, the old one needs to be removed. The first thing you must do is to shut down the computer and remove the power cable from the back. This project requires you to work inside your computer case. The power supply is attached to the case with screws; remove them to remove the power supply from its slot. Before disconnecting any cables, take note of where each cable is situated.
  
  There should be cables going to the motherboard and to all of the other drives. The cables are different sizes and have different types of prongs. It is important to notice how many cables are going to the motherboard. Some motherboards only have one cable going to the power supply, while others have three. You will need to install the new power supply in the same way that the old one was installed.
  
  Disconnect all the cables and finish removing the old power supply. Sit this to the side and out of the way. You won't need it again, but you can dispose of it in the box that your old one came in. Some manufacturers even put in labels and information about recycling.
  
  

Installing the New Power Supply

• Using the screws from the old power supply, install the new unit in the same manner and direction that the old one was in. Make sure you tighten the screws so that the power supply is secure. Connect power cables to the motherboard. Connect the cables to the drives and other components inside the computer. Push the cables all the way in and secure if there are little clamps to do so. Put the cover to the case back on and secure with the screws. Connect the power plug to the back of the power supply and plug the computer back in. Boot up the system and see what happens. If nothing happens, you need to make sure all the cables to the motherboard are connected securely. If you failed to supply power to other components of the computer, you will get error messages as soon as the computer turns on before the operating system is loaded. If you do experience any error messages, turn the computer back off and open the case again. Check all the cables once more before turning the computer back on.