HOW TO BUY COMPUTER POWER SUPPLY

The power supply governs the:

• stability,
• cooling,
• energy efficiency, and
• expandability of your computer,

and will affect the reliability of your components. If you buy a case with a power supply included, you'll still need to ensure the power supply meets your needs.

Step1
Buy a power supply specifically made for the type of case and motherboard you are using. An ATX power supply should have a side-mounted fan.

Step2
Buy a 230- to 300-watt power supply to have enough power to accommodate all the hardware you may add to the case.

Step3
Settle for a 150- to 200-watt power supply for an ATX-based computer if your budget is limited. Buy a 200-watt power supply to run a Pentium III processor.

Step4
Pay slightly more for more power.

Step5
Figure your exact power requirements if all your components have power consumption specifications.

Step6
Compare specifications and warranties.

Tips & Warnings
If your power supply is overtaxed, it will generate excessive heat, which will shorten its life, as well as the life of the computer's internal components.

HOW TO BUY COMPUTER CASING

Look for a case that will:

• fit all the components (drives, cards and so on) you will install now and might install in the future.
• Make sure it comes with a power supply that's adequate for your hardware, unless you plan to buy a separate power supply.
  

Step1
Buy a case that will fit your motherboard's form factor, most likely ATX.

Step2
Buy a tower if you plan to install many drives and cards; otherwise buy a midtower (also called a minitower).

Step3
Compare the numbers of drive bays and expansion slots available.

Step4
Make sure the case has enough open space to allow good air circulation through the computer and easy working space to install parts.

Step5
Look for solid construction; compare amounts of plastic and steel in various cases.

Step6
Find a case that opens easily, ideally without requiring tools.

Step7
"How to Buy a Computer Power Supply" to determine what power supply should be included.

Tips & Warnings

• Unless space is at a premium for you, don't buy a stub chassis (sometimes called a microtower) or a desktop chassis. These cases are small, so they fit on top of your desk, but there's little room inside for either expansion or working on things, and the bays might have to be stacked sideways.

• If you're considering a "designer" case, make sure it provides as much protection as a bland-colored, rectangular box and doesn't require proprietary parts.
  
• Make sure the case fits any special needs you might have, such as space for a second cooling fan or a shape that will fit your desk.
  
• Don't be impressed by turbo buttons or key locks. These are old features without much current use.

REFERENCES

www.xoxide.com/buy-computer-power-supplies.html

www.importexporthelp.com/ibd/computer-case-manufacturer.htm