Laptop Power Supplies

Even if you aren't a computer geek, figuring out how laptop power supplies function is a very simple and easy thing you can do to help you care for your computer and prevent expensive damage that can happen to your laptop if you aren't aware of how your computers power supply functions.  There are 4 or 5 basic components to the power supply in your laptop and it isn't rocket science to figure out what each piece does.

Next to a regular power outlet in a wall, the surge protector is the first essential player in laptop power supplies.  The power strip prevents the wall socket from delivering too much power to your computers circuits which could actually cause them to fry is a strong enough energy spike was delivered.  Having a good, functional power strip is a necessity.  Even a newly built electrical circuit in a new home has the potential to deliver a rush of power that is strong enough to kill your computer.  When you use one, make sure to plug in the surge protector first and make sure it is powered on before plugging your laptop power cord into it.

In the middle of your power cord is that clumsy black box that usually has a little diode on it.  That is you AC adapter.  The function of this box is to turn the alternating current that is coming from the wall into direct current so your computer can use the right kind of energy.  The AC adapter will also make sure that the amount of electricity coming into your computer is properly dampened and wont fry your computer.  Once again, you still need a surge protector despite the fact that the adapter performs this function as well.  

Once the power cord connects to your computer, it goes straight to the power board.  The laptop power board is often connected to the mother board.  It has two functions.  First, it sends power to your laptop battery and charges it.  This is one of the main reasons why direct current is used in laptop and notebook computers.  Batteries are charged via direct current.  The important function the power board serves to to regulate and feed power to the mother board as it is needed.  From there, the mother board allocates how much power goes where in your computer based on whatever functions are being performed.

One of the most important elements that is most often ignored in laptop power supplies is the computer cooling fan.  The job of the cooling fan is to make sure that all of the parts of the computer remain cool enough to continue functioning.  In particular, your computer's processor puts off the most heat.  If you ever decide to buy a stronger processor for your laptop, you need to check and make sure that the cooling fan that is currently installed in your computer is going to be strong enough to make sure that things don't overheat.  If you are getting this done at a computer shop, simply asking the technician should be enough, they know which kinds of processors will run hot enough to require an upgrade to your laptops cooling fan.

A basic knowledge of the main parts of your laptop power supply and the function of its components will save you hard earned dollars and valuable information as time goes by.  You will be able to maintain your computer more efficiently, and should you need to upgrade or make repairs, you will have enough working knowledge to know where your money should be spent if the problem lies with the power supply for your laptop.