How to power your electronics projects with a computer power supply

In case you need a source of power for your projects, computer power supplies are an easy solution to your problem .

A standard PSU (power supply unit) has a 3.3v,5v and a 12 volt rails .Older power supplies tend to deliver more current on the 3.3v and 5 v rails compared to newer models .So check the rated power output on the rail you are going to use.

Here is how to turn on the power supply  .

Step one :Locate the green wire on the 20 pin power connector .

Step two :Grab a piece of wire and connect the green wire to the nearest black one .Step three : Locate a molex connector .Yellow wire is +12 volts ,the black wire next to it is the Ground wire .

And now test it to see if it is working properly .

My voltmeter is reading 11.76 volts which is close enough to 12 volts .In case you need 5 volts you should use the Red wire and the black wire sitting on the right of the molex connector .

Before connecting heavy loads of current make sure you PSU can deliver the necessary current on the rail you want to use (check the label on the side of the box). Mine can push up to 10 Amps of current on the 12 volt rail,so a safe load should not exceed 80% of that .

If you are having trouble making it work leave a comment in the comment sextion below .