[Non-RPG related]Question about computers and adapters (110 versus 220)

[johnsemlak]

Here's another of my 'complete idiot' computer questions...

I live in Europe but was thinking of buying a desktop PC during my trip to the US (might be able to get something cheaper).

I was wondering if desktop PCs normally have some internal power adapter (or whatever it's called) so you can plug it into either a 110 volt or 220 volt outlet. I know laptops now usually have this feature.

Thanks

 

[LightPhoenix]

Here's another of my 'complete idiot' computer questions...

I live in Europe but was thinking of buying a desktop PC during my trip to the US (might be able to get something cheaper).

I was wondering if desktop PCs normally have some internal power adapter (or whatever it's called) so you can plug it into either a 110 volt or 220 volt outlet. I know laptops now usually have this feature.

Probably not in a desktop, especially if you get one in the US. We're very unaccomodating.

 

[MJEggertson]

It all depends on the power supply that's attached to the case, since that's what's transforming the given AC voltage to the computer friendly low voltage DC. Some power supplies have a little switch on the back to swith between 110/220, some do not. In the end, if you buy a computer and the supply isn't switchable, you could always just replace it. They're pretty cheap.

 

[Nareau]

I don't think I've ever owned a desktop that *didn't* have a 110/220 switch on the back (though I don't doubt their existence). Check the back of the machine, right near the power-supply fan. Should be a little black recessed switch that says "110" and that you can flip to say "220".

Spider

 

[Rackhir]

In my experience (nearly 6 years at a CompUSA - Please forgive ME!) every computer or laptop I've ever seen was dual voltage. When you get into the secondary stuff, printers, monitors, scanners etc... that's when you have to check more carefully. IHowever if there is an external power addaptor, you can probably just get a replacement for that back in europe. In any case there are voltage converters sold. Not sure how much they are going for these days, but they aren't hideously expensive.

Plug adapters for the various kinds of wall sockets in Europe are more likely to be a problem, but I suspect you're already familiar with that problem.