How does my computer even have enough power??

[ShawnD1]

I took a look at my power supply and it says the DC output is only 3.3V when set to 115V AC input.

3.3V is only like 1/4 the voltage which 12V fans are designed for.....and I have 2 fans. Those 2 fans take a total of 24V alone. Factor in the CPU, hard drive, CD, floppy, video and sound and this suddenly doesn't add up at all.

If the power supply only gives 3.3 volts, how does my computer even have enough power to turn on and run? Even at 12 volts the system shouldn't run.

[dsoethe]

How does my computer even have enough power??
I took a look at my power supply and it says the DC output is only 3.3V when set to 115V AC input.

3.3V is only like 1/4 the voltage which 12V fans are designed for.....and I have 2 fans. Those 2 fans take a total of 24V alone. Factor in the CPU, hard drive, CD, floppy, video and sound and this suddenly doesn't add up at all.

If the power supply only gives 3.3 volts, how does my computer even have enough power to turn on and run? Even at 12 volts the system shouldn't run.

Well, the Power supply actually outputs 12V, -12V, 5V and 3.3V at the same time.
The fans connect in parallel. So they still use the 12V output (the Yellow wire on one of the drive power cables...)

The 3.3V is for the processor and the Memory, the + and - 12V is for the serial ports and disk drives, and the 5V is also for disc drives and everything else.

[ShawnD1]

Great info. Welcome to TechIMO

[dsoethe]

Hi, I'm a electronics guru.

I live in the seattle-tacoma, WA area..

;-)8</////>