Using a UK computer in the US

PixelChef

PixelChef

PixelChef

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Someone asked me this question and I'm not sure about it.

What do you need to use a UK computer in the US? Just power adapters from UK to US? or is it not that simple? Voltage etc?

Thanks for any help
 
Just a different kettle lead, I'd imagine. We have other electricals at work that have a US socket on, and we just plug them straight into the wall here with a UK adapter. The adapter is just a simple pin converter, no fuses/resistors anything.
 
The main difference is the power connection - they use 115V @ 60Hz over there instead of 230V @ 50Hz in Europe. However most modern desktop PSUs either have a hardware switch which will allow you to flick it over for use in the different region or simply accept power inputs of 115-230V, with no switch required.

If you are using a laptop - look at the power brick and see what voltage inputs it accepts. If it is 230V only, then you may need to purchase a new brick for use in the US.
 
US runs on 110v ish whereas we run on 240V ish, however the power supply will almost certainly be auto switching and everything will run as normal.

Just have a check on the side of it in case anyway.

All that you really need is a new kettle lead.
 
Thanks.

They are asking about a desktop PC. Not sure if there is a hardware switch on the PSU. If there is, then all they need is an adapter?

Like this?
9un0ua.jpg


Or do they need a whole new "kettle" lead which I presume is the power lead? :p

And what if there is not a switch on the PSU?
 
oL said:
Thanks.

They are asking about a desktop PC. Not sure if there is a hardware switch on the PSU. If there is, then all they need is an adapter?

Like this?
9un0ua.jpg


Or do they need a whole new "kettle" lead which I presume is the power lead? :p

And what if there is not a switch on the PSU?
Click to expand...

Either is fine, the only thing the cable or adapter does is change the shape of the connection.

If there is no switch, it will be fine and auto switching :)

If you're really paranoid then pop the side of and read the specs on the psu.
 
Ah, if its a desktop then if you can tell us the model of the PSU then we can tell you what specifically needs to be done to make it work in the US.

You could get an adapter which converts from UK to US, however you will want to make sure it still has three pins as you want the earth wire connected. That said - a full-on US 3pin to kettle plug only costs a few quid and will likely be more secure.
 
cmndr_andi said:
Ah, if its a desktop then if you can tell us the model of the PSU then we can tell you what specifically needs to be done to make it work in the US.

You could get an adapter which converts from UK to US, however you will want to make sure it still has three pins as you want the earth wire connected. That said - a full-on US 3pin to kettle plug only costs a few quid and will likely be more secure.
Click to expand...

It's the Coolermaster 500w PSU that comes with this case: http://www.overclockers.co.uk/showproduct.php?prodid=CA-225-CM

If that helps :)
 
Ah, that is interesting. On the Coolermaster website they don't have a 500W Elite Power - so I guess the one in the case is a bit of a one-off. Anyway, the closest relative I can see is the Elite Power 460W.

This PSU comes in two flavours, one has a voltage selection switch on the back (RS-460-PSAR-J3), the other doesn't (RS-460-PSAP-J3). The one that doesn't have the switch is limited to "Input Voltage: 220~240V".

Hence, If the 500W PSU that comes with the case has the selection switch - then it will be fine in the US, but if there is no switch - then it won't work in the US.
 
cmndr_andi said:
Ah, that is interesting. On the Coolermaster website they don't have a 500W Elite Power - so I guess the one in the case is a bit of a one-off. Anyway, the closest relative I can see is the Elite Power 460W.

This PSU comes in two flavours, one has a voltage selection switch on the back (RS-460-PSAR-J3), the other doesn't (RS-460-PSAP-J3). The one that doesn't have the switch is limited to "Input Voltage: 220~240V".

Hence, If the 500W PSU that comes with the case has the selection switch - then it will be fine in the US, but if there is no switch - then it won't work in the US.
Click to expand...

Hmmm, ok. Thanks for that info :)

One more question, what about the monitor? Does that just require a new kettle lead / adapter? Or do you need a power converter? The model is a LG 226WTQ, if that helps.
 
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