[Boli]

OK here is a question(s) that I have been mulling over for a bit:

I know the basics of what a PSU is. It takes the alternating current from the mains and converts it to DC current which is then split and converted (very vague I know and yes I know that some is +ve current and some is -ve) to the lines such as the 12v, and 5v lines you use to power your computer.

So given that what separates a 300W PSU from a 550W PSU?

I know that the various lines can take up to certain wattages before “variance” and the total wattage is the PSU wattage. But I have seen inside all my PSUs (by virtue of a fan mod, or it broke and I was curious) and they all looked pretty similar.

So what separates the 300W from the 400W/550W or whatever? Is it better quality components different circuitry more hardcore cooling (though I seriously doubt the last one)

The components look pretty much what I can find easily enough in my Dad’s garage (you’ll be surprised at what we actually have in there) is it a serious business of exactly measured traces or can any one “bodge” together one and get a high wattage PSU for a fairly cheap cost providing you are willing to put the work in.

And on a similar vein anyone know anything about UPS (uninterruptible power supply) is it just a “big ass” capacitor dealing with surges and a battery that deals with cuts or is it more complex than that?

~ Boli