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Running a Computer through a Power Converter

WezoinWezoin Registered User regular
edited October 2010 in Help / Advice Forum
I'm looking at the possibility of moving to Ireland for school next year, but also could use a desktop computer. If I were to buy one in Canada, and take it over there would I be able to run it through a power converter? Would this have any negative effect on the computer? (If I get into the program I'm looking at I'd be there for 4 years, so waiting buying a computer specifically for the time I'm there would be worthwhile if running it through a power converter would be a problem.)

My original plan was buy it here, plug a converter into the wall, then a power bar into the converter to run all my Canadian electronics (cell phone, laptop, desktop.) Any issues there?

Wezoin on

Posts

  • DjeetDjeet Registered User regular
    edited October 2010
    I think most power inverters/converters don't want to be used with powerstrips/surge protectors (or vice versa), though I'm not sure what the risk is other then a possible overload situation.

    Most modern power supplies are dual voltage (phones, laptops, desktops). The desktop PSU may have a 115/230 physical switch you'd have to trip, but most mobile devices are auto switching. What I'm saying is check the PSUs/adapters, if it says 110/220 or 100-240 or somesuch, then it's a dual-voltage PSU and all you need is a plug adapter, not a transformer.

    Djeet on
  • ApogeeApogee Lancks In Every Game Ever Registered User regular
    edited October 2010
    Yeah, just make sure your computer has an auto-switching PSU. Most PSUs are these days, or they have a switch at worst. I haven't seen a 110v only PSU ever.

    Apogee on
  • ChanusChanus Harbinger of the Spicy Rooster Apocalypse The Flames of a Thousand Collapsed StarsRegistered User, Moderator mod
    edited October 2010
    The PSU should have a red switch on the back, near where the power cord plugs in.

    Chanus on
    Allegedly a voice of reason.
  • ChanusChanus Harbinger of the Spicy Rooster Apocalypse The Flames of a Thousand Collapsed StarsRegistered User, Moderator mod
    edited October 2010
    Something like this:

    http://lh3.ggpht.com/_iWc_xC2ntV0/TLX0KA39ReI/AAAAAAAAANw/PX156HZ9GCw/ATX-power-supply.jpg

    Chanus on
    Allegedly a voice of reason.
  • WezoinWezoin Registered User regular
    edited October 2010
    Alright, I was thinking ideally I'd like an iMac as it would be easier to pack for moving between countries. Does anyone know if they have this switch?

    Wezoin on
  • ChanusChanus Harbinger of the Spicy Rooster Apocalypse The Flames of a Thousand Collapsed StarsRegistered User, Moderator mod
    edited October 2010
    I don't own one and it's not really clear from a GIS as they're mostly front-facing images.


    But Apple's motto is, "It just works", so might as well just give it a go? :P
    I keeed!

    Chanus on
    Allegedly a voice of reason.
  • RUNN1NGMANRUNN1NGMAN Registered User regular
    edited October 2010
    Wezoin wrote: »
    Alright, I was thinking ideally I'd like an iMac as it would be easier to pack for moving between countries. Does anyone know if they have this switch?

    iMacs have no switch, but they are all auto-switching. You may have to buy a new power cord (or just use a plug adapter).

    http://support.apple.com/kb/HT1981

    RUNN1NGMAN on
  • Iceman.USAFIceman.USAF Major East CoastRegistered User regular
    edited October 2010
    Plug adapters are cheap, for the record. <$10, usually <$5.

    Iceman.USAF on
  • westomwestom Registered User regular
    edited October 2010
    Wezoin wrote: »
    Alright, I was thinking ideally I'd like an iMac as it would be easier to pack for moving between countries. Does anyone know if they have this switch?
    Do not judge based upon hearsay. Every electronic device has a label next to the power cord that defines its voltage and power requirements. Read that. If you want a useful answer here, then quote that label. Your replies will only be as useful as the facts and numbers that you first provide. No numbers? Then no reliable answer. What does the label say?

    westom on
  • UnknownUnknown
    edited October 2010
    This content has been removed.

  • UnknownUnknown
    edited October 2010
    This content has been removed.

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