I'm a NOOB here so please bare with me.
If I just cut off the plug used in the US and graft on a uk one and flick the voltage from 110~120v to 230~240v will I be able to use it? Cos I might buy a load of components from US to save money for my uni comp ( got relatives over there). Plus I can only seem to find the powerful 450w+ psu's with the single 120mm fan on US websites. Do all cases fit a psu with a 120mm fan? And what does ATX mean? Is it some kind of standard?

Cheers,

Pete

yes they do no worries - so long as the red switch on the back of the PSU is set to 230/240 or 250 you will be fine. just SONT do it while the PC is switched on!!!

Basicly... you nailed the right on the head.

You just have to change cords and flip the switch on the PSU, and ATX is just a form factor.

1. As long as it has the 120/230 switch, yes. Note that not all PSUs come with one, so check before you buy. (Also, you don't need to cut off/graft on anything, just buy a PSU in the US and the power cord in the UK. Safer, cleaner, easier.)
2. PSUs sizes are standardized. Any ATX PSU will fit in any ATX case, no matter what the number/size of fans.
3. ATX is the size/layout standard for motherboards. Basically, it's the Baby AT (older standard) mobo rotated 90 degrees. From there we get ATX cases (ie. cases that can accomodate ATX fromfactor mobos and ATX PSUs (ie. ones that can power an ATX motherboard.)

Hope this helps.

EDIT: Damn, two responses while I was typing this. Have you people no life?

Some PSU's are auto sensing and do not require a switch for different voltages. Hit the manufacturers web site for details if you are unsure.

Oh yeah I could just put in a new power chord, no need to do any hacking. Sweet, so all i'll do is check for the switch ability on the psu or some kind of auto-voltage sensing circuitry.

Thanks,

Pete

Quote: Originally Posted by SYNERGY ... power chord....

Power _chord_? Like an E major crash? KERRRRRANNNNNNNNNGGGGG!!!!!!!!!!

Quote: Originally Posted by SYNERGY Oh yeah I could just put in a new power chord, no need to do any hacking. Sweet, so all i'll do is check for the switch ability on the psu or some kind of auto-voltage sensing circuitry. Thanks, Pete

Im sure that last sentance would make any star trek writer gleem in happiness that they at least influenced one person in the world- why not check the warp drive intermix chamber and core plasma conduits while your at it ?Im sorry i need a laugh after today.

BTW - ignore JE - he has these *cough* ^^^moods^^^ sometimes. Just keep an eye out.

Quote: Originally Posted by nev_payne BTW - ignore JE - he has these *cough* ^^^moods^^^ sometimes. Just keep an eye out.

That time of the month?

chord, yeah I get it now

Pete