Inverters are essential devices for anyone who uses a computer. They provide backup power in the event of a power outage, and they can also be used to power devices in remote locations. However, inverters can be expensive, so many people are looking for ways to get one for free. One way to get an inverter from a computer is to recycle an old computer. Many old computers have inverters that can be reused. To remove the inverter from a computer, you will need to disassemble the computer and locate the inverter. Once you have found the inverter, you can remove it by unscrewing the mounting screws. Once you have removed the inverter, you can test it to make sure it is working properly.
Another way to get an inverter from a computer is to purchase a used computer. Many used computers come with inverters, and you can often find them for a good price. When purchasing a used computer with an inverter, be sure to test the inverter to make sure it is working properly. You should also make sure that the computer is in good working condition. Finally, you can also purchase an inverter separately. Inverters are available in a variety of sizes and shapes, so you can find one that will meet your needs. When purchasing an inverter, be sure to consider the wattage of the devices that you will be using it to power. You should also make sure that the inverter has the features that you need, such as a built-in battery charger.
No matter how you choose to get an inverter, be sure to do your research before you make a purchase. Inverters can be a valuable investment, and they can provide you with peace of mind in the event of a power outage. By following these tips, you can get an inverter for your computer without breaking the bank. Additionally, it is important to note that inverters can be dangerous if they are not used properly. Be sure to read the instructions carefully before using an inverter, and always use it in a well-ventilated area. By following these precautions, you can safely use an inverter to power your devices.
Removing the Computer Case
Before you begin, power down your computer and unplug all cables. Use an anti-static wrist strap to prevent electrostatic damage to sensitive components.
Locate the screws that secure the computer case to the chassis. These screws are typically located on the back and sides of the case. Remove these screws carefully, as they may be small and easily lost.
Once the screws are removed, gently lift the case away from the chassis. Be careful not to damage any components inside the computer. Place the case aside in a safe location.
Disconnecting the Power Supply
Locate the power supply unit (PSU) inside the computer case. It is usually a large, rectangular metal box with a fan on one side. Disconnect the power cables from the PSU. These cables are typically black or yellow and have a 24-pin or 8-pin connector at the PSU end.
Removing the Motherboard
Locate the motherboard inside the computer case. It is the large circuit board that holds the CPU, RAM, and other components. Remove the screws that secure the motherboard to the chassis. These screws are typically located around the edges of the motherboard.
Once the screws are removed, carefully lift the motherboard out of the chassis. Be careful not to damage any components on the motherboard.
Removing the CPU
Locate the CPU socket on the motherboard. It is a square or rectangular socket with a lever or latch on one side. Open the lever or latch and carefully lift the CPU out of the socket.
Place the CPU in an anti-static bag for safekeeping.
Removing the RAM
Locate the RAM slots on the motherboard. They are typically long, narrow slots with clips on each side. Push down on the clips and carefully pull the RAM sticks out of the slots.
Place the RAM sticks in an anti-static bag for safekeeping.
Identifying the Power Supply Unit (PSU)
Locate the PSU
Open the computer’s case by removing the side panel. The PSU is typically located towards the back of the case and has a large number of wires connected to it. It may also have a fan or heatsink attached to it.
Determine the Wattage
The PSU’s wattage is printed on a label on the side of the unit. This number indicates the maximum power that the PSU can provide to the computer components. It is important to choose a PSU with a wattage that is appropriate for your specific needs. A general rule of thumb is to purchase a PSU that is rated for at least 100 watts more than the total power consumption of your computer components. You can use a power supply calculator to determine the exact wattage you need.
Check the Form Factor
The PSU’s form factor refers to its size and shape. There are three main form factors for PSUs: ATX, ATX12V, and SFX. ATX is the most common form factor for desktop computers, ATX12V is a revised version of ATX that provides additional power to the CPU, and SFX is a smaller form factor designed for small form-factor computers. Make sure that you choose a PSU that is compatible with the form factor of your computer case.
| Form Factor | Dimensions (mm) |
|—|—|
| ATX | 150 x 86 x 140 |
| ATX12V | 150 x 86 x 140 |
| SFX | 125 x 63.5 x 100 |
Disconnecting the PSU from the Motherboard
Step 1: Power Down the Computer
Before touching anything, ensure that the computer is turned off and unplugged from the power outlet. This will prevent any electrical accidents.
Step 2: Open the Computer Case
Locate the screws holding the computer case closed and remove them. Carefully lift the case open to expose the internal components.
Step 3: Disconnect the Power Cables from the Motherboard
There will be several power cables connected to the motherboard. These cables usually have a 24-pin connector (for the main power supply) and additional 4-pin or 8-pin connectors (for the CPU). Gently press on the release clips on the connectors and pull the cables straight up to disconnect them.
| Connector | Number of Pins | Location on Motherboard |
|---|---|---|
| Main Power Connector | 24 | Top-right corner |
| CPU Power Connector | 4 or 8 | Top-left corner |
Removing the PSU from the Case
Before you can begin extracting the inverter, you need to remove the power supply unit (PSU) from the computer case. Here’s a step-by-step guide:
- Unplug the computer: Disconnect the computer from all power sources, including the power cord and any peripherals.
- Open the case: Locate the screws at the back of the computer case and remove them carefully. Slide the case open to expose the internal components.
- Locate the PSU: The PSU is typically located at the top or bottom of the case. It’s a rectangular-shaped component with cables connecting to different parts of the computer.
- Disconnect the PSU cables: Carefully disconnect all the cables connected to the PSU. These include the 24-pin motherboard connector, 8-pin CPU power connector, and any other cables powering peripherals like the graphics card or storage drives.
- Unscrew the PSU: Locate the screws securing the PSU to the case and remove them. You’ll typically find four screws holding the PSU in place.
- Remove the PSU: Once the screws are removed, gently slide the PSU towards the back of the case and pull it out.
Locating the Inverter Board
In most computers, the inverter board is located on the back of the monitor. To access it, you will need to remove the back panel of the monitor by unscrewing the screws that hold it in place.
Once the back panel is removed, you will see the inverter board. It is usually a small, square board with a number of wires connected to it. The inverter board is responsible for converting the low-voltage power from the power supply into the high-voltage power that is needed to power the backlight.
If the inverter board is not located on the back of the monitor, it may be located on the side of the monitor or inside the monitor case. To locate the inverter board, follow these steps:
1. Remove the back panel of the monitor.
2. Inspect the back of the monitor for the inverter board.
3. If the inverter board is not located on the back of the monitor, remove the side panel of the monitor and inspect the inside of the monitor case for the inverter board.
4. If the inverter board is still not located, consult the user manual for your monitor for specific instructions on how to locate the inverter board.
5. Once you have located the inverter board, you can remove it by unscrewing the screws that hold it in place. Be careful not to damage the wires that are connected to the inverter board.
Here is a table that summarizes the steps for locating the inverter board:
| Step | Action |
|---|---|
| 1 | Remove the back panel of the monitor. |
| 2 | Inspect the back of the monitor for the inverter board. |
| 3 | If the inverter board is not located on the back of the monitor, remove the side panel of the monitor and inspect the inside of the monitor case for the inverter board. |
| 4 | If the inverter board is still not located, consult the user manual for your monitor for specific instructions on how to locate the inverter board. |
| 5 | Once you have located the inverter board, you can remove it by unscrewing the screws that hold it in place. |
Removing the Inverter Board from the PSU
Locate the power supply unit (PSU) inside the computer case. It is usually a rectangular metal box with a fan and multiple cables connected to it.
Disconnect the PSU from the power source and all connected cables. Handle the PSU with care as it contains electrical components that can store a charge.
Remove the screws holding the PSU in place and carefully lift it out of the case.
Lay the PSU down on a flat surface and remove the top cover. This will expose the internal components of the PSU, including the inverter board.
Identify the inverter board. It is typically a green or black circuit board located near the center of the PSU. It has multiple capacitors and transistors mounted on it.
Locate the screws or clips holding the inverter board in place. Carefully remove these and gently lift the inverter board out of the PSU. Avoid touching any of the electrical components on the board.
Testing the Inverter Board (Optional)
If you’re feeling adventurous, you can test the inverter board before removing it from the computer. However, this step is not necessary and can be skipped if you’re not comfortable working with electronics.
To test the inverter board, you will need a multimeter and a power supply. First, disconnect the inverter board from the computer’s motherboard. Then, connect the multimeter’s positive lead to the positive terminal of the power supply and the multimeter’s negative lead to the negative terminal of the power supply. Turn on the power supply and set the multimeter to measure DC voltage. Touch the multimeter’s probes to the input terminals of the inverter board. The multimeter should read the same voltage as the power supply (typically 12V or 19V).
Next, touch the multimeter’s probes to the output terminals of the inverter board. The multimeter should read a voltage that is higher than the input voltage (typically around 300V or more). If the multimeter does not read any voltage, or if the voltage is significantly lower than the input voltage, then the inverter board is likely defective and should be replaced.
Check the following table for further troubleshooting steps:
| Symptom | Possible Cause | Solution |
|---|---|---|
| No output voltage | Inverter board is defective | Replace inverter board |
| Output voltage is too low | Power supply is not providing enough voltage | Increase power supply voltage |
| Output voltage is too high | Inverter board is defective | Replace inverter board |
Preparing the Inverter Board for Installation
1. Gather Necessary Tools and Materials
Gather screwdrivers, pliers, wire strippers, and the necessary screws and bolts.
2. Remove the Computer Case
Power down the computer and unplug it. Remove the side panels of the computer case.
3. Locate the Motherboard
Identify the motherboard inside the computer. It’s a large rectangular board that houses the computer’s components.
4. Identify the Inverter Board
Look for a small, separate board connected to the motherboard, typically via a ribbon cable. This is the inverter board.
5. Remove the Inverter Board
Carefully disconnect the ribbon cable from the motherboard. Remove any screws or bolts holding the inverter board in place and lift it out.
6. Clean the Inverter Board
Use a soft brush or compressed air to remove any dust or debris from the inverter board.
7. Inspect the Inverter Board
Check for any physical damage or loose connections. If you notice any issues, consult a professional technician.
8. Prepare the Inverter Board for Installation
- Check the inverter’s specifications to determine the appropriate voltage and amperage for your application.
- Determine the size and type of wires required for the installation.
- Cut the wires to the desired length and strip the ends to expose approximately 0.5 inches of bare wire.
- Connect the positive wire to the positive terminal on the inverter, and the negative wire to the negative terminal.
- Tighten the terminals securely to ensure a good connection.
- Ground the inverter properly by connecting a grounding wire to the inverter’s grounding terminal and a suitable grounding point.
Installing the Inverter Board into the New Device
Once you have removed the inverter board from the old computer, you need to install it into the new device. This process is relatively simple, but there are a few things you need to keep in mind.
- Follow any unique requirements for your motherboards
- Locate the inverter board slot in the new device.
- Align the inverter board with the slot.
- Insert the inverter board into the slot.
- Secure the inverter board in place with screws.
- Connect the inverter board to the power supply.
- Connect the inverter board to the display panel.
- Power on the new device.
- Verify that the display is working properly.
9. Troubleshooting
If you are having trouble getting the inverter board to work, there are a few things you can check.
* Make sure that the inverter board is properly installed.
* Make sure that the power supply is connected to the inverter board.
* Make sure that the inverter board is connected to the display panel.
* Check the fuses on the inverter board.
* If you have tried all of these things and the inverter board is still not working, you may need to replace it.
| Symptom | Possible Cause |
|---|---|
| No power to the display | Inverter board not installed properly. |
| Display is flickering | Inverter board not connected properly to the power supply. |
| Display is dim | Fuses on the inverter board are blown. |
Troubleshooting Potential Issues
If you encounter any issues while removing the inverter from the computer, try the following troubleshooting tips:
1. Ensure the Power Supply is Off
Make sure to disconnect the computer from the power source and discharge any remaining power by holding down the power button for a few seconds.
2. Check the Screws and Connectors
Ensure that all screws holding the inverter in place are removed and that all connectors are disconnected.
3. Inspect the Inverter’s Mounting
Examine the inverter’s mounting to ensure it is not attached to any other components.
4. Use a Spudger
If the inverter is tightly attached, gently pry it loose using a plastic spudger.
5. Handle with Care
Inverter components can be delicate, so handle it with care during removal.
6. Check the Motherboard
If the inverter is integrated with the motherboard, it may require professional assistance to remove without damaging the motherboard.
7. Consult the Manual
Refer to the computer’s manual for specific instructions on removing the inverter safely.
8. Inspect for Damage
Before installing the new inverter, thoroughly inspect it for any damage.
9. Tighten the Screws
Once the inverter is in place, tighten the screws securely but not excessively.
10. Power on and Test
Connect the computer to the power source and test the inverter by turning on the computer. If the computer does not start, the inverter may not be functioning correctly and may require replacement.
How to Get an Inverter from a Computer
An inverter is a device that converts DC (direct current) power to AC (alternating current) power. This can be useful for running AC appliances from a DC source, such as a battery or solar panel. You can get an inverter from a computer by removing the power supply unit (PSU) from the computer and using the transformer inside the PSU to create an inverter.
To remove the PSU from the computer, first unplug the computer from the wall outlet and open the case. The PSU is usually located at the back of the case and is held in place by four screws. Remove the screws and carefully lift the PSU out of the case.
Once you have the PSU out of the computer, you need to identify the transformer inside the PSU. The transformer is usually a large, black component located near the center of the PSU. Once you have identified the transformer, you need to remove it from the PSU. This can be done by removing the screws that hold the transformer in place.
Once you have the transformer removed from the PSU, you need to connect it to a DC power source. This can be done by connecting the positive and negative terminals of the DC power source to the corresponding terminals on the transformer. Once you have connected the transformer to the DC power source, you need to connect the AC output terminals of the transformer to the AC input terminals of the appliance that you want to power.
People Also Ask
What is the difference between an inverter and a converter?
An inverter converts DC power to AC power, while a converter converts AC power to DC power.
How do I know what size inverter I need?
The size of inverter you need depends on the wattage of the appliances that you want to power. You can calculate the wattage of an appliance by multiplying the voltage of the appliance by the current of the appliance.
Can I use an inverter to power my entire house?
Yes, you can use an inverter to power your entire house, but you will need a very large inverter. The size of inverter you need will depend on the total wattage of all of the appliances in your house.
