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Thread ID: 122890 2012-01-18 23:44:00 Are computer components from US compatible with NZ voltages? ChazTheGeek (16619) Press F1
Post ID Timestamp Content User
1254896 2012-01-18 23:44:00 Computer parts off ebay are slightly cheaper and I was wondering if they are compatible with our NZ voltages? Or are they just for the US? They have a lower voltage system. ChazTheGeek (16619)
1254897 2012-01-18 23:50:00 yes they will be compatible... the psu will lower the voltage as any computer part would fry at 240v Slankydudl (16687)
1254898 2012-01-18 23:59:00 Beware, when you talk of 'components' - the power supply, and any other item with a connection to the power (eg external drives) might not be compatible with NZ power.

However, absolutely everything that connects in any other manner (without a power line) will be fine anywhere in the world. It is the job of the computers power supply unit to adjust the voltages to suit the standards set for all the various components.

AGP cards used to come in 2 different voltages, but otherwise I think it's all pretty foolproof.
Paul.Cov (425)
1254899 2012-01-19 00:54:00 Even a lot of Quality PSUs are dual voltage and will work, you just have to read the specs and replace the power cord. I wouldn't do it but I mention it out of interest.

When you say slightly cheaper, are you taking freight into account? Also any warranty claims might prove difficult if you are unlucky enough to have problems. It's worth a try but have a good hunt round NZ suppliers as well, personally I've found our local suppliers pretty competetive with PC hardware. I did buy my kindle direct from amazon though and I'm happy with the result :)
dugimodo (138)
1254900 2012-01-19 19:21:00 I thought everything that needs power inside a computer (past the power supply unit) is actually supplied with DC (direct current) - so whatever voltage you get a.c. mains supply at makes no difference because the mains power is transformed or rectified to DC....??? ellpow (16400)
1254901 2012-01-19 21:54:00 I thought everything that needs power inside a computer (past the power supply unit) is actually supplied with DC (direct current) - so whatever voltage you get a.c. mains supply at makes no difference because the mains power is transformed or rectified to DC....???

It is, but the power supply itself must be able to handle the differences in mains power

Remember USA is 115v and we are 230v or so, so if you try running a US PSU in NZ you will get fireworks, not power.

UNLESS as others have stated, it is an auto-selecting PSU which can handle both voltages (quite common now)

Most older PC PSUs have a little red voltage selection switch on the back so you can select the correct voltage for your country - but this is quite uncommon for other things like monitors.
Agent_24 (57)
1254902 2012-01-19 22:30:00 UNLESS as others have stated, it is an auto-selecting PSU which can handle both voltages (quite common now)

Most older PC PSUs have a little red voltage selection switch on the back so you can select the correct voltage for your country - but this is quite uncommon for other things like monitors.

this is common in NZ.
Is this the case in the US ??
Many US power supples (PC PSU's ,external power packs) MIGHT be designed for 110 only
Perhaps SurferJoe could answer this ??
1101 (13337)
1254903 2012-01-19 23:02:00 As far as I know most transformers can handle 110v - 240v (laptop chargers included), so an external hard drive might be alright if it uses one. pcuser42 (130)
1254904 2012-01-20 00:19:00 When I was with Telecom NZ we bought voicemail systems from the US and they always had duel voltage PSUs and the company i work for now has also bought in US made PCs with no problems apart from changing out the power cord.. paulw (1826)
1254905 2012-01-20 00:43:00 Thanks ChazTheGeek (16619)
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