There are already a lot of tutorials online that show how to convert an old computer power supply into a bench power supply but most of these designs require you to permanently modify it.
Converting pc power supply to bench power supply.
Adapt an old computer power supply to use on your workbench.
Computer power supplies have all the voltages you ll need and some very impressive current capabilities.
Prices today for a lab power supply well exceed 180.
Most computer psu s range from about.
But it turns out a obsolete computer power supply is perfect for the job instead.
Converting an atx power supply into a dc bench supply this article is the first in the projects category.
For instance a computer power supply can make a great bench power supply for your workshop.
Computer power supplies are switch mode power supplies smps which use high frequency switching circuit elements to provide a high quality output voltage with good energy efficiency one side effect of this technology is the minimum load requirement that each power supply has.
It s a very inexpensive way to make a pretty good dc bench supply or dedicated 12 volt supply for working on projects or powering devices.
While a commercial bench power supply is certainly a worthwhile investment there is a cheaper solution that you might want to consider.
The standard computer power supply unit psu turns the incoming 110v or 220vac alternating current into various dc direct current output voltages suitable for powering the computer s internal components and with a little bit of imagination it is possible to convert atx psu to a bench power supply.
First a bit of background on a typical atx power supply.