The power supply unit is one of the most critical components of your PC. If you don’t have a properly working PSU on your PC, it simply won’t turn on. That’s why it becomes so important to ensure that the PSU of your PC is intact and supplying the power.

If your power supply unit has gone dead and you can’t seem to repair it, fret not. The only way out of this situation is to replace it. This article will lay out the step-by-step procedure for replacing a PC PSU.

If you are wondering how to replace your PC power supply unit in 6 easy steps, bear with us!

Step # 1: Checking the Old PSU

  • First of all, establish that you need to replace the power supply unit of your PC.
  • You can do this by looking at the LEDs on the PSU.
  • There is an OK LED on the PSU. It must be steady green at all times.
  • If you see the LED yellow or blinking, it means that something is wrong with the power supply.
  • Some modern-built PSUs also have faulty LEDs.
  • In case of a fault, this LED is lit red, and that’s how you know that the PSU has gone bad.
  • Nevertheless, always establish that it is a faulty PSU causing the trouble.
  • Only then should you proceed with removing the old PSU.

Step # 2: Removing the Old PSU

  • To remove the old PSU, first, you need to turn off the input power supply.
  • You must ensure that the on-off switch of the PSU is in the off position.
  • Next up, you need to detach the power and ground cables from the PSU.
  • To do this, locate the power cord. It is held in place by a tie strap.
  • Remove the tie strap and unplug the power cord from its connector.
  • Here it is important to note the type of PSU you are removing.
  • If it is a modular PSU, there would be more cables that need to be removed.
  • However, you can tag these cables one by one to avoid confusion while installing the new PSU.
  • Once all cables are detached, you can proceed with removing the PSU chassis from the PC.
  • You will find a couple of retaining screws on either side of the PSU.
  • Loosen these screws and press the ejector latches.
  • Then use the PSU handle to remove it from the PC.
  • While pulling out the power supply, try not to damage the extended circuits.

Step # 3: Preparation for Installation

  • Unpack the power supply unit.
  • Ensure that it has the correct form factor and cabling.
  • You will need a Philips-head screwdriver to install the new power supply.
  • You will also need a grounding wire in some cases.
  • Before proceeding, remove all the plastic and packaging foam from the work area.
  • Always wear an anti-static wristband for such DIYs.

Step # 4: Inserting the Power Supply into Chassis

  • The first proper step of installing a PSU is to slide it into the chassis.
  • To do this, use the two ejection levers on the side. Make sure that they are in a fully open position.
  • Align the PSU with the open slots in your PC. Now start sliding the PSU on these rails.
  • Stop pressing forward as soon as the PSU is engaged with the chassis connectors.
  • The ejection levers would turn towards a close position on their own.
  • At last, you need to tighten the retaining screws to restrict the PSU from moving in any direction.

Step # 5: Installing the New PSU

  • Once the PSU is secure in the chassis, you can begin making the connections.
  • If you are installing a modular PSU, things would get a bit difficult.
  • But as we pointed out in the PSU removal guide, attach all the cables as tagged.
  • In the case of a non-modular power supply, all you need to do is fasten the power cord.
  • To finish the installation process, attach the tie cord to the power cable.

Step # 6: Verifying the Installation Process

  • At last, you need to verify the installation process.
  • Although you can tell that the installation went fine if you’re now able to turn on the PC.
  • But before doing that, check the LED lights on the PSU.
  • The OK LED should be lit steadily green. Not yellow and certainly not blinking.
  • This is an indication that the PSU installation was successful.

Final Word; How to Replace Your PC Power Supply Unit?

Replacing a power supply unit isn’t that difficult. Mostly it is just a slide-and-swipe job. Due to the critical nature of the task, you need to be careful. Since a PSU connects to all the hardware components of your PC, a bad connection can hurt your entire computer.

Be mindful of the precautions we stated throughout the procedure; you will be fine. Do let us know if this easy-to-follow guide was helpful to you or not.

Looking forward to your comments, feedback, and suggestions down below!