Computer power source help!

SuprStu New member

9POSTS

7 years ago

Hello everyone I just moved from TX to HCMC with my family for work. Unfortunately my computer does not have that switch by the power source to switch between 120v and 240v. Does anyone know where I can get a quality converter/transformer? I have seen cheapies on Amazon and elsewhere but I would really not like to risk ruining my computer.

Can someone point me in the right direction?

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SuprStu New member

9POSTS

7 years ago

Would you be able to recommend a good computer shop that knows how to switch the power source out? I have only been in town for a couple of days and have no clue what is decent or not.

GuestPoster452 Guest

0POSTS

7 years ago

Hi,

Try Phong Vu (phongvu.vn) at 198 Nguyễn Thị Minh Khai, Phường 6, Quận 3. I bought a PSU there, a Coolermaster, as they had a good range to choose from. I am not sure if they can install it for you though.

1 member reacted to this post

Teacher Mark Serial expat

978POSTS

7 years ago

Check the power adapter/pack to see if it's a 100-240v 50-60 hz ac/dc. If it is, try plugging it into the top 2 holes of the standard 3 prong outlet. It will probably fit and you should be good to go, but if you don't feel comfortable trying it out, go to the shop another member suggested - Phong Vu (or any of the hundreds of shops in Saigon) and watch them plug it in and possibly (probably) have a laugh at your expense.

If it's not an ac/dc adapter, then you only need one of those, not a transformer. Phong Vu is as good a choice as any. Phong Vu

Ciambella ViP

3482POSTS

7 years ago

I don't know any computer that is not a dual voltage. Even the dinosaur Dell desktop which I moved from the States to Europe and back two decades ago worked in both voltages automatically, with only a plug adapter needed for the various Italian outlets.

Is there still one that doesn't work in all regions?

1 member reacted to this post

SuprStu New member

9POSTS

7 years ago

My computer doesn’t mention anything about being dual voltage but you got the wheels turning in my head. It may have that ability. I’m going to look up the specs and see what it can do. Thanks for the advice.

van88 Active member

38POSTS

7 years ago

if someone someday needs a power converter for their "pure 110V machines" bought from the USA. You can buy it from "VN amazon"

or if you look hard enough you can find it in "Nhat tao" (tp HCM electronic area)

MAX 18A for 110v.

https://www.lazada.vn/products/220-v-de … p;search=1 https://shopee.vn/220v-240v-To-110v-120 … 1598041390

...

Ciambella ViP

3482POSTS

7 years ago

van88 wrote:
if someone someday needs a power converter for their "pure 110V machines" bought from the USA. You can buy it from "VN amazon"

https://www.lazada.vn/products/220-v-de … p;search=1 https://shopee.vn/220v-240v-To-110v-120 … 1598041390

...

Those two devices convert 220V to 110V, not 110V to 220V as you said.

Description for the first one:
220V to 110V:
This converter is perfect for most small electronics from 100~120 volt countries such as USA, Canada, Japan to be used in 220 volt countries.
Input Voltage: AC 200~240V -- Output Voltage: AC 100~120V

Description for the second one:
220v/240v to 110v/120v.
Input: AC 220V/240V -- Output: AC 110/120V 50/60Hz

Fred Indonesia Expert

30845POSTS

7 years ago

#10

Ciambella wrote:
van88 wrote:
if someone someday needs a power converter for their "pure 110V machines" bought from the USA. You can buy it from "VN amazon"

https://www.lazada.vn/products/220-v-de … p;search=1 https://shopee.vn/220v-240v-To-110v-120 … 1598041390

...

Those two devices convert 220V to 110V, not 110V to 220V as you said.

Houston we have a problem

What about watts?

These show as 200w - not a lot for a desktop computer so very possibly useless unless the OP likes a nice warm real fire, or at least a singed table.

2 members reacted to this post

Fred Indonesia Expert

30845POSTS

7 years ago

#11

OP - Take a nice clear photo of the PSU's label and post it here - we can tell you in a flash - before you get a flash and a bang.

It's likely to look something like this - the input voltage is the bit that matters as far as plugging it directly in goes

http://1-4u-computer-graphics.com/GeForce7800GSoc.jpg

The max power is the bit you need to think about if yo use an adaptor.

2 members reacted to this post

van88 Active member

38POSTS

7 years ago

#12

yes i said/mean "The two devices convert 220V to 110V", for us equipments
>>MAX 18A for 110v.
take the two links as an example, you can buy a convert which can handle more Ampere

MarkinNam ViP

1109POSTS

7 years ago

#13

SuprStu wrote:
Would you be able to recommend a good computer shop that knows how to switch the power source out? I have only been in town for a couple of days and have no clue what is decent or not.

you don't need to, your laptop runs "x" voltage, normally around 19 and a certain amps. take a pic of ur current 1 then when u get here, look for the same factors on the new transformer

Wxx3 Serial expat

409POSTS

7 years ago

#14

Ciambella wrote:
van88 wrote:
if someone someday needs a power converter for their "pure 110V machines" bought from the USA. You can buy it from "VN amazon"

https://www.lazada.vn/products/220-v-de … p;search=1 https://shopee.vn/220v-240v-To-110v-120 … 1598041390

...

Those two devices convert 220V to 110V, not 110V to 220V as you said.

Description for the first one:
220V to 110V:
This converter is perfect for most small electronics from 100~120 volt countries such as USA, Canada, Japan to be used in 220 volt countries.
Input Voltage: AC 200~240V -- Output Voltage: AC 100~120V

Description for the second one:
220v/240v to 110v/120v.
Input: AC 220V/240V -- Output: AC 110/120V 50/60Hz

Just to clarify. These transformers can NOT be used with ANY electronic equipment, including computer power supplies. (Though I am sure his computer is dual voltage/hertz).

These transformers only convert the voltage, but not the frequency of that voltage. That's why in the description above is says "AC 110/120V[/b] 50/60Hz" The 50/60hz means what it takes it, it gives out. In Vietnam and most of the world, it's 240 V and 50 hz; in the USA it's 120 V and 60 hz.

There are transformers that convert both, but they cost more than $3,000 US.

So, in sum, if you actually do have something that uses 120V only, it's cheaper to just replace the item.

van88 Active member

38POSTS

7 years ago

#15

..for those who love to read about electronic:

>>These transformers can NOT be used with ANY electronic equipment,
NOT correct, sorry

Let I put this way, who ever thinking I had at least 10 of those converter, big and small. who ever thinking we still use them right now in Europe. Who ever thinking i walked around 1999 downtown, finding electronic/radio/tv shop (those with TV-tube) to find such converter. yes i found a heavy boy, 1-2kg I think (bought 2), he has the power I need for my mum's "fruit dry" (from the State) . At that time the USD exchange was high, roughly 60usd-70usd piece i paid for this in Copenhagen.

Who ever thinking I am an big electronic lover, I/we bringer new, cheap electronic back to europa since 1999, such as "food dry, 3-4 panasonic remote/record table telefone, 5-6 tablets (ebay), dvd player, blueray player, shaver, dell laptop, massage equipments etc" from the state since 1999. 95% of them doesnt haa a 110V/220v switch (those who remember that small switch sitting on the equipment) or an automatic 110/220v.And Yes those are supplied by those converter at home and yes we still use them right now in Europe (the phone, the shave & the dryer, other are thrown away due to age/broken)

.... the industri begin to use the "switched-mode" technology instead of the "linear mode" for consuming electronic, making the converter SMALLER (no more big transformer ferrite core; notice the ferrite core is bigger/expensive if you need more ampere ) and cheaper.

AC 110/120V[/b] 50/60Hz
why the range: it means output is 110v (or 120) with 50 (or 60Hz). Items from US is 110v/50HZ ,

AC 200~240V
why the range: because some of the european country uses 230v instead of the old 220v.

will be fun to test my memory, I will ask my ex to take the photos of the heavy boy (with the transformer inside) and the "fruit dry" to see the power label, and will ask her to weight the "heavy boy" also :-). Give me some days I will post the info after the weekend.

And now we are at electronic stuffs, let I show you my brand new GSM phone (will not work in USA), price 1.7 tr VND (74usd), the components bought at tiki.vn lazada.vn hshop.vn . So if you (or your children school) interest to know "how to make a phone", contact me, It will only cost you 1 cup of coffe (no sugar, try to be healthy :-) ) :-) . I am at district 1 at the moment.

https://i.imgur.com/FvkQhlf.jpg https://i.imgur.com/CKUj18G.jpg

19art82 New member

5POSTS

7 years ago

#16

Suprstu
Hi i am Art. Im a computer technician in In philippines before. I stay now here in Ho Chi Minh. I can check your computer to see what you need to run it again. No worries charge is free i just hope that you are near my place. Just send me a message if you need help ok..

GuidoVN Active member

74POSTS

7 years ago

#17

van88 wrote:
..

And now we are at electronic stuffs, let I show you my brand new GSM phone (will not work in USA), price 1.7 tr VND (74usd), the components bought at tiki.vn lazada.vn hshop.vn . So if you (or your children school) interest to know "how to make a phone", contact me, It will only cost you 1 cup of coffe (no sugar, try to be healthy :-) ) :-) . I am at district 1 at the moment.

https://i.imgur.com/FvkQhlf.jpg https://i.imgur.com/CKUj18G.jpg

Heavens, 1st off, your GSM phone has nothing to do do with power. GSM, i.e. Viettel, Mobi, and Sprint (US) have different radio equipment. The US, and Japan do not conform to worldwide de facto standards. Even iPhone suffered this, but radio chipsets have improved, and iPhones work everywhere (still no Japan)

Reagarding power, is OP's computer a desktop, or laptop? I haven't seen a single voltage (110 only) laptop PC for decades, 110V only desktops are rare. There are many shops on Yersin St., D1 that sell LiOA transformers with many differing wattage ratings. Made in VN, so they are cheap. But they are NOT good for most appliances/devices with motors. There is more to it than most care, but a transformer will easily convert a desktop PC, and not hurt the PS fan, or a coffee machine. It will kill blenders, cuisinarts, vacuums, and other motorized appliances.