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Using British Computers In The U.S

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Over here in England our power points pump out 240v. I understand that over in America they put out 110v. That means that in order to use an electrical appliance from England in the U.S I would have to buy a step up conveter to boost the current to the neccessary level. My question is this: What's the deal with computers? Will I need to step up (or install a new power unit) or will it be able to run on 110v? The Specs for my system can be found here, although I don't think it mentions the power supply. Anybody have any clue?

War does not make one great.

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Look behind your computer. Over here, some of those have a switch in which you can change the voltage. Here in Brazil some locations have 110v, others 220v (locations far away form the power supply), so this kind of thing is common.
“Voice or no voice, the people can always be brought to the bidding of the leaders. That is easy. All you have to do is tell them they are being attacked and denounce the pacifists for lack of patriotism and exposing the country to danger. It works the same in any country.” — Nazi Reich Marshal Hermann Goering
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Originally posted by: ricarleite
Look behind your computer. Over here, some of those have a switch in which you can change the voltage. Here in Brazil some locations have 110v, others 220v (locations far away form the power supply), so this kind of thing is common.
Thanks Ric. I'm not at home right now so I'll check when I am, although I have done a lot of dismantling and rebuilding of that computer, and I don't seem to remember any such switch. Would this switch be obvious and easy to find?

War does not make one great.

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If it's there, it'll be on the power supply, probably very near the master power switch. Just look at the back side of the case and it should be pretty obvious. Here's mine:

http://i17.photobucket.com/albums/b53/csr27/OCZ.jpg
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After you've switched it, all you have to do is get the appropriate power cord, which you can find at any computer supply store I had a friend come over from England with his Sony videocamera last year. Lucky for him, I have a Clie, so it was just a matter of plugging my power cord into his charger because the switching is done automatically inside the DC converter.

Princess Leia: I happen to like nice men.
Han Solo: I'm a nice man.

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Cool.

I guess even if my computer can be switched I'll still be buying a new monitor though....

War does not make one great.

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Originally posted by: GundarkHunter
After you've switched it, all you have to do is get the appropriate power cord, which you can find at any computer supply store I had a friend come over from England with his Sony videocamera last year. Lucky for him, I have a Clie, so it was just a matter of plugging my power cord into his charger because the switching is done automatically inside the DC converter.


Exactly. The resistance by the powercord must be compatible with it's voltage.
“Voice or no voice, the people can always be brought to the bidding of the leaders. That is easy. All you have to do is tell them they are being attacked and denounce the pacifists for lack of patriotism and exposing the country to danger. It works the same in any country.” — Nazi Reich Marshal Hermann Goering
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Different refresh rate because of the power standard, unless these can also be switched from 240 to 110 and the power cord swapped.

Princess Leia: I happen to like nice men.
Han Solo: I'm a nice man.

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Well, I went home and had a look behind my computer, and there is indeed a voltage switch (hidden underneath a sticjer), so my computer will be going with me to America. As for the monitor, It's pretty big so even if it will work abroad, by the time I've shipped that S.O.B I may as well just put the money towards a new one - good excuse to get a flat screen.

Thanks for all the help guys. I may have some more compatibility questions in the near future.

War does not make one great.