Can Computer in the UK work in the US?

[techwanabe]

I have build a number of computers and noticed that the power supplies have switches on the backs that allow you to switch from 110 volts to 220 volts. That made me wonder if a computer can thusly be taken to the UK and all you have to do is switch the PS over to 220 and get a plug that fits UK wall sockets and you are cooking with gas. Is that assumption correct?

Also, are computer built in the UK (assuming the power supplies have the voltage change switch) able to work in the US if they were brought over, and switched and simple changed over to a US style wall plug cable?

What is the deal with LCD monitors sold in the UK? Are they PAL monitors or are the same as here but only with a 220V power feed?

 

[pcgeek11]

I don't know about the monitors ... but as long as the Power Supply switch has the ability to switch over to 220 VAC then all it would need is the plug adapter to allow it to plug into the socket.

pcgeek11

 

[corkyg]

I have had no trouble running my laptop in Europe or Africa as long as the A/C adapter has a plug adapter.

The monitor is another matter. Europe is on the PAL standard. There are multi-video systems that can switch, but they are not the normal ones we currently use.

PAL/NTSC

There are NTSC/PAL converters that can enable NTSC devices to be played on PAL monitors, and vice-versa.

 

[mpilchfamily]

Good news is if your wrong about the PSU or monitor being able to do the conversion you won't damage them. If you take it from the US to Europe and it doesn't do the conversion then it will destroy things.

 

[0roo0roo]

as long as it says 110-220v its fine

 

[Skyclad1uhm1]

Note that, unless you plan to also use your monitor as TV, the PAL/NTSC part should not be a problem. (And even then it may not be a problem)

If your monitor cannot handle 110V you can always buy a converter plug, that's a whole lot cheaper than buying a new monitor.
You will need a new power cable for your PC, but you can get those at any computer store.

 

[techwanabe]

Originally posted by: corkyg
I have had no trouble running my laptop in Europe or Africa as long as the A/C adapter has a plug adapter.

The monitor is another matter. Europe is on the PAL standard. There are multi-video systems that can switch, but they are not the normal ones we currently use.

PAL/NTSC

There are NTSC/PAL converters that can enable NTSC devices to be played on PAL monitors, and vice-versa.

Yeah, I've always been aware of the PAL/NTSC format differences. However I didn't know if computers were part of that or independant. I'm not speaking of laptops in this case but desktop "tower" PC with LCD panel.

Assuming the LCD is PAL, then the video card must be outputting in PAL format right.

 

[corkyg]

If you are talking about a computer LCD monitor, it is neither PAL nor NTSC, and there should be no format difference. Juast mind the voltage and power plug.

 

[techwanabe]

Originally posted by: corkyg
If you are talking about a computer LCD monitor, it is neither PAL nor NTSC, and there should be no format difference. Juast mind the voltage and power plug.

How are desktop (tower) computers commonly sold in the UK? Do they have the same two voltage settings that they do in the us? If so, US power chords are common as heck and the only concern would be the LCD screen and getting a power converter for that.

 

[0roo0roo]

i'm sure all psus sold are international these days.
its only a matter of fiding a different cord or a plug converter.
i've not seen a laptop or screen that couldn't do international voltage...even digital cameras.camcorders, cellphone adaptors..basically all electronics. go ahead, take a look around, most everything is 110-220v now

 

[mrSHEiK124]

LCDs don't have any PAL/NTSC nonsense, just plug it into anything VGA/DVI whatever plug your monitor has and it works. If your monitor has a TV tuner, composite inputs, SCART, etc, those are probably specific to the region you purchased it in.

 

[RebateMonger]

VGA/DVI (and other computer formats) are their own standard sand aren't directly related to PAL/NTSC/SECAM standards.

Most computing devices have "universal" power supplies (or have a sliding switch for 115/230 V).