Using my american PC in Europe...

I'm leaving for Europe to study abroad, AND shipping my PC overseas so that I can use it while I'm there.

My question is, will the standard power converters be ok, or do I need something special? (Don't want to fry my hardware)

-Thanks

 

it depends where you are going to in Europe but mostly the voltage is 220 alternating.

you do not say where you are originating from (nothing in your profile) if you come from the US your power converter is not good i suggest you buy a European one in the country you intend to reside for studies.

 

Ah ok, well I'm originating from the US.

I noticed as I was taking it apart that there is a 220v switch on my PSU, can I just hit that switch for the same effect?

 

i would first have it checked by a qualified electrician to see that it is working correctly a small cost to save your PC from frying

 

Plugs, Plugs You have to remember that travelling abroad means not only Voltage change but alas different plugs types. If you go to a reputable Travel Agent eg Triple A(AAA) they should have both good quality converters and the required plug adaptors.

Also you have to be aware that some countries generate their power on different frequencies other than our standard 60 cycles, this will kibosh a PC fast, if your not careful.

Also check your "software" as some have strict limits on "exportation", which can run you afoul with the authorities.

Also remember especially since 9/11 the authorities will want you to be able to "Power-Up" any "Electronic" equipment you take with you.

"Renting" is a very viable option, it saves wear and tear on your equipment, and won't leave you stranded in a foreign country were nobody knows your PC's configuration.

Just some tips from one who has the "Travelling PC" T-Shirt, and scars to prove it Hope that helps

 

boy o boy thats a whole lotta stuff i knew nothing about(always ready to learn)
as i have never tried to travel with my pc.:confused

 

Hmm, well the situation is a little better as I am staying with family, and am a citizen of both countries

But now I'm a little confused, as it seems I'm getting mixed messages from people... I need a voltage converter, and a plug adapter?

In case it helps French power is at 230 Volts at 50 Hertz.

-Thanks

 

Flicking the switch to 220v SHOULD work OK.

Then all you need is a cable from AC powerpoint to your PC, in whatever AC power plug configuration applies.

They differ. Australian are different from UK, UK are different from European countries, and European countries differ from each other (I think).

Just ask a PC user in the country you are going to to help you purchase the correct cable. Bazza

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I agree.

By the way, if, for whatever reason, you won't simply be flicking the switch but will be using some other device to provide safe power to your computer, this reference, http://users.pandora.be/worldstandards/electricity.htm#adapters, indicates a transformer is what you need, not a converter.

 

Back when I lived in Sweden, my now-husband sent me his old PC when he upgraded, as a Christmas gift. (Yes, that is one of many reasons I married him...) I took it to the campus PC shop, to get advice on the voltage, and they told me just to flip the switch. It worked beautifully, and the cmputer ran stable, steady, and when I moved to the U.S. I sold the machine to my uncle, for use as a Linux server in his software consulting company. To the best of my knowledge, it still runs.

Sweden has 220V in the wall outlets, btw.

To the best of my knowledge, the EU countries, with the UK being an exception, all have a uniform standard. It's easier to sell toasters in all of EU that way.

 

Well thank you very much, you were all very helpful =)

 

Trust the Poms to be different. EU may be the same but I guess that doesn't always apply to all non-EU countries. I'm probably wrong on that as well. Bazza

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