What is the role of the power supply unit (PSU) in a computer?

The role of the power supply unit (PSU) in a computer is to convert electrical power from an outlet into usable power for the internal components of the computer. This includes transforming the high-voltage alternating current (AC) from the power outlet into low-voltage direct current (DC) that various parts of the computer, such as the motherboard, hard drives, and peripherals, require to function properly.

The PSU is crucial because different components operate at different voltage levels, and the PSU ensures that all these components receive the correct power levels necessary for optimal performance. Additionally, it provides protection against power surges and helps to stabilize the power supply to maintain system reliability.

The other options refer to different functions that are handled by other components in a computer. For example, data storage is managed by the hard drive or RAM, data transmission to external devices is handled by ports and interfaces like USB, and graphical processing is performed by the graphics processing unit (GPU). Each of these functions plays a vital role in the overall operation of a computer, but the specific purpose of the PSU is centered solely on power distribution.