Bring Your Desktop Computer to a Foreign Country

Introduction
If you want to bring your desktop computer with you to a foreign country, it should be possible to do. You may need to buy a current converter to make it work in some countries, including most of Portugal.

Instructions
According to http://hoteltravel.com, current in Portugal is "220 volts AC, 50Hz. Some areas provide 110 volts and in certain southern regions 230 DC is used. Continental two-pin plugs are in use." Currently, in Canada and the USA, the standard is 110 volts and 60Hz. But you may not need to buy anything to make your computer work in Portugal. Many computer manufacturers build a dual transformer into their desktop systems that would allow you to use them on either voltage and cycle of current. To find out if yours has this capability;
 * 1)  Check the installation guide that came with your computer.  It will tell you if it is configured to run on both 110 (or 115) volt and 220 (or 230) volt systems.
 * 2)  If your manual says it does run on both, or if you can't find your manual, look on the back of your computer.  There should be a small window near the power switch with a red or orange tab showing in it that says "115".  Attached to this tab is a small orange switch that can be moved with a pen or small screwdriver.  This switch may be covered with a small label, to prevent accidentally moving it.  If you have this on the back of your cpu, it is made to handle dual currents.
 * 3)  You can confirm this by totally disconnecting the power supply, and then sliding the switch to one side (towards where "115" shows).  This should reveal a similar small orange tab that says "230".  You will still need a plug adapter to convert it to a type C or E plug.
 * 4)  If your computer doesn't have this capability built in, you'll need to purchase a 230<->115 step down transformer to power your computer.  This, however, won't change the frequency of the current (form 50Hz to 60 Hz), so you may experience a reduced life expectancy on your computer, due to heat build up.  You will need the step down transformer to power most other peripherals, such as your monitor or printer, unless your cpu has outlets on the back that these connect to.  I'd suggest the somewhat higher priced ones with a built in power converter.

Tips

 * Check with your computer manufacturer via phone or online to find out more about whether your cpu is capable of handling dual currents, and whether using it with 50Hz current will reduce its life expectancy.

Warnings

 * DON'T just buy a cheap plug adapter to adapt the cpu's plug to the European style unless it can handle dual current and you've moved the switch on the back to the correct position!

Related Tips and Steps

 * How to Install Network Interface Card in Desktop Computer
 * How to Decide Between a Laptop or a Desktop
 * How to Turn Your Computer Desktop into a Monthly Planner
 * How to Run Your Desktop off DC Power