ATX is an abbreviation for Advanced Technology eXtended, and it's a standard that defines the physical and electrical characteristics of computer power supplies. It was developed in the early 1990s by Intel, and it has since become the de facto standard for PC power supplies.

ATX power supplies are used in a wide variety of computers, including desktops, servers, and workstations. They provide power to the motherboard, CPU, RAM, graphics card, and other components.

Why is ATX Used?

There are several reasons why ATX is the standard for computer power supplies:

• Reliability: ATX power supplies are designed to be reliable and efficient. They use high-quality components and undergo rigorous testing to ensure that they meet the highest standards of performance and safety. Almost all modern power supply units (PSUs) have 80 Plus certification, which guarantees at least 80% efficiency.

• Compatibility: ATX power supplies are compatible with a wide range of motherboards and computer components. This makes it easy to build a computer using ATX components from different manufacturers.

• Flexibility: ATX power supplies offer a variety of features and options that can be tailored to the needs of different users. For example, some ATX power supplies have multiple rails, which allow you to connect multiple components to the same power supply. Others have modular cables, which makes it easy to remove unused cables and keep your computer case neat and organized. This flexibility has allowed ATX to be used for everything from basic office PCs to high-end gaming systems to powerful servers with hundreds of watts of power.

• Cost: ATX power supplies are relatively inexpensive to manufacture, which makes them a good value for the money. Additionally, the prevalence of ATX power supplies has led to a highly competitive market with a diverse selection of affordable products.

ATX Power Supply Connectors

ATX power supplies have a variety of connectors that are used to connect them to the motherboard and other components. The most common connectors are:

• 24-pin ATX connector: This connector is used to connect the power supply to the motherboard.

• 4/8-pin EPS connector: This connector is used to connect the power supply to the CPU.

• 6/8-pin PCI-Express connector: This connector is used to connect the power supply to the graphics card.

• SATA connector: This connector is used to connect the power supply to SATA devices, such as hard drives and solid-state drives.

• 4-pin Molex connector: This connector is used to connect the power supply to older devices, such as fans and CD-ROM drives.

Choosing an ATX Power Supply

When choosing an ATX power supply, there are a few things you need to consider:

• Wattage: The wattage of a power supply is measured in watts, and it indicates how much power the power supply can deliver. You need to choose a power supply that has enough wattage to power all of the components in your computer.

• Efficiency: The efficiency of a power supply is measured as a percentage, and it indicates how much of the power that the power supply draws from the wall is actually delivered to the components in your computer. A higher efficiency power supply will save you money on your electric bill.

• Features: Some ATX power supplies have additional features, such as modular cables, multiple rails, and over-voltage protection. You can choose a power supply with the features that you need.

Conclusion

ATX power supplies are the standard for computer power supplies. They are reliable, compatible, flexible, and cost-effective. When choosing an ATX power supply, you need to consider the wattage, efficiency, and features that you need.

FAQs

1. What is the difference between ATX and ATX12V power supplies?

ATX12V power supplies are a newer version of ATX power supplies. They include a 12V rail that is specifically designed for powering the CPU. ATX12V power supplies are backward compatible with ATX motherboards.

2. How many watts do I need for my computer?

The wattage that you need for your computer will depend on the components that you are using. You can use a power supply calculator to determine the wattage that you need.

3. What is the difference between a modular and a non-modular power supply?

A modular power supply has cables that can be removed, while a non-modular power supply has cables that are permanently attached. Modular power supplies are easier to install and maintain, and they can help you to keep your computer case neat and organized.

4. What is over-voltage protection?

Over-voltage protection is a feature that protects your computer components from damage caused by surges in voltage.

5. How long do ATX power supplies last?

ATX power supplies typically last for 5-10 years. However, the lifespan of a power supply can be shortened by factors such as heat, dust, and humidity.