| Home Page | Core Components | Storage Devices | Cards | Connectors | Peripherals |
| Optional Peripherals & Common PC Specs | Computer Glossary | Order More Books |

Power Supply

• The Power Supply Connectors are called the Molex, Mini and Submini connectors. 

• Older power supplies have a pair of connectors called the P8-P9 connectors for the AT motherboard

• New power supplies have a P1 connector   for the ATX motherboard

The Two Types of Power Supplies-AT & ATX

AT Power Supply	ATX Power Supply
AT is older, but still in use AT is distinct because it has a big, black power switch The P8-P9 connector provides power to the motherboard AT power supply is beginning to fade and be replaced by ATX	ATX stands for AT extended, and is becoming the most popular power supply connection ATX connector commonly called the P1 connector provides power to the board With just one P1 connector, it’s easier to snap in properly

Power Supply Features

• The power supply is usually pre-installed within the PC case and has a build-in fan to keep all of the components cool.

• The white, general-use power connectors dangling from the power supply box supply all of the electrical needs of the motherboard and storage devices.

• Once plugged into the motherboard, the power supply provides voltage for the microscopic resistors, capacitors, diodes and transistors inside each of the PC devices, like the cards and core components.

• The power supply converts the AC wattage from the wall outlet into DC voltage for the devices.

• The power supply is known as a step-down transformer.

• For today's technology (2003), select a power supply with at least a 250- to 300-watt capacity.

Understanding PC Hardware, Second Edition, ©2003 Cary Muhammad, (All Rights Reserved), vipcomputers4u@yahoo.com