What is an ATX Power Supply?
An ATX power supply is a power supply designed for the ATX form factor--the standard size of computer towers, motherboards and components.
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Function
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Power supplies convert current from an electrical outlet to voltages that a computer can use.
Identification
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Power supplies usually look like cubes of metal with one or two fans. They are normally found in the upper back corner of computer cases.
Specifications
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Power supplies vary greatly in how much wattage they can deliver to a computer. Running a computer with many high level devices requires more powerful power supplies.
Upgrades
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ATX power supplies can usually be upgraded easily and do not require any changes to an operating system or software.
Issues
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Power supplies are one of the most common hardware devices in a computer to experience complete failure or burnout. If a computer is very hot and smells like it is burning, there is a good chance the power supply has burned out.
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