What Is an ATX Power Connector?
Most personal computer (PC) motherboards are based upon Advanced Technology Extended (ATX) technology, either classified as full-size ATX or mini ATX (mATX). To power these boards, an ATX power supply is needed. These power supplies have ATX power connectors on them.
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ATX Power Supplies
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A regular ATX power supply is the large, square-shaped metal box in the back of your computer. A universal power cord plugs into the power supply, connecting your computer to a wall socket. Look inside your computer to see power cords extending from the power supply to your motherboard, hard drives and optical drives. The ATX power supply manages the power your computer takes from the wall socket and delivers it to various hardware to power them on.
Motherboard Connectors
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At least three connector types come on all PC ATX power supplies. The first two are motherboard connectors: one 4-pin molex and one 20-pin molex.
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Drive Connectors
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Older computers used a 4-pin molex connector for all but the floppy drive, which used a smaller 4-pin berg connector. These were for use with Integrated Drive Electronics (IDE) drives. Newer power supplies use smaller, black Serial Advanced Technology Attachment (SATA) connectors. Some power supplies offer connectors for both IDE and SATA drives.
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