Power Supply Types

• There are two basic types of power supplies. There are AT

power supplies, which are older and in older computers, and
ATX power supplies, which you will find in virtually every
new computer you can buy.
There are two fundamental differences between AT and ATX
power supplies. First, the switch mechanism is different. AT
power supplies use a normal on-off switch, which directly
turns the power supply on or off.
ATX power supplies use a momentary switch which does not
directly control the power. Instead, the switch signals the
motherboard, which performs one of three actions:

• If the computer is off, the power supply is turned on (which

turns the computer on)
• If the computer is on, the computer goes into power-saving
mode (standby)
• If the switch is held for more than 4 seconds, the power is
cut and the computer turns off.
 20 Pin AT connector

Proper installation of the two AT-style power connectors to a

motherboard. Notice the four black wires together in the middle.
In the background is an ATX-style motherboard connector; this
board can work with either form factor of power supply.
24 Pin ATX split to
Motherboard
ATX power supply
• Using an ATX power supply as a second power source is not
much harder than using an AT power supply. The only
difference lies in the way you get it started.
Instead of an on-off switch like an AT power supply, ATX
power supplies rely on a momentary switch, which is actually
connected to a header on the motherboard. When the switch is
pressed, the motherboard shorts the PS_ON pin (pin #14) on
the 20-pin ATX motherboard connector (see figure 6). We can
recreate this easily without the momentary switch.
The power supply connectors

4 Pin Berg Connector

Used to connect the PSU to small form factor devices, such as 3.5" floppy drives.
available in: AT, ATX & ATX-2

4 Pin Molex Connector

This is used to power various components, including hard drives and optical drives.
available in: AT, ATX & ATX-2

20 Pin Molex ATX Power Connector

This is used to power the motherboard in ATX systems.
available in: ATX( ATX-2 have four extra pins)

6 Pin AUX Connector

Provides +5V DC, and two connections of +3.3V.
available in: ATX/ATX-2

4 Pin Molex P4 12V Power Connector

Used specifically for Pentium 4 Processor Motherboards.
available in: ATX (integrated into the power connector in ATX-2)
ATX Power Supply Pinouts
Power Supply Connector Types and Form Factors
 How to test your computer’s
power supply
To be able to test your computer’s power supply, you
can follow the instructions below:
1. Turn off your power switch and plug it out from the
power supply.
2. Remove the cable from the CPU and start
unscrewing the power supply section in order to
remove the whole power supply (square metal box)
from the CPU.
3. Once done, locate for the main ATX connector and
find the green wire
4. Also locate for the black wire near the green wire
and with the use of a paper clip, connect and safely
bond the two together with a piece of isolating tape.
5. Put back all the power supply and switch the system
on again and ensure that your system ventilation is
working.
6. To check whether the connection is correct, the
Molex in between the yellow and black wire should
display at least 12 volts.