The ATX power supply form factor is a widely used standard in the computer industry, introduced by Intel in 1995. It was designed to replace the earlier AT power supply form factor, which had several limitations. The ATX form factor has undergone several revisions over the years, with the most recent being the ATX12V 2.3 specification. This form factor has become the de facto standard for desktop computers, and its popularity can be attributed to its flexibility, reliability, and ease of use.
Introduction to ATX Power Supply Form Factor
The ATX power supply form factor is characterized by its rectangular shape, with a width of 5.9 inches (150 mm), a height of 3.4 inches (86 mm), and a length of 5.5 inches (140 mm). This compact design allows for easy installation in most desktop computer cases. The ATX power supply is typically mounted in the case using four screws, which provides a secure and stable connection. The power supply is usually located at the top or bottom of the case, depending on the design, and is connected to the motherboard using a 24-pin main power connector.
Key Features of ATX Power Supply Form Factor
One of the key features of the ATX power supply form factor is its ability to provide multiple output voltages, including 3.3V, 5V, 12V, -5V, -12V, and 5VSB (standby power). The 3.3V and 5V rails are used to power the motherboard, memory, and other low-voltage components, while the 12V rail is used to power the CPU, graphics card, and other high-power components. The -5V and -12V rails are used to power older components, such as floppy disk drives and serial ports, although these are no longer commonly used. The 5VSB rail provides standby power to the system, allowing it to wake up from a low-power state.
ATX Power Supply Form Factor Connectors
The ATX power supply form factor uses several connectors to provide power to the system components. The main power connector is a 24-pin connector that provides power to the motherboard. This connector includes pins for the 3.3V, 5V, 12V, -5V, and -12V rails, as well as several ground pins. In addition to the main power connector, the ATX power supply also includes several peripheral connectors, such as SATA power connectors, Molex connectors, and PCIe power connectors. These connectors provide power to the hard drives, optical drives, and graphics cards, respectively.
ATX Power Supply Form Factor Efficiency
The ATX power supply form factor has undergone several revisions to improve its efficiency and reduce its environmental impact. The most recent revision, ATX12V 2.3, requires power supplies to meet the 80 PLUS certification standards, which ensure that the power supply is at least 80% efficient at 20%, 50%, and 100% loads. This means that for every 100 watts of power drawn from the wall, the power supply will deliver at least 80 watts to the system components, with the remaining 20 watts being lost as heat. The 80 PLUS certification also requires power supplies to meet certain standards for voltage regulation, ripple, and noise.
ATX Power Supply Form Factor Reliability
The ATX power supply form factor is designed to be reliable and long-lasting. The power supply is typically built with high-quality components, such as capacitors and transformers, which are designed to withstand the rigors of continuous operation. The power supply also includes several protection features, such as overvoltage protection (OVP), undervoltage protection (UVP), and short-circuit protection (SCP), which help to prevent damage to the system components in the event of a power supply failure. Additionally, the ATX power supply form factor includes a feature called "power good" signaling, which allows the power supply to signal to the motherboard when it is ready to provide power to the system.
ATX Power Supply Form Factor Compatibility
The ATX power supply form factor is widely compatible with most desktop computer systems. It is supported by all major motherboard manufacturers, including Intel, AMD, and ASUS. The ATX power supply form factor is also compatible with a wide range of operating systems, including Windows, Linux, and macOS. However, it's worth noting that some older systems may not support the ATX power supply form factor, and may require a different form factor, such as the AT power supply form factor.
Conclusion
In conclusion, the ATX power supply form factor is a widely used and reliable standard in the computer industry. Its compact design, multiple output voltages, and high efficiency make it an ideal choice for desktop computer systems. The ATX power supply form factor has undergone several revisions over the years, with the most recent being the ATX12V 2.3 specification. Its wide compatibility with most desktop computer systems and operating systems makes it a popular choice among system builders and enthusiasts. Whether you're building a new system or upgrading an existing one, the ATX power supply form factor is definitely worth considering.
