
138
Chapter 4 • Disassembly and Power
Tech
Tip
Power Supply Form Factors
Just as motherboards come in different shapes and sizes, so do power supplies. Today’s power
supply form factors are ATX, ATX12V v1.x, ATX12V v2.x, and micro-ATX. Other form factors
include LFX12V (low profile), SFX12V (small form factor), EPS12V (used with server mother-
boards and has an extra 8-pin connector), CFX12V (compact form factor), SFX12V (small form
factor), TFX12V (thin form factor), WTX12V (workstation form factor for high-end worksta-
tions and select servers), and FlexATX (smaller systems that have no more than three expan-
sion slots). Intel, AMD, and video card manufacturers certify specific power supplies that work
with their processors and video cards. A computer manufacturer can also have a proprietary
power supply form factor that is not compatible with different computer models or other ven-
dors’ machines. Laptop power supplies are commonly proprietary.
The motherboard and power supply must be compatible
The motherboard form factor and the power supply form factor must fit in the case and
work together. For optimum performance, research what connectors and form factors are
supported by both components.
The ATX12V version 2 standard has a 24-pin motherboard connector instead of a 20-pin
version 1 connector. This did away with the need for the extra 6-pin auxiliary connector. In
addition, version 2 power supplies have a SATA power connector. Some 24-pin motherboard
connectors accept the 20-pin power supply connector. Table 4.2 lists the possible ATX power
supply connectors.
Table 4.2 ATX power supply connectors
Connector Notes Voltage(s)
24-pin Main ATX power connector to the
motherboard
+3.3, +5, +12, –12
20-pin Main power connector to the motherboard +3.3, +5, –5, +12, –12
15-pin SATA connector +3, +5, +12
8-pin 12V for CPU used with an ATX12V v1 power
supply
+12
8-pin PCIe video; connects to a PCIe video adapter.
Note that some connectors are 6+2-pin
meaning they accept either the 6- or 8-pin
cable.
+12
6-pin PCIe video; connects to PCIe video adapter +12
6-pin Sometimes labeled as AUX; connects to the
motherboard if it has a connector
+3.3, +5
4-pin
Molex Connects to peripheral devices such as hard
drives and CD/DVD drives
+5, +12
4-pin
Berg Connects to peripheral devices such as the
floppy drive
+5, +12
4-pin Sometimes labeled as AUX or 12V; connects
to the motherboard for CPU
+12
3-pin Used to monitor fan speed N/A
Comentarios a estos manuales