ATXPSUs

ATXPSUs, or Advanced Technology Extended Power Supply Units, refer to power supply units designed for desktop computers that adhere to the ATX (Advanced Technology Extended) standard. These power supplies are integral components within personal computer systems, converting alternating current (AC) from a power outlet into the direct current (DC) needed by various computer components such as the motherboard, CPU, graphics card, and storage devices.

The ATX standard was originally developed by Intel in 1995 to specify power supply dimensions, connectors, and electrical characteristics to ensure compatibility and interoperability among different hardware components. ATXPSUs are typically characterized by their form factor, which measures 150mm x 140mm x 86mm (length x width x height), although variations exist for different power capacities and form factors, such as SFX or TFX.

Modern ATXPSUs come with multiple power rails, usually 12V rails, to distribute power efficiently and safely to various components. They include protections like over-voltage, over-current, and short-circuit safeguards to prevent damage. Efficiency standards, such as 80 PLUS certification, are common, indicating the energy efficiency of the units, with higher certifications like Gold, Platinum, or Titanium signifying better performance.

These power supplies feature various connectors, including the 24-pin ATX main power connector, CPU power connectors (4-pin, 8-pin), PCIe connectors for graphics cards, SATA power connectors for drives, and Molex connectors for peripherals. The demand for higher wattage outputs has increased with the advancement of high-performance hardware, leading to power supplies ranging from 300W to over 2000W.

Overall, ATXPSUs are essential for ensuring stable and reliable power delivery in desktop PCs, with features and standards evolving to meet the needs of modern computing hardware.