Examining the Power Supply
There are a number of different power supplies that you can use for your computer. Chapter 1 shows you how to choose the most appropriate power supply for your needs. A typical ATX-style power supply is shown here. The case is also an ATX-style case, so the power supply should fit just fine. As discussed in Chapter 1, ATX style cases and power supplies are the only ones commonly used at this point. Figure 2-8 shows the ATX style power supply.
Figure 2.8: A Typical Power Supply
There are many different power connectors coming from the power supply. These power connectors will generally be connected to one of three points:
- Connected to the Motherboard
- Connected to Drives
- Connected to Fans
There are three different connectors that will connect to the motherboard. The first of these is the 20-pin connector shown in Figure 2-9.
Figure 2 9: The 20-pin Motherboard Connector
In addition to the 20-pin motherboard connection you will also plug a 6-pin connector to the motherboard as well. This is no longer used on most modern motherboard. Your power supply may not even have one. Figure 2-10 shows the 6-pin connector.
Figure 2.10: The 6-pin Motherboard Connector
Finally, there the third motherboard power connector is the 4-pin motherboard connector. This is shown in Figure 2-11.
Figure 2.11: The 4-pin Motherboard Connector
All three of these connectors will be hooked up in the next chapter.
In addition to the motherboard connector there are additional power connectors that are used to power drives and fans. For IDE-style devices, such as CD’s, DVD’s and older style hard drives, you will use the ATA power connectors.
There are two sizes for ATA power connectors. The first is the large format ATA connector. These are usually used for IDE hard drives and DVD/CD-Rom drives. The large format ATA power connector is shown in Figure 2-12.
Figure 2.12: Large Format ATA Power Connector
In addition to the large format ATA power connector there are also small-format ATA power connectors. These do the same thing, and if you run out of either large or small format, you can purchase a converter. Converters are very inexpensive and can be handy if you run out of one type of power connector.
The small format ATA connector is generally used by 3.5” floppy drives. A small-format ATA power connector can be seen in Figure 2-13.
Figure 2.13: Small Format ATA Power Connector
Some Serial ATA (SATA) hard drives require a special type of power connector. This power connector is shown in Figure 2-14.
Figure 2.14: Serial-ATA (SATA) Power Connector
If you are installing a Serial ATA (SATA) drive you will likely need to use the SATA power connectors. For more information on the difference between SATA and regular ATA/IDE drives refer to Chapter 1.
Now that we have taken a look at the power connectors, it is time to connect the power supply.
