Identify the connectors of the power supply

A quick guide, allowing you to identify the different types of connectors of the power supply of your PC








Description of the label




The reference on the side, unique for each the manufacturer, will allow you to identify the model:
Our example:
SP-ATX-650WTN-PFC
SP = The brand (Spire)
ATX = The standard for the power supply
650WTN = the output (in watts) of the power supply.
PFC = Power Factor Correction (power factor correction, active or passive)

Connectors

The 20/24 ATX pin





It allows you turn on the motherboard, early models were in a 20-pin configuration, the current standard version is in 24. Note that it is still composed of a block of 20 pins, to which we can add a block of 4 pins. This is to comply with the backward compatibility with older motherboards with 20 pin connectors.

20/4 connector, divided:



The "ATX P4"


This connector, called "P4-ATX (ATX 12V or as), was introduced by Intel for Pentium 4 (hence the name), it plugs into the motherboard and it powers exclusively the processor .
Today, most motherboards possess 4 to 8 pin dedicated to power up the CPU. The latest standards for power supply make use of a 8-pin connector (sometimes called EPS 12V), made up of 2 blocks 4-pin, again to ensure compatibility with old motherboards and the classic ATX P4.

Connector attached:




The same connector, divided:



The MOLEX




The most classic, still very present in every PC, sometimes used directly on the motherboard (MSI), it is used to connect hard disk and other drives Some graphics cards may require this connector too.
Note that molex/sata connectors are easily available nowadays.


The SATA connector





Modern power supply must have at least 4 of these, to power up drives having the SATA standard.

The "PCI Express"




Modern graphics cards needs more power, requiring that they power themselves directly from the power block. This is the role of this connector. Originally a 6-pin configuration and now available in 8-pin.
If you plan to buy a powerful graphics card, be careful on this point: Your power supply should contain at least two PCI Express slots including one convertible at least 6 / 8 pin as follows:



If your power supply doesn’t have 8-pin connector, there are 6 to 8 adapters:




MOLEX to PCI Express

Notes

The use of these adapters are not recommended and requires that the power supply is of good quality and powerful enough to feed the latest graphics card.

The pins

As you can see, all these connectors are fitted with pins. Never force!, Take your time, look at the connector and ask you two questions: is this correct? Is it in the right direction?