How to Keep an ATX Computer Going
The lifeblood of any system is the electric current flowing through its circuits, and the source is the power supply. Stable power is the first requirement of any system, as without it you'll get crashes all the time.
What is an ATX Power Supply?
The Advanced Technology Extended specification originally was introduced in 1995 as a way to ensure that PSUs would be able to support the growing energy needs of ever faster processors and more powerful graphics cards. As originally implemented, it required three different sources at 3.3, 5, and 12 Volts DC, all of which fed the motherboard. One of the biggest changes was the introduction of a 20-pin power connector that made it impossible to damage the motherboard by connecting the PSU improperly. Later revisions extended the motherboard connector to 24 pins. A current ATX 2.3 PSU has to meet the following standards:
- Output: A minimum of two 12 V rails as well as dedicated 3.3 and 5 V power outputs. It also must have at least one Serial ATA power connector and support for 75 W six-pin and 150 W eight-pin graphics card connectors.
- Efficiency: The 2.3 specification mandates a minimum efficiency of 70 percent, with 80 percent recommended. One benefit of greater efficiency is that it produces less waste heat, which can greatly increase the lifespan of all your components.
What Should You Look for in a Replacement Power Supply?
When planning a power supply replacement, there are a few factors that you should look at beyond compatibility with the ATX specification. Every Bestec ATX power supply meets the specification, but they offer more desirable features for some uses than for others. Two things you should always pay attention to are:
- Wattage: Every component in your system draws something from your power supply. The more and hungrier components you have, the more watts you need. A good minimum is to start with something like a Bestec 300W power supply. You can easily go for more if you game, but there is no point to getting a bigger power supply than you need.
- Cabling: While the specification only deals with the requirement for a motherboard 24-pin connector and a single serial ATA plug, most systems need more. For a basic unit, you can go with any power supply that has enough plugs, but if you are serious about airflow inside your computer consider a modular unit where you can use just the cables you need and no more.
Taking Care of Your System
There are a couple of things you can do to ensure that your power supply lasts as long as you need it. One is that you provide plenty of airflow so that it doesn't overheat. The other is to clear out dust whenever possible.
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