An ATX power supply is a power supply designed for the ATX form factor--the standard size of computer towers, motherboards and components.
Function
Power supplies convert current from an electrical outlet to voltages that a computer can use.
Identification
Power supplies usually look like cubes of metal with one or two fans. They are normally found in the upper back corner of computer cases.
Specifications
Power supplies vary greatly in how much wattage they can deliver to a computer. Running a computer with many high level devices requires more powerful power supplies.
Upgrades
ATX power supplies can usually be upgraded easily and do not require any changes to an operating system or software.
Issues
Power supplies are one of the most common hardware devices in a computer to experience complete failure or burnout. If a computer is very hot and smells like it is burning, there is a good chance the power supply has burned out.
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