Why must the case and the power supply be matched to the motherboard?

Using matching form factors assures you that: The motherboard fits in the case. The power supply cords to the motherboard provide the correct voltage, and the connectors match the connections on the board.

Why is it important of having a power supply form factor in your computer?

A power supply unit (PSU) converts mains AC to low-voltage regulated DC power for the internal components of a computer. They also provide a signal to the motherboard to indicate when the DC voltages are in spec, so that the computer is able to safely power up and boot.

What does power supply form factor mean?

Definition. PSU Form Factor. These standards define everything from the size and shape of the PSU to its electrical requirements and output. Power supply form factors have been standardized in order to increase compatibility. ATX PS/2 is by far the most popular form factor, and will fit in the vast majority of cases.

Why must you be careful when using a proprietary power supply?

Soft power allows the computer to be turned off and on by the operating system or over the network. Why must you be careful when using a proprietary power supply? They carry dangerous levels of electrical currents.

What does the motherboard form factor mean?

Form factor refers to the physical size and shape (according to outside dimensions) of a computer device. It is most often used to describe the size of circuit boards, especially the motherboard and expansion cards.

What is the difference between motherboard and power supply form factor?

Note that although the names of the power supply form factors seem to be the same as those of motherboard form factors, the power supply form factor is more related to the system chassis (case) than the motherboard. That is because all the form factors use one of only two types of connector designs, either AT or ATX.

What are computer form factors and cases?

The computer case holds all of the system components starting with the motherboard (or system board) and power supply. All three must use the same form factor. Computer form factors, cases, and power supplies are introduced in this lesson.

Why do form factor power supplies have different connector designs?

That is because all the form factors use one of only two types of connector designs, either AT or ATX. For example, all PC/XT, AT, and LPX form factor supplies use the same pair of six-pin connectors to plug into the motherboard and will therefore power any board having the same type of power connections.

Which components must have the same form factor?

There are three main components that must have the same form factor: Case – houses the hardware components of the computer system Motherboard – The main circuit board of the computer system; all system components are plugged into the motherboard