AT or ATX

[cruising]

I'm a new jack at computing so I would like to know how I can tell the difference between At form And Atx? I ask this question because I'm looking at upgrading my k6 2 400 to an athlon tbird/duron with an asus mobo so I need to know if I need a new Case, and or power supply. Oh yeah how can I measure my power supply?
thanks for your help

[daverme]

ATX mobo's have the keyboard connector, a PS/2 mouse connector, a printer port and at least one com port permanently mounted in a cluster in about the same location as the keyboard connector on an AT mobo. There will probably be a couple of USB connectors around there, also. The AT keyboard connector is a large one, maybe 5/8 inch in diameter, while the ATX keyboard connector is more like 3/8 in in diameter. There is no mistaking one for the other. Another difference is the power supply connector, quite different from the AT power connector and not interchangable.

Operationally, ATX mobo's require that the power switch be connected to the mobo, rather than to the power supply. There is always some power on the mobo (unless you turn the main power off at the power supply, something you MUST to to swap out memory and/or daughter cards) and the mobo turns on the power when you engage the power switch on the front of the case.

I suppose there is some device that would allow you to "measure" the output of a power suppply, but their rating is usually provided on a label on the outside. If you buy a case, the power supply capacity will be provided.

If you find a description of the mobo you want, it will tell you the form factor.

[This message has been edited by daverme (edited 03-26-2001).]

[jak]

ok heres the deal:
AT: the power connector from the power supply
to the mobo it split into 2(make sure when hooking up the new board the blacks are in facing inside!


ATX: seems larger, the power connector from the power supply to the mobo is one big grouping of wires.
also maybe try running a system information utility, it may say.
HOPE THIS HELPS
report back with an update
jak

[This message has been edited by jak (edited 03-26-2001).]

[cruising]

Thanks guys I really appreciate your help.
I'm looking at the asus A7v/133a mobo