Can you use Baby AT/PS2 power supply on ATX motherboard?

[Leo V]

I found a strong enough/cheap 300W power supply, but it's a Baby AT (PS/2) format. Can it still be used to power my ATX motherboard (Abit BE6)? I don't mind if the dimensions are different, so long as it works normally.

Thanks.
Leo V.
leo@eftech.net

PS: Here are the manufacturer's specs for this product:
http://www.antec-inc.com/products/power/PP300V.html

[This message has been edited by Leo V (edited 08-17-99).]

[Bob-NB]

I do not notice in the specs any statement saying that it has both AT and ATX power connectors for the mobo. Each board works with different connectors from the power supply. There are universal or dual power supplies. If yours has both an AT plug (actually 2 plugs that go end to end) and an ATX plug, it will work regardless of any size difference (assuming you can manage to make it mount in your case)

[Leo V]

It appears that my motherboard (Abit BE6) only has an ATX form factor. I emailed Antec about having an ATX plug, but it doesn't seem like the case.

Is there such a thing as an AT->ATX power converter?

Thanks.
Leo V

[This message has been edited by Leo V (edited 08-17-99).]

[Bob-NB]

There really is no need to "convert" any power, just re-arrange how it is supplied to the mobo through the different plug configuration. I am unaware of any such thing as an adaptor -converter plug. Only PS's that sometime have both plugs, and sometimes mobo's that accept either plug. It appears the combination you are trying to use doesn't fit that bill. Here are some sources for power supplies from: http://www.pricewatch.com/

Generic 250Watt ATX Power Supply only.By Dynapower BACK Mounted Fan, High-quality, UL Approved, high-velocity fan, 1 year warranty $ 20 Shipping-No Data 5/10/99 10:37:20 AM CDT Microbarn
800-605-3575
919-212-2125 NC LC-250ATX

Generic AT 300Watt ,Power Supply Only * Mention Price Watch 1Year Warranty $ 12 Shipping-9.00 8/9/99 3:16:11 PM CDT The Computer Center
800-216-9211
317-291-9211 IN

Generic ATX 300watt ball bearing Power Supply Only * Mention Price Watch 1 Year Warranty $ 18 Shipping-9.00 8/9/99 3:16:12 PM CDT The Computer Center
800-216-9211
317-291-9211 IN

Generic 300Watt ATX Power Supply only. By Dynapower 300 watt ATX power supply. 2.01 compliant, UL approved $ 26 Shipping-No Data 7/6/99 11:57:12 AM CDT Microbarn
800-605-3575
919-212-2125 NC CWT-300ATX

Generic Sky Hawk ATX Power Supply 300watts ATX Form 300 Watts UL Listed & Approved, with power switch, 1 Year Warranty $ 38 Shipping-starts at $6 8/12/99 7:26:26 PM CDT Axion Technologies, LLC
281-575-0007
Online Ordering TX PSSH300ATX




[This message has been edited by Bob-NB (edited 08-17-99).]

[Joel Kleppinger]

I believe it's relatively impossible to do that kind of conversion, or at least, it's economically unfeasible (i.e. It'd cost more than it's worth).

The reason is this: An ATX plug requires there be a standby wire so the motherboard can power up the power supply. This has some low voltage (unsure of the exact amount) and keeps the motherboard slightly powered on in case it needs to turn on the power supply.

Another major difference is that the ATX spec requires a 3.3v +/- pair of lines from the power supply for a 3.3v current. The AT spec only has 12v and 5v currents supplied. So, you would have to do a conversion to modify voltages.

In the end, it isn't worth it. Too much hassle, too much effort, too much money. Just get an ATX power supply.

[Leo V]

Thanks a lot guys. I've received an email from Antec confirming their supply has no ATX plug.

The reason I was being picky is that I just bought a power-craving air peltier cooler (the MC1000 cooler from www.swiftnets.com).

It requires a power supply that puts out 12amps at 12volts (if only one supply feeds the whole PC, but that's the only convenient solution on campus). In fact, it recommends 14A@12V. The instruction manual was absolutely adamant about this.

My existing 250W supply can only do 10A@12V. Most power supplies out there can only handle 8-10A@12V. What's worse, few sites actually publish this data. I'm now waiting for Enlight to respond regarding Amps@12V specs for their 300W ATX 89000 server supply ($44 at buycomp and that's about as much as I could afford).

Thanks all.
Leo V.