What are the advantages and disadvantages of different power supply connector shapes?

1 Molex Connectors

Molex connectors are one of the oldest and most common types of power supply connectors. They have four pins, two for 12 volts and two for 5 volts, and a rectangular shape with a locking mechanism. Molex connectors are mainly used to power hard drives, optical drives, fans, and some older devices. The advantages of Molex connectors are that they are widely available, compatible, and easy to use. The disadvantages are that they are bulky, take up a lot of space, and can be difficult to disconnect.

2 SATA Connectors

SATA connectors are the newer and more modern version of power supply connectors. They have 15 pins, three for 3.3 volts, three for 5 volts, and three for 12 volts, and a slim shape with a notch. SATA connectors are designed to power SATA hard drives, solid state drives, and optical drives. The advantages of SATA connectors are that they are smaller, more efficient, and more secure than Molex connectors. The disadvantages are that they are less compatible with older devices, and can be easily damaged if forced or bent.

3 ATX Connectors

ATX connectors are the main power supply connectors that connect the PSU to the motherboard. They have 20 or 24 pins, depending on the version, and a large shape with a clip. ATX connectors provide the motherboard with various voltages and signals, such as standby power, power on, and power good. The advantages of ATX connectors are that they are standard, reliable, and provide stable power to the motherboard. The disadvantages are that they are large, heavy, and can be hard to insert or remove.

4 EPS Connectors

EPS connectors are the power supply connectors that connect the PSU to the CPU. They have 4 or 8 pins, depending on the version, and a square shape with a clip. EPS connectors provide the CPU with 12 volts of power, which is essential for its performance and stability. The advantages of EPS connectors are that they are specific, efficient, and support high-end CPUs. The disadvantages are that they are not universal, vary in shape and orientation, and can be confusing to connect.

5 PCI-E Connectors

PCI-E connectors are the power supply connectors that connect the PSU to the graphics card. They have 6 or 8 pins, depending on the version, and a trapezoidal shape with a clip. PCI-E connectors provide the graphics card with 12 volts of power, which is necessary for its operation and performance. The advantages of PCI-E connectors are that they are flexible, modular, and support high-end graphics cards. The disadvantages are that they are not standard, require extra cables or adapters, and can be risky to connect.

6 Here’s what else to consider

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