Form Factor Type AT or ATX?

I can't seem to find online or in my Dell refference guide info as to the type of form factor my computer has. Dimension XPS T450. thanks, Craig

 

form factor

prolly atx unless micro atx. I searched dell but that model did not show? Looking at the back tho if ATX form the printer, serial 1 & 2, & game ports are all bunched togather within an "I/0" plate. Also facing front, & with the left side of case off, read the power supply unit, ATX or AT will be on the label

 

2 sets of cables from PS to MoBo = ATX - 1 set = AT

 

Paul D ...... not so fast. You need to bone up on ATX and ATX aux connectors. ****, those engineers ........

 

atx=at= flip

Ya gottum backwards there Paul D ATX has ONE connector & AT uses two, black to black in the middle 'member

 

Nobody has anything wrong or backwards.

My AT and ATX BOTH have two connectors.

On the AT they are inline. And both the same size

On the ATX they are not in line or same size.

The ATX MB that I but together for my Son-in-law had only one connector.

And One MB that I have will take either an AT or ATX PS. Two inline connectors for the AT but only one for ATX.

So it would seem that we are looking at a variation in Motherboards and Power supplys.

BillyBob

 

Pictures speak louder than words

 

exception there

True some psu have "dual" power. I shoulda known bb was lurkin around here

 

The picture idea was multi-purpose.

#1 of course was proof my previous statements.

Next came the wild idea of trying to make use of my new scanner and combine it with PhotoSuite, Cute FTP and Notepad for editing and then see how fast I could get things to my Web SIte.

And then see if the results wound up here.

Not only making several programs work together but having FUN doing it.

BillyBob

 

Just curious. BillyBob's reference indicates there is an MB that will connect to either an AT or ATX power source.

If an MB has either connection, is it AT or ATX configuration? It is my understanding form factor refers to specifically to material dimensions and that includes a chassis of fixed size and shape. If so, wouldn't an AT or ATX form factor depend more on the chassis than connectors or power supply? I don't believe it can be both AT and ATX.

 

KenKeith, that is my understanding also. What I'm doing is planing to build my own computer. I was wondering if my case and power supply would handle a P4 at or near 2000MHz. Turns out the PS for my P3 450MHz is only rated at 200W. If I can't use the current PS I will just opt for a new case regardless if mine would support the newer ATX or not.

 

The Soyo MB that the picture shows is actually an AT configuration.

None of the ports ( USB, Serial etc ) are built into ( onto ) the MB.

That is another reason I put the pictures out as it is confusing and may be tough to understand unless seen.

BillyBob

 

Question is form factor period

I'm with KenKeith here on the form factor meaning.
csnudelman pentiem 4 has a, heaven help for syaing this, different power supply cable hookup! A little square 4 pin thingy & a rather skinny, looks like drive A but 'bout 8-10 pin cables beyond the "regular" cables. Don't know if both are ness for all pent 4 boards tho

 

Slay me if you want, however, AT vs ATX form factors usually relate to PS/MB connectors. Some boards have both, just like some boards have both Slot One and Socket 370 or Socket 7 configurations for CPU's. That so called "skinny" connector on some ATX PS's that looks like half of an AT setup is actually an auxilliary power connector (ATX aux) needed for some MB's and the 4 prong square plug is needed for most P4 MB's. The poor guy with a 200 Watt PS for a PII 450 is another fine example of Branded Mfgr's under-engineering their machines. Most likely another Dell or Gateway because HP and Compaq used 170 Watt PS's for those CPU's. If that same individual is going to build a new machine (P4 or Athlon) go with a dual fan 400-500 Watt PS and do yourself a favor.

 

Slay me if you want, however, AT vs ATX form factors usually relate to PS/MB connectors.

Slay me too if you wish but if you are referring to Motherboards I disagree. There may be considerable difference in AT & ATX form factor as far as the MB goes.

As on of my pictures shows the MB will use either an AT or ATX PS. But it is an AT board in an AT/ATX case with an AT PS.

An AT board may fit in an ATX case that has the the proper PS connectors.

But an ATX board may not go into an older AT case.

If you are refering to the case, then with most newer one the PS and its connectors may be the only difference.

With one of my newer cases the case itself is exactly the same for both. It will take either an AT or ATX board. The ONLY difference is the PS/MB connectors.

With my newest case it will take AT, ATX or P4 MBs.
but it only has connectors for ATX and P4. It shipped with more hardware than two of my other cases put together.

This is why care must be taken when purchasing a case so that you get the proper PS connector. In other words get a case configured for the MB you have.

But the physical case itself may be all the same. At least that is what I am seing.

BillyBob

 

BB - Thank you. I think you just made my point, even though you say you disagree.

 

Bob in some detail sums it up quite well as it relates to the size, shape, and placement as the name "form factor" implies.

Having dual type connectors on an M/B enables the system to accommodate different P/Ss and is incidental not the determining factor of the configuration. I believe that is what has been said.

Regarding a case replacement, it is good advice to have an understanding of the chassis placement requirements because there is a form difference, and to understand the product to be bought is good general advice regardless of the circumstances. It is the buyers' responsibility and the principle caveat emptor always applies. To not know what is being bought and then blame the seller for not providing unasked but needed information is misplacing the responsibility. I have been there several times.

I believe the physical size of the AT and ATX is different. It has been awhile ago, but if I remember correctly there was a big price difference with the ATX being more expensive and larger.

 

Regarding a case replacement, it is good advice to have an understanding of the chassis placement requirements because there is a form difference, and to understand the product to be bought is good general advice regardless of the circumstances It is the buyers' responsibility and the principle caveat emptor always applies. To not know what is being bought and then blame the seller for not providing unasked but needed information is misplacing the responsibility. I have been there several times.

Well said. And me too ONCE.

That why I like to get stuff locally so that I can see for myself that things are going to compatable. And if I tell the guy what I want and he gives me the wrong parts then it is HIS problem.

believe the physicality of the AT and ATX is different. It has been awhile ago, but if I remember correctly there was a big price difference with the ATX being more expensive.

True. That used to be so. But I am seeing more and more universal cases with just the PS being different making the price difference.

Another difference ( I can not confirm ) may be the Power SWITCH.

As I mentioned before my newest case phyically is VERY universal. There is 4 or 5 different rear plates that came with it. But the PS ( 300W AMD Certified ) connectors provided are only for ATX or P4.

The BEST part is that I got it locally for about $15-$20 LESS than anything I found online. And that included an extra exhaust fan already mounted.

I believe the bottom line might be;

When purchasing a case, get one that suits the form factor of the MB. ATX for ATX etc. Don't just get a case and hope it will work.

Another determiningg factor when getting a case should be PS and COOLING capacity. If you cut corners here you may get burned in more ways than one. ( been there ONCE too (PS wise)).

BillyBob

 

You have walked the walk, and you provide sound info for anyone planning to build their own system.

From what I have read, you have a heavily loaded system, or you might have distributed some work to your other computer. Apparently, you would have an opinion to the PS wattage that you have found adequate or inadequate?

If a system lacks a sufficient wattage output, wouldn't the result be the machine just shutting down?

I know fans are a power hog, other than that there shouldn't be much of a power drain, and it seems to me the need of anything over 300W would be over kill and unnecessary.

 

I know fans are a power hog,

This may be true. But without proper ( even over ) cooling HEAT can destory a system. Therefore making ( in my opinion ) a heavier PS and an extra fan inexpensive.

It is better to let a 1 ton truck do a 1/2 job than the other way around.

and it seems to me the need of anything over 300W would be over kill and unnecessary.

This is also may be true. But I would not like to read about anyone making the mistake I did. ( refer to truck )

I do not believe it sensible to get a case with a PS size that is just the size needed right now. We should PLAN for expansion.

Right now I am more than likely using only about 225W-250W out if the 300W. But, the extra is there if needed. I should not need to worry if I add another HD and/or CDROM.

BillyBob