Replace an AT PSU with an ATX PSU?

[Sharpedge]

I have a full tower AT CASE with a 400watt L series power supply. It is about 10 years old, but made very well with sides that come un-hinged for working inside. Since most motherboards for current configurartions whether it be AMD or INTEL seem to require an ATX PSU I wondered if I can just replace it or are the wires that connect to the MB different too?

Thanks for your suggestions and comments.

 

[ChrisADuffy]

will you have an atx mobo next? If so, change the power supply to atx.

 

[Sharpedge]

Yes my plan is to buy an atx mb next. I like this case so if a psu switch would work that would be great. If not then I would buy a new case.

Thanks

 

[ChrisADuffy]

Sounds good, swap power supplies and your good.

 

[Hani]

Or here's an idea. Get yourself a cheap PSU like a 250w/300w, but puts a lot of amperage on the 3.3v and 5v rail. Connect this to yor mobo only. Keep the other one (400w) and use it for your drives/fans/etc. Connect them with a relay switch to get them truned on toghether. Since you have a full tower, you can fit 2 PSUs easily.

This way, you will have a very happy mobo and your drives will have all the voltage they need.

Or just get a new 400w PSU!!

 

[Hani]

Ofcourse, in both ways, you have to mod the case a little bit to fit an ATX mobo. Here's an article on how to do it:

http://www.moddingzone.com/articles/at-to-atx/

You will also have to change the power button. Since it's made to be used with an AT PSU, which powers up differntly than an ATX PSU.

 

[Shack70]

Linktified!

 

[Sharpedge]

Thank you again. I thought there was more than just replacing the power supply. Where would i get a new power button with the proper connections?

Thanks again!!!

 

[Hani]

Try searching at Radio shack. They should have something. Look for a momentarery power button.

 

[jcmoran]

Here's my 2 cents...

If you're gonna do all of that replacing it's going to cost you and when you consider what your time is worth, you would really be miles ahead by just replacing your AT case with a good ATX case.

ATX cases are not bad, just different. Join us...