Micro power supplies are smaller power supplies used in desktop computers that provide the same amount of energy with lower wattage. They are compatible with any motherboard and have various power plugs. They were created due to the introduction of the ATX motherboard design, which required the redesign of almost all personal computer elements. Micro power supplies are capable of powering virtually any component on a computer motherboard using three different powered output plugs. Technological advances have reduced the need for aftermarket computer accessories.
A micro power supply is a smaller form factor power supply used to power a desktop computer, which usually supplies the same amount of energy although it has a lower wattage. Micro power supplies are made to be compatible with any type of computer motherboard and have a variety of power plugs that allow them to power all types of motherboard accessories. With most newer desktop computers, the tower comes with a micro power supply to make room inside the desktop tower for other desktop accessories that have become very popular.
The introduction of micro power supplies was a direct result of the introduction of the ATX motherboard design by Intel, which changed the parameters of almost all existing personal computer designs. Advanced Technology Extended (ATX) motherboards were introduced in 1995 as a means of improving the standards by which computers were designed and operated. This required the redesign of nearly every other element in personal computer design.
As a result, the micro power supply was created as a means for the motherboard to become more affordable for home or “do it yourself” computer builders. The micro power supply, because it provides the same power in less space, has created more space inside the computer case. The ATX motherboard and later micro power supply also allowed for universal mounting of add-ons and other items; the motherboard itself also allowed for a wide range of expansion parts to be implemented into the computer design, thanks to the universal power sockets provided by the micro power supply that was made to go with it.
The reason micro power supplies are able to effectively and safely power virtually any powered component on a computer motherboard is because the micro power supply is required to carry three different powered output plugs; 12 volt, 5 volt, and 3.3 volt power plugs are all used by ATX-style motherboards, and as such, the supplied power supply must be capable of powering every usable component of your personal computer design. Also, to be considered an ATX micro power supply, the micro power supply must be capable of powering each of these components using the three different voltages required by the motherboard. Since then, a number of technological advances in computer motherboards have become commonplace in many new desktop computers; peripherals are then installed directly by the manufacturer, reducing the need for aftermarket computer accessories.
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