ATX Power Connector
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ATX power connector This is a closer view of the ATX form factor power connector on the motherboard. The connector is keyed to ensure proper connection of the power supply lead.

When used with a power supply that supports remote power on/off, the motherboard can turn off the computer via software control. The Powerman utility supplied for Windows 3.x allows for soft-off as does the shutdown icon in the Windows® 9x Start menu. The computer basic input/output system (BIOS) turns off the computer when it receives the proper Advanced Power Management (APM) command from the operating system. For example, Windows 9x issues this APM command when selecting Shutdown the computer option. APM must be enabled in the BIOS Setup Utility and operating system in order for the soft-off feature to work correctly. In order for the computer to recognize the presence of a soft-off power supply, the supply must tie pin 14 of the PWS Control connector to ground. If power to the computer is interrupted due to a power outage or the power cord being unplugged then, when, power is reapplied, the computer returns to the state it was in when the power was disconnected. If the computer was turned on when power was disconnected, it turns back on when power is reapplied.