Which type of connector is commonly used for power supply connections to a motherboard?

The 24-pin ATX connector is the standard type of connector used for power supply connections to a motherboard in most modern desktop computers. This connector provides the necessary power to the motherboard to operate all other components, including the CPU, memory, and peripherals. The 24 pins allow for various voltages required by the different parts of the motherboard to ensure stable operation.

Using a 24-pin connector ensures compatibility with a wide range of motherboards and power supplies, reflecting the evolution of computing needs as systems have become more powerful and power-hungry over time. The extra pins, compared to earlier 20-pin connectors (which are less common in contemporary systems), help support additional current and improved power management.

Other options, such as the 20-pin IDE and 8-pin PCIe connectors, serve different purposes. The 20-pin IDE connector is an older standard primarily used for connecting certain types of drives rather than the motherboard itself. The 8-pin PCIe connector is dedicated to providing additional power specifically to graphics cards, not the motherboard. USB-C is primarily used for data transfer and charging but is not typically used for connecting power supplies to motherboards. Thus, the 24-pin ATX connector remains the primary choice for motherboard power connections in