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AT PSU suggestions

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First post, by xbit

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I obtained a 486 computer from Europe with a 200w / 220v PSU so looking to replace it w/ a 110. I see a number of them on eBay and even a new named "Athena Power AP-AT30 300W AT Power Supply 6Pin Connector" on Amazon. Any other places that are worthy of review like "AT PSU's R US" before I pull the plug?

Edit: i should note that this PSU does not have a switch to go between 220/110v sadly.

Last edited by xbit on 2023-02-15, 21:47. Edited 1 time in total.

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Reply 1 of 12, by florian3

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Most AT power supplies have a switch on the back to set it to 110V.

I have no experience with the Athena power supply, I'm using known brand ATX power supplies (Corsair CX450M) with an adapter.

Reply 2 of 12, by xbit

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Thanks florian3. Sadly, this PSU doesn't have that option.

Question, can you share a link to your adapter? Also what did you use for the power button?

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Reply 3 of 12, by florian3

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I have one of these these. You can use the existing power button of an AT case.

Reply 4 of 12, by florian3

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However ATX power supplies are also not perfect. They don't have -5V that some old ISA cards need (most don't). The PSU fan location may be suboptimal for some cases. And most only output ~20A on the 5V rail.

Reply 5 of 12, by xbit

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Thanks for the info. It also looks like the adaptor you linked is a 2pin where i have a 4pin AT Push Button. That said, i think the Athena on Amazon is looking pretty good for a direct replacement.
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0042P2IIG/?coliid= … lv_ov_lig_dp_it

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Reply 6 of 12, by mscdex

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I've been using the Athena 400W PSU from Amazon for awhile now with an MMX 233 machine. I haven't had any problems with it so far.

Reply 7 of 12, by xbit

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That's awesome news.. going to move forward with one now. Thanks all.

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Reply 8 of 12, by SSTV2

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I wouldn't rule out the modification option.

By default, 220V voltage power supply units can be modified for the 110V electrical system just by installing a single jumper wire. 220V-only PSUs often have unused 115/230V switch solder pads marked on the PCB as "SW" that need to be connected. From a schematic point of view - one of the AC lines must be connected to the center point of the two filter capacitors, which go right after the bridge rectifier.
That's about it, perhaps only a fuse should be adjusted for the higher current.

Reply 9 of 12, by Kouwes

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I noticed that athena AT-AP30 has 30A on the 5V and 30A on the 12V rail. What about 3.3V? There is none?
Now I have absolutely no clue about electrical stuff, so probably this is a dumb question but I do own alot of old PCs that could use a PSU like that!

Reply 10 of 12, by The Serpent Rider

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In modern PSUs, +3.3v is usually shared with +5V (i.e. converted from 5v rail), but AT standard has only 2 major rails - +12v and +5v, so that's not a problem. Also, practically none of the systems which may require 30A +5V were built for AT standard. Tthat problem is overblown out of proportion, just as lack of -5V rail.

So any decent modern ATX PSU (better noise floor, internal temps, ripple suppression, protection and modular cables to avoid clutter) with an adapter should be preferable .

Last edited by The Serpent Rider on 2023-04-20, 09:58. Edited 1 time in total.

I must be some kind of standard: the anonymous gangbanger of the 21st century.

Reply 11 of 12, by Kouwes

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So it’s safe to use this psu…thanks for the info!

Reply 12 of 12, by xbit

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Kouwes wrote on 2023-04-19, 20:00:

So it’s safe to use this psu…thanks for the info!

I used the Athena Power AP-AT30 and it works like a champ. No mods needed, just plug-n-play for the most part. Read the reviews and you'll see some are saying the cables are to short. I have a mini tower and they are just fine.

https://www.amazon.com/Athena-Power-AP-AT30-S … ps%2C124&sr=8-2

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