Hardware Reference
In-Depth Information
Note
Most ATX motherboards feature connectors with industry-standardized color codes (shown in
the previous table). This makes plugging in devices much easier and more foolproof: You
merely match up the colors. For example, most PS/2 keyboards have a cable with a purple
plug, whereas most PS/2 mice have a cable with a green plug. Even though the keyboard and
mouse connectors on the motherboard appear the same (both are 6-pin Mini-DIN types), their
color-coding matches the plugs on the respective devices. Therefore, to plug them in properly,
you merely insert the purple plug into the purple connector and the green plug into the green
connector. This saves you from having to bend down to try to decipher small labels on the
connectors to ensure you get them right. Some systems have a single PS/2 port (sometimes
marked in both green and purple) that can be used for either device.
The specifications and related information covering the ATX and related form factors are available
from the Form Factors website at
www.formfactors.org
. The Form Factors site provides form factor
specifications and design guides, as well as design considerations for new technologies, information
on initiative supporters, vendor products, and a form factor discussion forum.
