AT means “Advanced Technology” and is the predecessor of today’s standard ATX format. Previously, IBM developed the XT format.
The AT-format is a standardized form factor, which determines how large the main board, how wide must be the spacing between holes and where all components are placed. In addition to the AT format, there is a smaller version, the Baby AT format, which was developed somewhat later.
The standard connections for an AT power supply are consists of two plugs, each with six pin. It will be connected to the motherboard, which are usually four black cables for mass in the middle. While the red wires are +5 volt cable. In most cases, the plugs are usually labeled with P8 and P9.
AT power supplies are directly connected to the 230-volt main line. So that it can only be turned off totally and there is no standby mode. Modern formats, in this case ATX, has main connections to the motherboard, allowing a software controlled standby mode. The advantage with the AT power supply, however, when the condition is turned off, no power is consumed.
With the old computers, the device was turned off directly at the AT Power supply. Only by adding housing, the switch is mounted on the front. This make a 230-volt cable had to be led through the housing. Due to the various switches and cables that were not standardized, it was difficult to replace a power supply.
