What is the primary function of an ATX power supply?

The primary function of an ATX power supply is to convert alternating current (AC) from the wall outlet into direct current (DC) that is usable by the internal components of a computer. Computers require various DC voltage levels to operate correctly, such as 3.3V, 5V, and 12V, which are provided by the power supply. This conversion is essential, as most internal components, including the motherboard, CPU, and storage devices, are designed to operate on DC power rather than AC.

The ATX specification has been widely adopted, and power supplies that conform to this standard include not only the necessary voltage outputs but also features like overvoltage protection, short circuit protection, and sometimes even modular designs that allow for cable management to improve airflow within the case.

In contrast, the other options focus on functions that are not the primary role of a power supply. Cooling for the CPU is typically managed by dedicated fans and heat sinks, while managing hardware resources is the role of the operating system and the motherboard's chipset. Generating optical signals is unrelated to the power supply's function, as optical signals pertain to data transmission technologies, such as fiber optics.