# Modifying ATX SMPS into bench-top power-supply

Due to low cost and high output current this project is pretty famous in DIY category, and I thought to give it a try too, but a lot of people are connecting so called Load Resistor on the terminal which give the most power as to keep the power supply constantly on, and here the confusion begins, in my SMPS the most power is supplied to 12V rail, but the fan used in SMPS is directly connected to it, and I've read projects in which the similar connection to fan and 12v rail was found.

Question wobbling in my mind is, if there is a load(fan) already connected to the rail with most power and it is constantly on(no temperature control) why you need to add some extra 'Load Resistor'?

Are other makers adding a load resistor just because "Everyone else is doing so I should too" or there is a hidden reason behind it, example- that there should be more than some specific Watts of load and because of that, you need to add a resistor.

Fan current: 0.1A
ATX PSU minimum stable current >= 1A, but YMMV.