Power Supply Trends: ATX 3.0/3.1, 12VHPWR, 12V-2x6, Cybenetics, PPLP
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1. ATX 3.0 and 12VHPWR
ATX 3.0 - the reason for the emergence of this PSU standard was the launch of the GeForce 4000 series graphics cards. Previously, 75 W came directly through the PCI-Express slot of the motherboard, and the rest through additional 6+2-pin connectors, up to three pieces, each 100 W. The total power was up to 375 W, which was enough for the then-flagship RTX 3090 (power consumption of 350 W). But everything changed with the subsequent RTX 4090: the reference TGP value of 450 W, and factory-overclocked models reached all 500.
Therefore, a revolutionary connector was developed 12VHPWR, also known as 16-pin or 12+4-pin. The electricity is supplied through twelve main wires, and four additional signal wires monitor the reliability of the connection. As a result, ATX 3.0 PSU is capable of transmitting up to 600 W with a single cable, which is sufficient even for the GeForce RTX 5090 (575 W). For backward compatibility, graphics cards are equipped with an adapter from three 6+2-pin. And some PSU manufacturers, such as Be Quiet, sell separate modular 16-pin cables.
2. ATX 3.1 and 12V-2x6
ATX 3.1 - not revolutionary but rather an evolutionary development of power supplies. A short-term power doubling of 200% is guaranteed for 0.2 milliseconds to handle abnormal consumption spikes of the graphics card. Although the hold time of full 100% power has been reduced in comparison with ATX 3.0 — from 17 to 12 ms. The 16-pin connector has been improved: power contacts are longer, and signal contacts are shorter, so protection will trigger at the slightest suspicion of insufficiently deep seating.
In the end, the updated connector officially changed its name to 12V-2x6 or unofficially to Gen 5.1, implying GeForce 5000 with the fifth generation of PCIe. But naturally, the video card bus is not directly related to the power connector. Certain PSU brands have a new connector painted in a contrasting color, for example, yellow in MSI. Marking of throughput capacity has become mandatory: 450 or 600 W. But the younger RTX video cards stayed on the old-school 6+2-pin connectors, the 16-pin being used only in 4070 Super, 5060 Ti, and higher.
3. Cybenetics and PPLP
Cybenetics - rapidly gaining popularity certification for power supplies, which replaced the morally outdated 80 PLUS (2005). It measures two indicators at once: energy efficiency in percentages and noise in decibels, the first is awarded with an ETA certificate, the second with Lambda. Compared with 80+, the gradation is elevated by one step: the minimum is not White but Bronze, the maximum is not Titanium, but Diamond. While PSU manufacturers are undergoing both tests (80+ and Cybenetics), in the future, most likely, only one will remain.
PPLP (PSU Performance Level Plan) - possibly, a "third force" will prevail, which does not measure too many, not too few, but 15 parameters. Apart from the efficiency and built-in fan noise, the PSU's performance under load and idle is checked, measuring ripple and voltage deviation across individual lines. A complete list of requirements for truly high-quality power supplies can be found on PPLP Lab's official website. So far, only a few dozen models have passed this thorough inspection, whereas Cybenetics has hundreds and 80 PLUS has thousands.
4. Model Examples
| Nkt.ua | 4 132 ₴ | To Store |
| Ktc.ua | 4 499 ₴ | To Store |
| Luckylink.kiev.ua | 4 499 ₴ | To Store |
| Tviy-Dim.com | 4 666 ₴ | To Store |
| Comtrade.ua | 4 499 ₴ | To Store |
PCCooler YK1000 — the most affordable kilowatt PSU of the latest ATX 3.1 standard, costs about 100 dollars. Many competitors at 750 W are even more expensive, not to mention 850 W. Therefore, the non-modular design and 80 PLUS Bronze certification is quite an acceptable economy. Moreover, the real efficiency at low and medium loads is more likely closer to "silver."
The schematic is modern Active PFC + DC to DC, it would be strange to meet a kilowatt on an archaic group stabilization. It is stated to operate only at input voltages of 200 - 240 volts (in practice, the range is somewhat wider). The holding Taiwanese capacitor is Ltec for 85 degrees Celsius, and the fan Power Year on a hydraulic bearing HYB.
All cables are made in the shape of flat soft "noodles," facilitating neat laying behind the back of the PC case. Most wires have a standard section of 18AWG, while the 12V-2x6 graphics card is reinforced with 16AWG (a smaller number is better). There are also four 6+2-pin connectors for Radeon RX 9000 XT, as AMD remains loyal to the classics.
| Telemart.ua | 4 785 ₴ | To Store |
| MTA.ua | 5 079 ₴ | To Store |
| Moyo.ua | 4 782 ₴ | To Store |
| FOXTROT.UA | 5 079 ₴ | To Store |
| Denika.ua | 4 429 ₴ | To Store |
Chieftec Vega M PPG-850-C — a modular ATX 3.1 power supply with 80+ Gold certification, meaning 90 percent efficiency under any load. Additionally awarded by Interseroh and TUV Rheinland: the first indicates the absence of harmful substances, the second assures complete electrical safety. It is protected against short circuit, power overload, and over-voltage, and under-voltage.
The schematics with LLC Half-Bridge resonant circuit clearly stabilize low-voltage lines +12, +5, +3.3 V. Capacitors are mainly Taiwanese Teapo, notably of the high-temperature 105°C series. The Globe Fan of the enlarged diameter of 13.5 cm has a durable hydrodynamic bearing FDB, as confirmed by the 5-year warranty.
Chieftec Vega M is suitable for both European 230-volt household electrical networks and American 115-volt ones. And it works across the entire intermediate range, even smoothing out severe voltage dips during peak hours. It has an electromagnetic interference filter, a relay for smooth start, a thermistor for temperature control, and a varistor for lightning protection.
1stPlayer NGDP Gold HA-850BA4 — a semi-passive ATX 3.1 PSU where the fan does not spin up to half load in 0 RPM Fan Mode. If desired, the On-Off button can switch to continuous active cooling, for example, during summer heat. The hydraulic dynamic 12 cm fan is manufactured by Hong Hua, and the intake grill has large triangular perforations.
The high-voltage capacitor is represented by Japanese Nichicon 105°C, low-voltage filter capacitors, both electrolytic and solid-state, are also all from Japan without exception. The manufacturer promises up to 100 thousand hours of trouble-free performance and provides a whole 10-year warranty. The quality is confirmed by external independent testing of MES ID (details via QR code).
For its energy efficiency, the PSU is awarded two "gold medals" 80 PLUS and Cybenetics. Also, 1stPlayer offers a platinum model with 94% efficiency. Hence, a negligible amount of electricity is converted into waste heat, and the rest is conveyed to the GPU via a very long 12V-2x6 cable with a textured braid. Reusable ties and cable holders are provided in the kit.
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