Intel releases ATX 3.0 and ATX12VO 2.0
Intel announced the release of the ATX 3.0 specification. This is Intel’s most significant power specification update since the release of the ATX 2.0 specification in early 2003, to better unlock the capabilities and potential of next-generation hardware. In addition, Intel introduced ATX12VO 2.0, a revision to the original version that provides the industry with a new design blueprint to reduce idle power consumption and help users reduce power requirements.
Stephen Eastman, Intel platform power specialist says: “Power supplies based on ATX 3.0 and ATX12VO 2.0 will ensure anyone looking to get the most stable and cost optimized performance possible with highest power efficiency out of their desktop PCs will be able to do so – both now and in the future.”
Stephen Eastman, Intel platform power specialist says: “Power supplies based on ATX 3.0 and ATX12VO 2.0 will ensure anyone looking to get the most stable and cost optimized performance possible with highest power efficiency out of their desktop PCs will be able to do so – both now and in the future.”
Key additions to the ATX 3.0 and ATX12VO 2.0 specifications include:
- A new 12VHPWR connector will power most, if not all, future PCIe 5.0 desktop Add-in cards (e.g., graphics cards). This new connector provides up to 600 watts directly to any PCIe 5.0 Add-in/graphics card. It also includes sideband signals that will allow the power supply to communicate the power limit it can provide to any PCIe 5.0 graphic card.
- New guidelines reflect the PCIe CEM Gen 5 power excursion limit for PCIe 5.0 add-in cards that was published in November 2021. Updated specifications include new DC output voltage regulation that will be necessary for managing new power excursion requirements.
- ATX12VO 2.0 also adds the I_PSU% feature to desktop platforms – delivering an Intel-driven innovation previously available on mobile and server platforms. This feature provides benefits to small form-factor (SFF) systems that can’t employ larger power supplies. It also provides cost efficiencies for original equipment manufacturers (OEMs) as they are better able to right-size PSU selection to meet system requirements.
Intel says that with the ATX 3.0 and ATX12VO 2.0 specifications, desktop users can get the best performance on the new generation of graphics cards. Choosing the right power supply can maximize the performance of your system. In addition to system performance, the ATX12VO 2.0 specification can help the PC industry meet government energy regulations. Products based on the ATX 3.0 and ATX12VO 2.0 specifications are expected to launch in 2022.
