Posted on Monday, May 17 2021 @ 10:20 CEST by Thomas De Maesschalck
The ATX12VO standard enhances energy efficiency by getting rid of the 3.3V and 5V rails in the power supply. This functionality is transferred to the motherboard, which will need some extra power circuitry to take over this job.
The benefit is that overall system efficiency increases and for computer enthusiasts, the added side benefit is that the bulky 24-pin ATX power connector is no more -- with ATX12VO you get a slimmer 10-min connector. Especially idle power consumption should get a big improvement with ATX12VO.
Intel to push Alder Lake and ATX12VO -- but mobo and PSU makers hesitant
Later this year, Intel will release its Alder Lake-S desktop processors. These chips will be a massive change. You will get a hybrid core architecture, DDR5 support, and PCI Express 5.0. A new LGA1700 socket will be used so it will be necessary to buy a new motherboard. VideoCardz reports Intel is trying to pitch ATX12VO in combination with Alder Lake.The website got in touch with motherboard makers and reports most vendors seem very hesitant to switch to ATX12VO. Basically, most high-end motherboards for the enthusiast market are unlikely to support ATX12VO anytime soon. We may see some adoption in the entry-level market, as well as pre-made systems from OEMs. Everything else will likely stick with current PSUs.
We have reached out to our sources at motherboard vendors who have confirmed that Intel is indeed interested in ATX12VO becoming a more popular standard, but right now there is strong opposition from motherboard makers as well as power supply manufacturers. Most high-end gaming boards for Alder Lake are unlikely to feature ATX12VO standards. We might however see a lot more entry-level motherboards for system integrators and pre-built system suppliers who are interested in offering the best power efficiency to meet strict government power regulations. -- VideoCardz
