ATX12VO - Eating a New Way

Even in the ever-changing computer world, there are islands of tranquility, where the foot of improvers rarely goes. These PC components live according to the principle "works - do not touch", which has been repeatedly tested in practice. One example of such mutually beneficial longevity is the ATX form factor and its components. However, even the most successful decisions are sometimes audited. In 2020, Intel introduced a new desktop power supply option, the ATX12VO.

The well-known ATX standard was developed by Intel in 1995; He regulated both the mechanical parameters of the computer system and its power supply circuit: a set of voltages supplied from the PSU to the motherboard and other components, the geometry and pinout of the power connectors, as well as the principles of controlling the electrical circuit. According to the current standard, the power supply supplies constant voltage of 3.3 V, ± 5 V and ± 12 V to the motherboard using the main 24-pin connector. Power to other devices and computer components is also mostly distributed from the PSU.

The ATX12VO standard significantly changes the electrical circuit of a computer. 12VO means “12 V Only”, the power supply itself is called “Single Rail PSU”, that is, “PSU with one output voltage”. The essence of the idea is now clearly understandable: a single +12 V voltage is applied to the motherboard using a shortened 10-pin connector. The board itself is engaged in further voltage conversion and distribution of power to low-voltage consumers. The power connectors are soldered in convenient places for this, say, for drives - next to the connectors for data cables.



The current strength is calculated based on a practical standard of 6-8 A per pin. In the event that the power supplied to the board is not enough for the normal operation of the PC (a powerful processor or other consumer is installed, overclocking is applied), the power supply can provide an additional 12 V power line, while the modular principle applies: the wires are connected to the connectors on the back wall BP



The new power standard has two main advantages:

1. Significantly reduced the number of electrical wires and connectors in the computer case. There is no longer any need to use ties to organize garlands of unused pads - only the necessary power elements are inside. Additionally, the small main connector saves space on the motherboard.
2. Power through the motherboard allows you to implement more subtle modes of power consumption and energy saving, in particular, Alternative Sleep Mode (ASM). The desktop, like a laptop, should be energy efficient in the 21st century.

Power supplies of the new standard will appear later this year, initially in ready-made models of OEM manufacturers. Next comes support for ATX12VO and at the level of separately sold motherboards. A detailed white paper describing the new standard is available on Intel's website .

Source: https://habr.com/ru/post/undefined/