What Is ATX 3.0?
What Is ATX12VO?
ATX12VO (ATX 12V Only) is a variation of the ATX 3.0 specification.
Hannah Stryker / How-To Geek
This allows the ATX12VO PSU to be much simpler in design.
Which hopefully translates into better efficiency, lower costs, and more durability.
ATX 3.0 and ATX12VO PSUs are designed to provide stable and reliable power to the system.
They can also handle largeGPUpower spikes, an area of concern in recent GPUs.
ATX12VO PSUs are only compatible with motherboards that specifically support the ATX12VO specification.
ATX 3.0 and ATX12VO PSUs use standard power connectors commonly found on ATX motherboards and other components.
That is apart from the more compact 10-pin motherboard power connector.
Related:PSA: Upgrading Your PSU?
We expect that quality ATX 3.0 PSUs will have connectors with commensurate quality and safety.
Should You Upgrade Your PSU?
There’s no overriding pressure to run out and get one of these new PSUs immediately.
With ATX12VO, it’s really a case of what sort of system you want to build.
These power supplies are compact since they rely on DC-to-DC converters on the motherboard to provide other voltages.
