“We don’t often talk about power supplies, but Intel’s new ATX12VO spec — that’s an ‘O’ for ‘Oscar,’ not a zero — will start appearing soon in pre-built PCs from OEMs and system integrators, and it represents a major change in PSU design,” reports PC World.
“The ATX12VO spec removes voltage rails from the power supply, all in a bid to improve efficiency standards on the PC and meet stringent government regulations. But while the spec essentially removes +3.3-volt, +5-volt and -12-volt and +5-volt standby power from the PSU, they aren’t going away — they’re just moving to the motherboard. That’s the other big change…”
Long-time Slashdot reader UnknowingFool explains:
If those voltages are required, the motherboard is expected to supply it by converting 12V power. Removing those two rails will shrink the connector from 24 pin to 10 pin.
One of the main reasons is increased flexibility for future needs. That dependence on these separate rails has been reduced over time but current power supplies must dedicate a fixed amount to those rails. The example given is that a current 600W PS may only need 15% (90W) of total power dedicated to those rails but a decade ago may require 25% (150W). Switching to the MB supplying the power means more 12V power.
A benefit is power supplies will be cheaper to make and also more power efficient. With two fewer rails, there is fewer connectors and parts and power supply makers can focus on efficiency of just one rail.
of this story at Slashdot.
Source:: Slashdot