Intel promotes the ATX12VO power standard. It is more efficient, but it makes the boards more expensive

The ATX12VO standard is not complicated. While the vast majority of voltages needed at the motherboard interface are now powered by a power supply, the ATX12VO standard only plows 12 volts into the motherboard’s main power connector and everything else (whether higher or lower voltages) is directed by the motherboard.

What is such a change good for? The goal is to increase efficiency at very low consumption. According to Intel figures, the current system has an efficiency of 64% at a load of 20 watts, while the system built on the ATX12VO reaches 83%. Both at the 500W power supply with 80 Plus Gold certification.

So what is the advantage? Saving about 7 watts at rest (idle). If you are among the users who are the first to show after visiting the apartment that their PC is not equipped with any large ugly connectors and cables, then you might be pleased with the smaller power connector (as it is only the 12 volts…).

Intel Alder Lake

However, according to the TechPowerUp editorial board, the board manufacturers are not very willing to respond to Intel’s call, and it seems that a number of boards for Alder Lake will not be equipped with the ATX12VO standard. The reason is also simple: The part of the power supply circuits hitherto integrated at the source level must be moved to the motherboard. This increases production costs without bringing any major advantage to board manufacturers. On the contrary, it is no wonder that Intel strongly supports the standard, as it is in CPU reviews Alder Lake would reduce the consumption bar by 7 watts for “Core i9-12900K – Alder Lake” in the “PC consumption – idle” graph.

Intel’s enthusiasm is as understandable as the stretched faces of the board manufacturers. It can be expected that the standard will prevail over time, but it will probably not be a matter of one generation when it would appear on the entire portfolio like a magic wand. Especially in the mainstream and low-end, neither manufacturers nor customers will be willing to spend more. Similarly, in retail, where the source is expected to be used for several generations of processors, most users will probably not be willing to throw away a fully functional 650-750W 80 Plus Gold power supply for 2000-3000 CZK just because consumption can drop by up to 7 watts.

–