Question How much does ATX 3.0/3.1 compliance matter for a new build ?

[Pimpom]

I'm taking it for granted that getting an ATX 3.0/3.1 compliant PSU will be prudent for possible future upgrades. But what if budget and availability constraints make it easier to choose from older 2.x models?

For example, I'm collecting parts for an RTX 4070 with a 65W CPU, a B650 AM5 motherboard with 2x16GB RAM. Is it strongly advisable to get an ATX 3 PSU? Please disregard all other considerations of quality, wattage and certification in this context.

 

[Eximo]

To some extent, yes. ATX 3.0 specifies 200% power for 100ms without over current tripping. This lets the PSU handle sudden power spikes from high end GPUs. You also get native support for 12VHPWR (3.0) or 2x6 (3.1) connections for Nvidia, and apparently some upcoming Intel GPUs. I think AMD partners have made a few models that also use the new connector.

While many late model ATX 2.4+ PSUs are more than capable of handling such spikes, it was not specified, so if you drop a 4090/5090 in there, probably going to have issues.

RTX 4070 isn't that big though. The cost difference between a highly rated older ATX 2.x PSU and an ATX 3.x PSU should be minimal. All that will be left of the older units is overpriced new old stock.

 

[Pimpom]

Thanks, that's very helpful.
A real high-end PSU is over budget (it's not for me). I've shortlisted some models priced US$85-90 equivalent where I live (India). They're all 750W, ATX 3, 80+ Gold, modular. Any other suggestions are welcome.

MSI MAG A750GL PCIE5
Gigabyte GP-UD750GM
DeepCool Gamer Storm PN750M
Thermaltake ToughPower GF A3 750W

 

[Eximo]

MSI MAG A750GL PCIE5 will do just fine.

GF A3 is not bad either, but not the best unit from Thermaltake.

 

[Pimpom]

Thanks. I'd like to ask a corollary question:

I've long heard about PSU tier lists but never really made use of them before. When I looked at them today, I was surprised that none of them included the Antec G series anywhere, not even on the lowest rungs.

Yet this series is widely carried by online shops here in India and the prices suggest that they'd be on the B- or C tiers. It's not like they are generic Chinese products rebranded with Indian company names (there's plenty of that).

I find it hard to believe that the series is so bad that no one wants to taint their tier list with them. Does anyone know about them?

 

[ak47jar3d]

Doesn't matter at all. I would take whatever is cheapest.

 

[dark_globe]

antec is selling a wide range of units of various quality .
there are no reputable reviews of this unit to be found and it comes with 5 years warranty only
(generally speaking better units either have 7 years or better yet 10 years of warranty on them)

either Thermaltake ToughPower GF A3 750W or MSI MAG A750GL PCIE5
will do fine if thats the best you can get for a reasonable price .

 

[Pimpom]

At this point I'm not seriously considering the Antec over the ones I listed. It's just that I'm surprised at the lack of information about the G series. After all, Antec isn't exactly an insignificant player on the computer accessories market.

The G series is 80+ Gold and semi-modular. The G750 is available at the official Antec India online store for the equivalent of US$78 and for $67 elsewhere.

The Antec India site says it's rated for 230V 50Hz and that it uses "High Quality JP Capacitors" and "120mm FDB Silent Fan". It's probably distributed only on the Asian market, hence the lack of in-depth reviews.

The listing on the Antec India online store says it's "ATX 3.0 Ready" just below the heading but also says it's ATX 12V 2.53 under Additional Information below. I asked support about this. The quick reply asked me where this is mentioned. I told them and am now waiting for a reply.

 

[Eximo]

Yes, certainly sounds like a fixed input unit not sold globally. So the issue with most vendors is they don't actually make the power supply, just ask an OEM to do it. If they are targeting a specific market, they are likely focusing on price point and not so much on quality.

That said, in the past, some of the better PSUs were 240V only because they could be built much more simply than those that accept 100-240V 50/60hz. On the downside, the higher voltage makes the PSU more efficient, which means that an 80+ gold at 240V is easier to achieve, so they can make the PSU cheaper.

Trusting the marketing materials isn't the best idea. Even the big companies often make huge mistakes or omissions (as may be the case here). Bad translations, design changes not communicated, or just the marketing team using nonsense words that have nothing to do with anything is commonplace.

 

[Pimpom]

Update: Antec support replied and confirmed that the G series is not ATX 3.0 ready. They apologised for the error and said that they'd rectified it. I checked and they've done it.

The "ATX 3.0 Ready" and "PCIE 5 Ready" markings were displayed under the heading in the style of logos rather than plain text. They've taken both down and only the 80+ Gold 'sticker' remains now.