Intel Readies ATX12VO V3 PSU Standard With Efficiency Increases

Intel originally introduced the ATX12VO (ATX 12 Volt Only) standard in 2020, promising simplified PSU designs and efficiency improvements over the standard ATX standard, with the ATX12VO V2 standard arriving in 2022 with further efficiency improvements, especially when it comes to idle power draw. According to a recent leak by @momomo_us on X, ATX12VO appears to be getting yet another revision with further improvements to efficiency. It’s not clear when Intel will officially announce the standard update, but the proximity to Computex suggests that a Computex 2026 launch may be possible.

The key takeaways for ATX12VO V3 appear to be that the update will introduce a new 8-pin connector, with the new standard eliminating the standby rail in the name of efficiency. Intel will also introduce new Low Power and High Power modes, which is meant to improve safety and efficiency. According to benchmark results from the leaked presentation slides, ATX12VO V3 is up to 29% more efficient than regular multi-rail ATX PSUs at idle and as much as 12% more efficient during load benchmarks. The new PSU standard also brings over PMBUS from the server world, which adds four optional motherboard connector pins, for a total of 12, and allows PSU-to-system communication for more advanced digital power management.