How to Guide                                                    

When using the latest ATX 3.1 power supply, the most important thing to be aware of is the 12V 2x6 connector used for GPU power cables. Although this revised connector has significantly reduced the risk of connector burnouts, improper handling can still cause damage. Please pay special attention to the following points:

Connection Status Between Power Cable and GPU Connector

When connecting the GPU, ensure the direction of the cable and GPU connector matches. Also, confirm that the latch is fully engaged and locked in place.

Avoid Bending the Cable Within 35mm of the Connector

Whether installing the GPU horizontally or vertically, you'll likely need to bend the power cable. If the cable is bent too close to the connector, it can cause the plastic sheath near the connector to peel off, potentially leading to short circuits. It is recommended to bend the cable only after at least 35mm of straight length from the connector.

Do Not Force or Repeatedly Bend the Cable

While modern power cables are built to be durable, excessive force or repeated bending can still damage them, increasing the risk of electrical issues.





When using the latest ATX 3.1 power supply, the most important thing to be aware of is the 12V 2x6 connector used for GPU power cables. Although this revised connector has significantly reduced the risk of connector burnouts, improper handling can still cause damage. Please pay special attention to the following points:



Connection Status Between Power Cable and GPU Connector

When connecting the GPU, ensure the direction of the cable and GPU connector matches. Also, confirm that the latch is fully engaged and locked in place.







Avoid Bending the Cable Within 35mm of the Connector

Whether installing the GPU horizontally or vertically, you'll likely need to bend the power cable. If the cable is bent too close to the connector, it can cause the plastic sheath near the connector to peel off, potentially leading to short circuits. It is recommended to bend the cable only after at least 35mm of straight length from the connector.







Do Not Force or Repeatedly Bend the Cable

While modern power cables are built to be durable, excessive force or repeated bending can still damage them, increasing the risk of electrical issues.





When using the latest 12V-2x6 GPU power cable, please pay attention to the following points.

Precautions When Using the Latest ATX 3.1 Power Supply GPU Cables

Power supplies can be categorized based on cable management into 

 types. These classifications mainly affect cable management convenience, installation flexibility, and overall tidiness inside the PC case.

A full modular power supply allows all cables connecting to the motherboard and other components to be detached. Users can choose which cables to install, making it more flexible for DIY builders and resulting in a cleaner cable management setup.

A semi-modular power supply has some fixed cables that cannot be removed, while others are detachable. This design offers a balance between flexibility and ease of use.

A non-modular power supply has all cables permanently attached, making it the most affordable but least convenient option for cable management.

✔ You prioritize clean and organized cable management.

✔ You frequently upgrade hardware and need flexible installations.

✔ You are on a tight budget and just need a cost-effective option.





Power supplies can be categorized based on cable management into full modular, semi-modular, and non-modular types. These classifications mainly affect cable management convenience, installation flexibility, and overall tidiness inside the PC case.



Full Modular Power Supply

A full modular power supply allows all cables connecting to the motherboard and other components to be detached. Users can choose which cables to install, making it more flexible for DIY builders and resulting in a cleaner cable management setup.







✅ Advantages





Allows installation of only the necessary cables, reducing clutter.



Easy to upgrade or replace cables without changing the entire power supply.



⚠️ Disadvantages





More expensive than semi-modular and non-modular power supplies.



Requires manual cable installation, which may not be beginner-friendly.



Semi-Modular Power Supply

A semi-modular power supply has some fixed cables that cannot be removed, while others are detachable. This design offers a balance between flexibility and ease of use.







✅ Advantages





The 24-pin motherboard and 8-pin CPU power cables are fixed, preventing mistakes during installation.



Reduces unnecessary cables, maintaining a cleaner PC interior.



⚠️ Disadvantages





Fixed power cables may create unnecessary clutter inside the case.



Harder to manage than a full modular PSU but still better than a non-modular one.



Non-Modular (Fixed Cable) Power Supply

A non-modular power supply has all cables permanently attached, making it the most affordable but least convenient option for cable management.







✅ Advantages





No need to install cables separately, simplifying the setup process.



Lower cost, making it a high-value option.



⚠️ Disadvantages





Excess cables can cause clutter, affecting airflow and aesthetics.



Harder to replace; if a cable fails, the entire PSU needs to be replaced.



Typically has lower efficiency ratings and is not ideal for mid-to-high-end hardware.



Which Power Supply Should You Choose?

You should consider a full modular power supply if:

✔ You have a higher budget.

✔ You prioritize clean and organized cable management.

✔ You frequently upgrade hardware and need flexible installations.

✔ You are using high-end components.







A semi-modular or non-modular power supply is sufficient if:

✔ You are on a tight budget and just need a cost-effective option.

✔ You are building an office PC.

✔ You do not need a dedicated GPU.





Power supplies are categorized into three main types based on how their cables are connected. Let’s take a quick look!

Ｗhat are Full Modular, Semi-Modular, and Non-Modular Power Supplies?

As graphics card power consumption continues to increase, Intel has established new power supply standards: ATX 3.0 and ATX 3.1. These standards are mainly designed to meet the high power demands of high-end graphics cards ATX 3.1 is an upgrade from ATX 3.0, focusing on improving power stability and safety.

ATX 3.0 is a new power supply standard introduced by Intel in 2022, primarily to accommodate high-wattage graphics cards. It also introduces the PCIe 5.0 12VHPWR power connector. The first graphics card to implement the 12VHPWR connector was the RTX 3090 Ti.

With the launch of the RTX 40 series, flagship graphics cards like the RTX 4090 and RTX 4080 adopted the latest 12VHPWR power connector. However, soon after release, many users reported that the power connector was overheating and even melting, leading consumers and review media to question the reliability of the 12VHPWR connector.

Although NVIDIA stated that the overheating issue was primarily due to users not fully inserting the connector, many gamers still believe it was caused by poor design of the 12VHPWR connector.

↑Graphics card damaged due to overheating connector (Image from 

ATX 3.1 is an improved version of ATX 3.0 introduced by Intel, mainly aimed at addressing the overheating and melting issues caused by the 12VHPWR power cable connector.

Improvement 1 | Power Connector Enhancement

ATX 3.1 improves upon the 12VHPWR power cable connector by adjusting the pin length to ensure a secure connection. This not only improves safety but also prevents damage due to poor contact when inserting or removing the graphics card. Additionally, the connector has been renamed to 12V-2x6.

Improvement 2 | Increased Power Supply Stability and Durability

ATX 3.1 adjusts the power hold-up time requirements. At full load, it only needs to maintain 12ms, but at 80% load, it must still maintain 17ms, improving overall stability.

The connectors for ATX 3.0 and ATX 3.1 look identical, meaning users cannot distinguish them by appearance alone. Currently, the only way to differentiate them is by checking the product specifications.

darkFlash has launched the PMT series power supply, which adopts the latest ATX 3.1 standard and includes the 12V-2x6 power connector. This ensures stable and safe power delivery of up to 600W while avoiding the melting issues of ATX 3.0 connectors.

For those using RTX 40 and RTX 50 series graphics cards, the PMT series power supply is one of the most reliable choices.

↑PMT power supply 12V-2x6 cable and connector





As graphics card power consumption continues to increase, Intel has established new power supply standards: ATX 3.0 and ATX 3.1. These standards are mainly designed to meet the high power demands of high-end graphics cards ATX 3.1 is an upgrade from ATX 3.0, focusing on improving power stability and safety.

 

What is an ATX 3.0 Power Supply?

ATX 3.0 is a new power supply standard introduced by Intel in 2022, primarily to accommodate high-wattage graphics cards. It also introduces the PCIe 5.0 12VHPWR power connector. The first graphics card to implement the 12VHPWR connector was the RTX 3090 Ti.

 

Key Features of ATX 3.0





Supports 12VHPWR power connector (16-pin).



A single cable can deliver up to 600W, suitable for high-end graphics cards.



Replaces multiple 8-pin power cables, reducing cable clutter.



Can handle up to 200% transient power spikes, ensuring system stability.



Controversies Surrounding ATX 3.0

With the launch of the RTX 40 series, flagship graphics cards like the RTX 4090 and RTX 4080 adopted the latest 12VHPWR power connector. However, soon after release, many users reported that the power connector was overheating and even melting, leading consumers and review media to question the reliability of the 12VHPWR connector.

 

Although NVIDIA stated that the overheating issue was primarily due to users not fully inserting the connector, many gamers still believe it was caused by poor design of the 12VHPWR connector.

 



↑Graphics card damaged due to overheating connector (Image from reddit, r/nvidia)

 

The Birth of ATX 3.1

ATX 3.1 is an improved version of ATX 3.0 introduced by Intel, mainly aimed at addressing the overheating and melting issues caused by the 12VHPWR power cable connector.

 

Key Improvements in ATX 3.1

Improvement 1 | Power Connector Enhancement

ATX 3.1 improves upon the 12VHPWR power cable connector by adjusting the pin length to ensure a secure connection. This not only improves safety but also prevents damage due to poor contact when inserting or removing the graphics card. Additionally, the connector has been renamed to 12V-2x6.







Improvement 2 | Increased Power Supply Stability and Durability

ATX 3.1 adjusts the power hold-up time requirements. At full load, it only needs to maintain 12ms, but at 80% load, it must still maintain 17ms, improving overall stability.

 

ATX 3.0 vs. ATX 3.1 Comparison

The connectors for ATX 3.0 and ATX 3.1 look identical, meaning users cannot distinguish them by appearance alone. Currently, the only way to differentiate them is by checking the product specifications.







Recommended ATX 3.1 Power Supply - PMT Series

darkFlash has launched the PMT series power supply, which adopts the latest ATX 3.1 standard and includes the 12V-2x6 power connector. This ensures stable and safe power delivery of up to 600W while avoiding the melting issues of ATX 3.0 connectors.

 

For those using RTX 40 and RTX 50 series graphics cards, the PMT series power supply is one of the most reliable choices.





↑PMT power supply 12V-2x6 cable and connector

 (Image from forum.gamer.com.tw)

Power supplies have reached a new version—explore the differences after the upgrade!

ATX 3.0 and ATX 3.1 Power Supply Detailed Introduction

When manufacturers produce keyboards, the mainstream keycap production methods currently include laser engraving, dye-sublimation, and double-shot molding. So, what are the differences between them?

 Uses a laser to etch onto the surface of pre-made keycaps.

 Budget keyboards, office membrane keyboards

 Uses high heat to vaporize dye, which then penetrates the PBT keycap material.

 Mid-range keyboards, PBT keycap keyboards

 Commonly known as molded keycaps, where two types of plastic are injected together to form a single piece. The legend is a separate colored plastic, not printed or engraved.

 High-end keyboards, backlit gaming keyboards

Affordable Double-Shot Keyboards – GD Series Mechanical Keyboards

 mechanical keyboards from darkFlash offer top-tier PBT material and premium double-shot molded keycaps. Who says a budget-friendly keyboard can’t also be durable? On top of that, the GD Series features both 2.4G wireless and wired connections. One keyboard is all you need for both work and play.





When manufacturers produce keyboards, the mainstream keycap production methods currently include laser engraving, dye-sublimation, and double-shot molding. So, what are the differences between them?



Production Method｜Laser Engraving

Process: Uses a laser to etch onto the surface of pre-made keycaps.

Pros of Laser Engraving:





Lower price point and shorter production time



Low technical barrier; users can pay extra to have laser engraving added after purchase

Cons of Laser Engraving:





Legends may fade after extended use



Engraved areas can feel rough to the touch



Light-colored symbols make it harder to use in low-light conditions

Typical Usage: Budget keyboards, office membrane keyboards







Production Method｜Dye-Sublimation

Process: Uses high heat to vaporize dye, which then penetrates the PBT keycap material.

Pros of Dye-Sublimation





Finer and more delicate font appearance



Mainly used with PBT keycaps, which retain their durability, resistance to wear, and oil resistance

Cons of Dye-Sublimation





Cannot be used for transparent keycaps



Less effective on dark-colored keycaps

Typical Usage: Mid-range keyboards, PBT keycap keyboards







Production Method｜Double-Shot Molding

Process: Commonly known as molded keycaps, where two types of plastic are injected together to form a single piece. The legend is a separate colored plastic, not printed or engraved.

Pros of Double-Shot Molding





Legends don’t wear off over time



Best color and backlight compatibility



Premium production method that results in precise and durable keycaps

Cons of Double-Shot Molding





Requires custom molds, which increases development cost



Higher product price

Typical Usage: High-end keyboards, backlit gaming keyboards







Affordable Double-Shot Keyboards – GD Series Mechanical Keyboards



The GD Series mechanical keyboards from darkFlash offer top-tier PBT material and premium double-shot molded keycaps. Who says a budget-friendly keyboard can’t also be durable? On top of that, the GD Series features both 2.4G wireless and wired connections. One keyboard is all you need for both work and play.





Keycap manufacturing processes are generally divided into three types: laser engraving, dye sublimation, and double-shot molding.

Keycap Craftsmanship Revealed: Laser Engraving, Dye Sublimation, and Double-Shot Molding

As an enthusiast of games and computer DIY in this age, we, darkFlash, feel proud and grateful for keep thinking how to develop impressive and extraordinary products with high-end facilities by assembling and using the PC cases, CPU coolers, case fans, and even gaming chairs and tables in person.

Our goal is to create products that could extremely exert its effect by every user.