How-to Guides                                                   

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

Hướng dẫn thực hành

Khi sử dụng cáp nguồn GPU 12V-2x6 mới nhất, vui lòng chú ý đến những điểm sau.

Lưu ý khi sử dụng cáp GPU nguồn ATX 3.1 thế hệ mới nhất

Hardware Tips                                                   

Few things are more frustrating than watching your FPS suddenly dip while you are in the middle of a game. Your system seems fine, temps look normal, but the frame rate just drops out of nowhere. These unexpected FPS drops are extremely common, and there are several real reasons behind them.

High Temperatures Causing Thermal Throttling

The number-one cause of sudden FPS drops is excessive heat. When your CPU or GPU gets too hot, it automatically reduces its clock speed to protect itself, leading to instant performance loss.

, featuring louver side panel on PSU Chamber)

Running out of VRAM can cause instant FPS drops. When VRAM is full, the GPU is forced to offload data to system RAM, which is much slower.

Sometimes your game is not the problem. Windows or other apps may be taking CPU, GPU, or RAM in the background (e.g., Chrome tabs, Windows Update).

Power Supply Issues (Insufficient or Unstable Power)

This is an often overlooked cause. If your PSU cannot handle sudden power spikes (transients) from a modern GPU, your system may throttle or crash.

Insufficient RAM or Single-Channel Memory

Your FPS may drop if your system is running out of RAM or if it is running at low speed.

Modern games stream assets constantly. If you install games on a slow HDD, you will notice stuttering when moving to new areas.

Even the best hardware will throttle if it's choked by dust. Dust acts as an insulator, trapping heat inside heatsinks.

Conclusion: Stabilize Your Framerates with darkFlash

. While software tweaks can help, the ultimate fix is often ensuring your hardware has the environment it needs to perform. Whether you need better airflow, powerful liquid cooling, or a reliable power supply, 

darkFlash has the gear to keep your frames high and your temps low.





Few things are more frustrating than watching your FPS suddenly dip while you are in the middle of a game. Your system seems fine, temps look normal, but the frame rate just drops out of nowhere. These unexpected FPS drops are extremely common, and there are several real reasons behind them.



High Temperatures Causing Thermal Throttling

The number-one cause of sudden FPS drops is excessive heat. When your CPU or GPU gets too hot, it automatically reduces its clock speed to protect itself, leading to instant performance loss.



Typical throttle temperatures





CPU: around 90°C and above



GPU: 80–90°C depending on the model

Fixes





Improve Case Airflow: If your case feels like an oven, your components can't breathe. Consider upgrading to a high-airflow case like the darkFlash DY460 which features louvered side panels designed to maximize cold air intake.



(darkFlash DY460 ATX PC Case, featuring louver side panel on PSU Chamber)







Upgrade Your Cooler: Stock coolers often struggle with modern gaming loads. Switching to a darkFlash AIO Liquid Cooler (like the DE360/240 or DO360/240 Liquid Cooler) can drop temps significantly and keep boost clocks stable.



(darkFlash DE360 Liquid CPU Cooler)







Check Your Fans: Ensure you have positive or neutral air pressure. Adding high-performance darkFlash RGB fans not only looks great but ensures heat is actively pushed out of the chassis.



(darkFlash INF34 Cooling Fan, pre-installed in DY460 PC Case)



VRAM (Graphics Memory) Is Full

Running out of VRAM can cause instant FPS drops. When VRAM is full, the GPU is forced to offload data to system RAM, which is much slower.



Fixes





Lower texture quality in game settings.



Turn off demanding effects like Ray Tracing if your card struggles.



Pro Tip: A well-cooled GPU boosts higher and handles loads better. Ensure your case has bottom or front fans directing air straight to the GPU.





Background Programs Eating Resources

Sometimes your game is not the problem. Windows or other apps may be taking CPU, GPU, or RAM in the background (e.g., Chrome tabs, Windows Update).



Fixes





Use "Exclusive Fullscreen" mode in games.



Turn on Windows Game Mode.



Check Task Manager for sudden spikes.



(Call of Duty: Black Ops 7 Trailer via Xbox YouTube Channel. Best experienced in fullscreen)



Power Supply Issues (Insufficient or Unstable Power)

This is an often overlooked cause. If your PSU cannot handle sudden power spikes (transients) from a modern GPU, your system may throttle or crash.



Symptoms





Sharp FPS drops during explosions or intense scenes.



GPU usage fluctuating wildly.

Fixes





Ensure Stability: Never skimp on your power supply unit. A high-quality PSU provides stable voltage even during load spikes.



Upgrade Capacity: If you are running a high-end card (like an RTX 5080) on an old 600W unit, it's time to upgrade to a darkFlash High-Wattage PSU to ensure your system gets the clean power it needs.



(darkFlash PMT Power Supply, Cybenetics platinum certified)



Insufficient RAM or Single-Channel Memory

Your FPS may drop if your system is running out of RAM or if it is running at low speed.



Fixes





Enable XMP / EXPO in BIOS.



Ensure you are using dual-channel configurations (two sticks are better than one).





Slow Storage Causing Loading Stalls

Modern games stream assets constantly. If you install games on a slow HDD, you will notice stuttering when moving to new areas.



Fixes





Always install AAA games on an NVMe SSD.





Dust Buildup & Maintenance

Even the best hardware will throttle if it's choked by dust. Dust acts as an insulator, trapping heat inside heatsinks.



Fixes





Regular Cleaning: Clean your PC every 3-6 months.



Use Dust Filters: This is why most of darkFlash cases come equipped with easy-to-remove dust filters. They catch the dust before it hits your components, making cleaning as easy as peeling off the filter and wiping it down.





Conclusion: Stabilize Your Framerates with darkFlash

Most sudden FPS drops are caused by Heat or Power. While software tweaks can help, the ultimate fix is often ensuring your hardware has the environment it needs to perform. Whether you need better airflow, powerful liquid cooling, or a reliable power supply, darkFlash has the gear to keep your frames high and your temps low.





Sudden FPS drops are common and frustrating, here are the real reasons behind them and how to fix them.

Why Does My FPS Drop Suddenly in Games? Causes and How to Fix It

Mẹo về phần cứng

Hiện tượng giảm FPS đột ngột rất phổ biến và gây khó chịu, dưới đây là những nguyên nhân thực sự đằng sau hiện tượng này và cách khắc phục.

Tại sao FPS của tôi đột ngột giảm trong game? Nguyên nhân và cách khắc phục

Build Guides                                                    

When building a PC, one of the most important yet confusing steps is connecting the Power Supply Unit (PSU). The PSU sends power to every component in your system — from your motherboard and CPU to your GPU and drives.

In this guide, we’ll use the darkFlash PMT Series PSU — known for its modular design, high efficiency, and clean cable layout — as a real example to show you where every cable goes and what each one does.

2. CPU 4+4-Pin Connector – Powering the Processor

Delivers power directly to your CPU for stable operation.

The 4+4-pin (EPS) cable from your PSU goes into labeled 

 socket at the top-left corner of your motherboard.

3. SATA Power Connector – For Storage & Accessories

Powers SATA-based storage drives and accessories, such as:

The flat, L-shaped SATA connector plugs into the side of drives or accessories.

4. Molex Connector – For Legacy Devices

Supplies 12V power to older devices or certain accessories (like some LED strips or fan hubs).

If your accessories use Molex, connect them to the Molex chain cable from your PMT PSU. Otherwise, you can leave this cable unused.

5. PCIe 6+2-Pin Connector – For Your Graphics Card

. Modern GPUs demand a lot of power, often requiring multiple connectors.

Connect the 6+2-pin PCIe cable(s) from the PSU to your GPU’s power input(s). You can use:

6. 12V-2×6 Connector – For Next-Gen GPUs

This next-generation connector (also called 12VHPWR) delivers up to 600 W through one compact 16-pin plug.

Connect it to your GPU's 16-pin port until you hear a click. Ensure the plug is fully seated to prevent heat buildup.

Connecting your PSU correctly is crucial for both performance and safety. Every plug has its purpose — once you understand what each does, building and upgrading your PC becomes easy and enjoyable. 

Take your time, check your manuals, and make sure every click counts.





When building a PC, one of the most important yet confusing steps is connecting the Power Supply Unit (PSU). The PSU sends power to every component in your system — from your motherboard and CPU to your GPU and drives.



In this guide, we’ll use the darkFlash PMT Series PSU — known for its modular design, high efficiency, and clean cable layout — as a real example to show you where every cable goes and what each one does.



1. 24-Pin ATX Main Connector





Purpose

Supplies power to the motherboard.


Where it goes

Right edge of the motherboard.





Tip 1: Modern boards use a 24-pin connector, but older ones may use 20-pin. The extra 4 pins are backward-compatible.

Tip 2: The cable is keyed to fit one way. Make sure it clicks securely into place.



2. CPU 4+4-Pin Connector – Powering the Processor





Purpose

Delivers power directly to your CPU for stable operation.



Where to Plug

The 4+4-pin (EPS) cable from your PSU goes into labeled CPU_PWR or ATX12 socket at the top-left corner of your motherboard.





Tip: Some motherboards may require additional 4pin or 4+4 pin connector. 

Tip: Be careful not to confuse it with PCIe cables — the pin layout is different even though they look similar.



3. SATA Power Connector – For Storage & Accessories





Purpose

Powers SATA-based storage drives and accessories, such as:





SSDs / HDDs



Fan or ARGB controllers



AIO pumps



Where to Plug

The flat, L-shaped SATA connector plugs into the side of drives or accessories.





Tip: Each SATA cable usually has 3–4 connectors, allowing you to chain multiple devices.



4. Molex Connector – For Legacy Devices





Purpose

Supplies 12V power to older devices or certain accessories (like some LED strips or fan hubs).



Where to Plug

If your accessories use Molex, connect them to the Molex chain cable from your PMT PSU. Otherwise, you can leave this cable unused.





Tip: Align the connector carefully — the pins are rigid and can bend if forced.



5. PCIe 6+2-Pin Connector – For Your Graphics Card





Purpose

Provides power to your GPU. The PCI Express (PCIe) connector powers your GPU (graphics card). Modern GPUs demand a lot of power, often requiring multiple connectors.



Where to Plug

Connect the 6+2-pin PCIe cable(s) from the PSU to your GPU’s power input(s). You can use:





1× 8-pin for entry GPUs



2× 8-pin for mid-range



3× 8-pin or 12V-2×6 for high-end models





Tip: Always use PCIe/VGA-labeled cables, not CPU ones.



6. 12V-2×6 Connector – For Next-Gen GPUs





Purpose

This next-generation connector (also called 12VHPWR) delivers up to 600 W through one compact 16-pin plug.



Where to Plug

Connect it to your GPU's 16-pin port until you hear a click. Ensure the plug is fully seated to prevent heat buildup.





Tip: If your GPU uses an adapter (e.g., 3× 8-pin to 12V-2×6), make sure all cables are plugged directly into the PSU — avoid daisy-chaining for high-power cards.



Pro Tips from darkFlash









Use modular PSUs to connect only what you need.



Route cables behind the motherboard tray for better airflow.



Double-check all connections before turning on your PC.



If you hear no fan spin or lights, recheck the 24-pin and CPU connectors first.



Final Thoughts





Connecting your PSU correctly is crucial for both performance and safety. Every plug has its purpose — once you understand what each does, building and upgrading your PC becomes easy and enjoyable. 

Take your time, check your manuals, and make sure every click counts.

Learn how to connect your PC PSU correctly!

How to Properly Plug In Your PC Power Supply (PSU)

Hướng dẫn xây dựng

Hãy tìm hiểu cách kết nối nguồn máy tính (PSU) đúng cách!

Cách cắm nguồn máy tính (PSU) đúng cách

Building a gaming PC means paying attention to every component – including the power supply. In recent years, Intel released new ATX power supply standards (ATX 3.0 and ATX 3.1) to accommodate the increasing power demands of modern hardware. This article breaks down the differences between ATX 3.0 and ATX 3.1 in a beginner-friendly way, focusing on practical implications for PC builders and gamers. We’ll cover what changed in the 

limits differ, and what it means for choosing a PSU.

ATX 3.0 is a major update to the long-standing ATX power supply design guide, released by Intel in 2022. It was developed in response to new generations of GPUs and CPUs that can draw significantly more power, with rapid spikes in consumption. ATX 3.0 introduced new guidelines to ensure PSUs can deliver these power spikes reliably, and it also brought in a new high-power connector (the 12VHPWR) for next-gen graphics cards. For PC builders, ATX 3.0 PSUs marked a big step forward from earlier ATX 2.x units, especially if you plan to use high-end GPUs like NVIDIA’s RTX 5000 series.

ATX 3.1, released in 2023, is a refinement of the 3.0 standard. It builds on the same features but includes some tweaks based on industry feedback and new PCI-SIG updates. While not a revolutionary jump, ATX 3.1 updated certain technical specifications – notably the 

 (Previously Known as 12VHPWR) connector design and the transient power excursion requirements – to improve safety and performance. For the average gamer or builder, an ATX 3.1 PSU is largely similar to ATX 3.0, but with a bit more polish on these key aspects.

The 12VHPWR Connector: Updates from ATX 3.0 to 3.1

One of the headline features of ATX 3.0 was the introduction of the 12VHPWR connector (sometimes called the “PCIe 5.0 16-pin” power connector). This 12+4 pin connector can supply up to 600 Watts to a graphics card over a single cable – a big improvement over the older 8-pin (150 W) connectors. The extra 4 pins are sense wires that communicate with the GPU, allowing it to know the power capacity available (e.g. 150W, 300W, 450W, or 600W depending on cable/PSU). In practice, this meant ATX 3.0 PSUs could ship with a single native cable for high-end GPUs (no more multiple daisy-chained 8-pins or adapter dongles), simplifying cable management for builders.

ATX 3.1 keeps the that same connector, but incorporates an updated design as defined by PCI-SIG. Often referred to as the 

connector, the revised connector has subtle mechanical improvements to enhance safety. For example, the sense-pin configuration and pin length were adjusted to ensure the GPU can detect a proper full insertion of the plug (reducing the chance of the connector not being fully seated – a known issue that led to some melting connectors in early RTX 4090 usage). In short, ATX 3.1’s power connector is the same shape and pin-count, but built to a refined standard: if you buy an ATX 3.1 PSU, its 12VHPWR cable will adhere to the latest PCIe spec for better contact and durability.

↑Graphics card damaged due to overheating connector (Image from 

From a builder’s perspective, both ATX 3.0 and 3.1 PSUs will support the latest GPUs with the 12VHPWR or 12V2x6. There’s no difference in how you plug in your card – they are cross-compatible. The advantage of ATX 3.1’s version is simply added reliability. If you already have an ATX 3.0 PSU with a 12VHPWR and use it correctly (fully seated cable, not bending it too sharply, etc.), you’re generally fine. But ATX 3.1 gives extra peace of mind that the connector meets the newest safety refinements from PCI-SIG.

Transient Power Excursions: Handling Spikes in Power

Aside from the physical connector, the most important updates are in how these standards handle transient power excursions – in simpler terms, sudden power spikes. Modern GPUs and CPUs can momentarily draw far more than their average power (for example, a 300W TDP GPU might spike to 450–600W for a few milliseconds when under a sudden heavy load). If a PSU can’t handle these surges, your system could become unstable or shut down unexpectedly.

ATX 3.0 set a new requirement that power supplies be able to accommodate extreme spikes without issue. Intel’s ATX 3.0 design guide specifies that a compliant PSU must handle power excursions up to 200% of its rated power for very short durations. It also lays out specific timing brackets – for instance (simplified for clarity): up to ~120% load for tens of milliseconds, ~160–180% for a few milliseconds, and ~200% for microseconds. This was a big change from earlier ATX 2.x units, which weren’t explicitly designed for such high surges. In practical terms, an ATX 3.0 750 W PSU could briefly supply up to ~1500 W in a spike, and a 1200 W PSU could handle almost 2400 W in a microsecond-scale transient. This ensures GPUs like the RTX 30/40/50 series, which are known for transient spikes, won’t overwhelm the PSU and cause shutdowns as long as the PSU is ATX 3.0 compliant.

ATX 3.1 refines these power excursion limits. According to Intel’s updated 3.1 specification, the allowable transient overshoot levels were adjusted slightly. The changes are technical, but essentially Intel fine-tuned how much over current and for how long a PSU must supply power. For example, ATX 3.1 might require sustaining 200% load for a slightly shorter duration than 3.0 did, or define additional tiers for intermediate spike durations. These tweaks align with data collected from real-world GPU behavior and testing feedback. The practical implication is that ATX 3.1 PSUs are even less likely to trip OCP/OPP (over-current/over-power protection) during sudden bursts, compared to ATX 3.0 units. They have been tested to handle transients with an extra margin of stability.

For PC builders, if you’re running power-hungry GPUs or doing extreme overclocking, these transient handling improvements mean 

fewer chances of a random reboot when your GPU spikes to full load

. ATX 3.0 already made great strides here, and ATX 3.1 polishes it further. That said, in normal gaming usage, you might not notice a difference – both standards are designed to handle GPU/CPU spikes that previous generation PSUs might not tolerate. It’s mainly an assurance of stability under extreme conditions.

Other Notable Differences and Similarities

Beyond the connector and transient power requirements, ATX 3.0 and 3.1 share most features. Both maintain the standard ATX PSU dimensions and mounting, the typical 24-pin motherboard connector, CPU EPS 8-pin connectors, SATA, etc. They also both coexist with ATX12VO (a separate, optional standard focusing on single-rail 12V-only PSUs for better efficiency). If you’re building a typical gaming PC, you’ll likely use a multi-rail ATX 3.x PSU (which provides 12V, 5V, 3.3V rails in the traditional way).

Here’s a summary comparison of the two standards:

Table: Comparing key aspects of ATX 3.0 vs ATX 3.1 power supply standards.

As shown above, the differences are not dramatic – ATX 3.1 mainly fine-tunes what ATX 3.0 introduced. Both standards require high efficiency (with ATX 80 Plus certifications typically applied separately) and support new “low-power sleep” states and modern standby features on motherboards (helpful for reducing idle power draw). ATX 3.1 may incorporate slightly updated requirements for those as well, though those changes are minor for end-users.

Practical Implications for PC Builders & Gamers

So, what does all this mean when you’re shopping for or building a gaming PC?

ATX 3.0 vs ATX 3.1 ultimately comes down to evolution, not revolution. ATX 3.0 brought huge improvements for powering today’s power-hungry GPUs and CPUs, and 

 those improvements. The main practical takeaways are the support for the 12V2x6(12VHPWR) high-power GPU connector and strong handling of transient surges – both critical for high-end gaming rigs. ATX 3.1 

 of the connector and adds even more resilience to sudden power spikes, benefiting extreme use cases and further safeguarding against power-related crashes.

For most PC builders and gamers, both standards will serve you well. If you’re on the cutting edge, ATX 3.1 offers peace of mind that you have the latest spec. Otherwise, an ATX 3.0 PSU from a reputable brand already covers the vast majority of needs for current and upcoming hardware. In either case, these standards represent a positive development: they are ensuring that PSUs keep up with the fast pace of GPU and CPU advancements, delivering stable and safe power for your gaming adventures.





Building a gaming PC means paying attention to every component – including the power supply. In recent years, Intel released new ATX power supply standards (ATX 3.0 and ATX 3.1) to accommodate the increasing power demands of modern hardware. This article breaks down the differences between ATX 3.0 and ATX 3.1 in a beginner-friendly way, focusing on practical implications for PC builders and gamers. We’ll cover what changed in the 12V-2x6 connector, how transient power excursion limits differ, and what it means for choosing a PSU.



Introduction to ATX 3.0 and ATX 3.1

ATX 3.0 is a major update to the long-standing ATX power supply design guide, released by Intel in 2022. It was developed in response to new generations of GPUs and CPUs that can draw significantly more power, with rapid spikes in consumption. ATX 3.0 introduced new guidelines to ensure PSUs can deliver these power spikes reliably, and it also brought in a new high-power connector (the 12VHPWR) for next-gen graphics cards. For PC builders, ATX 3.0 PSUs marked a big step forward from earlier ATX 2.x units, especially if you plan to use high-end GPUs like NVIDIA’s RTX 5000 series.



ATX 3.1, released in 2023, is a refinement of the 3.0 standard. It builds on the same features but includes some tweaks based on industry feedback and new PCI-SIG updates. While not a revolutionary jump, ATX 3.1 updated certain technical specifications – notably the 12V-2x6 (Previously Known as 12VHPWR) connector design and the transient power excursion requirements – to improve safety and performance. For the average gamer or builder, an ATX 3.1 PSU is largely similar to ATX 3.0, but with a bit more polish on these key aspects.



The 12VHPWR Connector: Updates from ATX 3.0 to 3.1

One of the headline features of ATX 3.0 was the introduction of the 12VHPWR connector (sometimes called the “PCIe 5.0 16-pin” power connector). This 12+4 pin connector can supply up to 600 Watts to a graphics card over a single cable – a big improvement over the older 8-pin (150 W) connectors. The extra 4 pins are sense wires that communicate with the GPU, allowing it to know the power capacity available (e.g. 150W, 300W, 450W, or 600W depending on cable/PSU). In practice, this meant ATX 3.0 PSUs could ship with a single native cable for high-end GPUs (no more multiple daisy-chained 8-pins or adapter dongles), simplifying cable management for builders.



ATX 3.1 keeps the that same connector, but incorporates an updated design as defined by PCI-SIG. Often referred to as the 12V-2x6 connector, the revised connector has subtle mechanical improvements to enhance safety. For example, the sense-pin configuration and pin length were adjusted to ensure the GPU can detect a proper full insertion of the plug (reducing the chance of the connector not being fully seated – a known issue that led to some melting connectors in early RTX 4090 usage). In short, ATX 3.1’s power connector is the same shape and pin-count, but built to a refined standard: if you buy an ATX 3.1 PSU, its 12VHPWR cable will adhere to the latest PCIe spec for better contact and durability.





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



From a builder’s perspective, both ATX 3.0 and 3.1 PSUs will support the latest GPUs with the 12VHPWR or 12V2x6. There’s no difference in how you plug in your card – they are cross-compatible. The advantage of ATX 3.1’s version is simply added reliability. If you already have an ATX 3.0 PSU with a 12VHPWR and use it correctly (fully seated cable, not bending it too sharply, etc.), you’re generally fine. But ATX 3.1 gives extra peace of mind that the connector meets the newest safety refinements from PCI-SIG.



Transient Power Excursions: Handling Spikes in Power

Aside from the physical connector, the most important updates are in how these standards handle transient power excursions – in simpler terms, sudden power spikes. Modern GPUs and CPUs can momentarily draw far more than their average power (for example, a 300W TDP GPU might spike to 450–600W for a few milliseconds when under a sudden heavy load). If a PSU can’t handle these surges, your system could become unstable or shut down unexpectedly.



ATX 3.0 set a new requirement that power supplies be able to accommodate extreme spikes without issue. Intel’s ATX 3.0 design guide specifies that a compliant PSU must handle power excursions up to 200% of its rated power for very short durations. It also lays out specific timing brackets – for instance (simplified for clarity): up to ~120% load for tens of milliseconds, ~160–180% for a few milliseconds, and ~200% for microseconds. This was a big change from earlier ATX 2.x units, which weren’t explicitly designed for such high surges. In practical terms, an ATX 3.0 750 W PSU could briefly supply up to ~1500 W in a spike, and a 1200 W PSU could handle almost 2400 W in a microsecond-scale transient. This ensures GPUs like the RTX 30/40/50 series, which are known for transient spikes, won’t overwhelm the PSU and cause shutdowns as long as the PSU is ATX 3.0 compliant.



ATX 3.1 refines these power excursion limits. According to Intel’s updated 3.1 specification, the allowable transient overshoot levels were adjusted slightly. The changes are technical, but essentially Intel fine-tuned how much over current and for how long a PSU must supply power. For example, ATX 3.1 might require sustaining 200% load for a slightly shorter duration than 3.0 did, or define additional tiers for intermediate spike durations. These tweaks align with data collected from real-world GPU behavior and testing feedback. The practical implication is that ATX 3.1 PSUs are even less likely to trip OCP/OPP (over-current/over-power protection) during sudden bursts, compared to ATX 3.0 units. They have been tested to handle transients with an extra margin of stability.



For PC builders, if you’re running power-hungry GPUs or doing extreme overclocking, these transient handling improvements mean fewer chances of a random reboot when your GPU spikes to full load. ATX 3.0 already made great strides here, and ATX 3.1 polishes it further. That said, in normal gaming usage, you might not notice a difference – both standards are designed to handle GPU/CPU spikes that previous generation PSUs might not tolerate. It’s mainly an assurance of stability under extreme conditions.



Other Notable Differences and Similarities

Beyond the connector and transient power requirements, ATX 3.0 and 3.1 share most features. Both maintain the standard ATX PSU dimensions and mounting, the typical 24-pin motherboard connector, CPU EPS 8-pin connectors, SATA, etc. They also both coexist with ATX12VO (a separate, optional standard focusing on single-rail 12V-only PSUs for better efficiency). If you’re building a typical gaming PC, you’ll likely use a multi-rail ATX 3.x PSU (which provides 12V, 5V, 3.3V rails in the traditional way).



Here’s a summary comparison of the two standards:







Table: Comparing key aspects of ATX 3.0 vs ATX 3.1 power supply standards.



As shown above, the differences are not dramatic – ATX 3.1 mainly fine-tunes what ATX 3.0 introduced. Both standards require high efficiency (with ATX 80 Plus certifications typically applied separately) and support new “low-power sleep” states and modern standby features on motherboards (helpful for reducing idle power draw). ATX 3.1 may incorporate slightly updated requirements for those as well, though those changes are minor for end-users.



Practical Implications for PC Builders & Gamers

So, what does all this mean when you’re shopping for or building a gaming PC?





Future-Proofing for GPUs: If you plan to use or upgrade to a high-end graphics card, you’ll want at least an ATX 3.0 PSU. It will have the right cable (12VHPWR) out of the box and can handle the card’s power swings. An ATX 3.1 PSU gives you that plus the latest connector improvements. For example, builders using an RTX 5090 or upcoming next-gen GPUs can plug straight into a native 16-pin cable and trust their PSU to handle sudden spikes in wattage.



Stability Under Peak Loads: If you’ve ever had your PC reset when launching a game or benchmark, a likely cause is the PSU failing to meet a transient spike. ATX 3.0/3.1 units are specifically designed to prevent that. This means more stable performance in scenarios like VR gameplay, intensive ray tracing, or CPU stress tests, where power demand can jump instantaneously. ATX 3.1’s refinements further reduce the odds of tripping protections during these spikes.



Connector Safety: The updated 12VHPWR design under ATX 3.1 mitigates issues that early adopters encountered (like the melting connector problem from not fully plugging in the cable). As a gamer or builder, you should still always ensure the 16-pin plug is fully seated on your GPU and avoid bending the cable too close to the connector. But ATX 3.1 cables will be a bit more foolproof by design. Manufacturers also often include better quality 12VHPWR cables in newer PSUs, sometimes with 90-degree adapters or sturdier plugs.



Do You Need to Upgrade? If you already own a good ATX 3.0 PSU, you likely don’t need to rush out for ATX 3.1. The differences are incremental. However, if you’re buying a new PSU in 2025, check the specs – you might find some units labeled as ATX 3.1. Choosing one will give you the slight edge of the latest standard. 



Compatibility: Both ATX 3.0 and 3.1 are fully backward-compatible. They will work with any standard ATX motherboard and PC components. They simply add capabilities. For instance, you can use an ATX 3.0 PSU on an older PC build – it will perform like a high-quality ATX 2.x unit, just with extra connectors (you don’t have to use the 12VHPWR cable if your GPU doesn’t need it). Similarly, an ATX 3.1 PSU will work in any scenario an ATX 3.0 PSU would.



Conclusion

ATX 3.0 vs ATX 3.1 ultimately comes down to evolution, not revolution. ATX 3.0 brought huge improvements for powering today’s power-hungry GPUs and CPUs, and ATX 3.1 fine-tuned those improvements. The main practical takeaways are the support for the 12V2x6(12VHPWR) high-power GPU connector and strong handling of transient surges – both critical for high-end gaming rigs. ATX 3.1 improves the reliability of the connector and adds even more resilience to sudden power spikes, benefiting extreme use cases and further safeguarding against power-related crashes.



For most PC builders and gamers, both standards will serve you well. If you’re on the cutting edge, ATX 3.1 offers peace of mind that you have the latest spec. Otherwise, an ATX 3.0 PSU from a reputable brand already covers the vast majority of needs for current and upcoming hardware. In either case, these standards represent a positive development: they are ensuring that PSUs keep up with the fast pace of GPU and CPU advancements, delivering stable and safe power for your gaming adventures.

A beginner-friendly article that clearly explains the differences between ATX 3.0 and ATX 3.1 standards, with a focus on real-world implications for PC users and builders.

ATX 3.0 vs ATX 3.1 The Most Comprehensive Explanation That You Will Ever Need

Bài viết này rất dễ hiểu đối với người mới bắt đầu, giải thích rõ ràng sự khác biệt giữa tiêu chuẩn ATX 3.0 và ATX 3.1, tập trung vào những tác động thực tế đối với người dùng và người lắp ráp PC.

So sánh ATX 3.0 và ATX 3.1: Lời giải thích toàn diện nhất mà bạn cần.

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Lưu ý khi sử dụng cáp GPU nguồn ATX 3.1 thế hệ mới nhất

Trạng thái kết nối giữa cáp nguồn và đầu nối GPU

Tránh uốn cong dây cáp trong phạm vi 35mm tính từ đầu nối.

Không được dùng lực mạnh hoặc bẻ cong cáp nhiều lần.