ATX 3.0 explained: Is a PSU upgrade necessary for RTX 40 series graphics cards?

The release of NVIDIA's GeForce RTX 40 series graphics cards has generated a lot of buzz among gamers and PC enthusiasts over the past year. Whether you've already secured one of these powerhouse GPUs or are finally considering making the leap, a critical question arises: Is your current power supply (PSU) up to the task?

You might have heard of ATX 3.0 and wondered if it's worth your attention. In this article, we'll explore the power dynamics between NVIDIA's cutting-edge GPUs and PSUs while shedding light on the significance of ATX 3.0 for powering these graphics cards.

The Power-Hungry GeForce RTX 40 Series

The RTX 40 Series graphics cards, like the GeForce RTX 4090 GAMING OC, are engineered to deliver groundbreaking gaming and content creation performance, featuring cutting-edge advancements in ray tracing, AI rendering, and superior visuals. However, this boost in performance comes at a cost - they consume significantly more power. For instance, the RTX 4090 consumes about 100 watts more than its predecessor. The gap is significant.

When the GPU demands more power from the power supply, it raises the likelihood of encountering power spikes or excursions. What exactly are power spikes? They are brief yet significant surges in power consumption within a computer system, typically occurring during resource-intensive activities, like when navigating the bustling streets of Night City in Cyberpunk 2077 or exploring the vast expanses of Starfield in glorious 4K.

Power spikes can pose issues as the increased power demand from the GPU may overload the power supply, leading to system shutdowns. These shutdowns can result in system instability, potential data loss, and even hardware damage. Unfortunately, the current generation of power supplies lacks the robust power-handling capabilities required to effectively manage these sudden power spikes.

The Importance of ATX 3.0

That's where the new ATX 3.0 standard comes in. ATX is a standard form factor for desktop computer motherboards and power supplies, and ATX 3.0 is the latest version released in 2022, designed specifically to cater to the power demands of next-generation hardware, including the RTX 40 series graphics cards.

ATX 3.0 power supplies offer several advantages over their older counterparts:

Better power-handling capabilities: ATX 3.0 power supplies boast double the total power excursion capability and triple the GPU power excursion, which supports up to 200% power excursion and reaches 70% low load efficiency. This ensures system stability even during the most demanding conditions.

Simplified cabling: ATX 3.0 power supplies come with a native 16-pin (12VHPWR) PCIe 5.0 connector to supply power to the graphics card, delivering up to 600 watts without the need for multiple connectors or adapters associated with older generation PSUs. This simplifies the installation process and minimizes cable clutter.

Our ATX 3.0 PSU Offerings

GIGABYTE offers a comprehensive range of ATX 3.0-compliant power supplies within the UD PG5 series lineup, designed to complement your RTX 40 series graphics cards. These power supplies prioritize high-quality power delivery and long-term stability, guaranteeing a secure and enjoyable gaming experience.

The UD1300GM PG5 power supply fully supports ATX 3.0 standards and is PCIe Gen 5 ready. It needs only a single 16-pin cable to power the graphics card and boasts an 80 PLUS Gold certification, a fully modular design, and a compact form factor with advanced cooling inside.

There are more options ranging from 1000W, 850W to 750W, allowing users to select the wattage that suits their system requirements and fully unlocks the potential of their GeForce RTX 40 series graphics cards.

If you’re a white PC hardware enthusiast, check out our 850W White Edition, designed with a white exterior and cables to match your sleek and modern setup.

Power Up the Future

While ATX 3.0 power supplies are not mandatory for RTX 40 series GPUs, they come with clear advantages, such as improved efficiency and better power-handling capabilities. As gaming setups demand more power, your PSU plays a crucial role. Opting for ATX 3.0 is a wise choice, especially if you're serious about gaming, content creation, or planning future upgrades. Going with ATX 3.0 ensures uninterrupted gaming experiences and safeguards your valuable hardware. In summary, it's highly recommended for optimal and future-proof setups.

Learn More：

－Hitting the Apex with the New GIGABYTE AORUS GeForce RTX 40 Series Graphics Cards

－Beginners 101 – 5 Tips When Purchasing a Power Supply

－Beginners 101 – 5 Tips When Purchasing Your New Graphics Card