Do I need an ATX 3.1 PSU for a 50-Series GPU, or is ATX 3.0 OK?

The short answer is no, you do not need a swanky ATX 3.1 power supply to run a 50-series GPU. However, if you’re buying a new power supply just for the 50-series, you’d be wise to consider going for an ATX 3.1 model, as it is the latest standard and mostly exists to benefit newer GPUs.

The primary benefit of ATX 3.1 over 3.0 is it specifies a revamped design for the GPU power connector called 12V-2x6. The first iteration of this adapter was dubbed 12VHPWR, and some people with RTX 4090s who used the connector had issues with the cables and connectors melting, though it was never determined if it was user error, a faulty design, or a combination of both. Regardless, the interface on the GPU and PSU side was changed to reduce the chances of the cable becoming unplugged, and it’s called 12V-2x6. Note there were no changes made to the cable itself; just the connectors on the PSU (and GPUs).

We detailed the changes between the two interfaces in this article, but the new connector should put that issue to bed for good. That said, there are still numerous RTX 4090s and other high-powered GPUs that are running just fine on the older 12VHPWR connector on ATX 3.0 PSUs, so it shouldn’t be a deal breaker if you’re PSU shopping.

As long as you make sure the power cable is fully inserted into the power connector, 12VHPWR on ATX 3.0 will work just fine. You have to always make sure you can’t just tug the cable free, as the latch on the connector needs to be firmly clamped onto the connector when the cable is inserted. 12V-2x6 has the same latching mechanism, but the connector has been redesigned to ensure a more secure fit, but you should always tug on the cable after connecting it to make sure it won't come loose.

Another interesting note is ATX 3.0 actually has slightly more stringent requirements than ATX 3.1, so Intel has loosened the spec just a bit, despite the number going up. It’s a small thing though, related to Voltage Hold Up Times, which is how long a PSU can sustain its output within specified voltage limits after a loss or drop in input power. With ATX 3.0, it required a 17ms hold time at 100% load, but that’s been reduce to 80% load and is now “recommended.” However, the hold time at full load has been reduced overall from 17ms to 12ms for ATX 3.1.

If you’ve already decided you want the latest and greatest, some of CORSAIR'S power supplies have already been updated to the ATX 3.1 standard. They include the budget-friendly RMe series, the RMx and RMx SHIFT series, and the HXi series. There will be more to come as well, as any new power supply from CORSAIR will be ATX 3.1 going forward.