MSI is set to expand its product range next year to include support for the new ATX12VO power standard. The manufacturer is preparing to release a corresponding motherboard based on the AMD B650 chipset with the AMD Socket AM5 processor socket, as well as a power supply unit.
The ATX power standard has been used for decades and remains relevant for power supply and motherboard manufacturers. However, in recent years, some manufacturers have shown interest in the new ATX12VO power standard, introduced by Intel three years ago. The ATX12VO (Advanced Technology eXtended 12 Volts Only) feature is notable for excluding the use of 3.3- and 5-volt circuits from the power supply, leaving only 12-volt lines. Further voltage conversion and power distribution are directly handled by the motherboard, which can do this task more efficiently.
The advantages of ATX12VO are clear, both from the perspective of motherboard manufacturers and power supply producers. Its use significantly simplifies the design of these products. Motherboards require fewer components, and power supplies are equipped with only one power line. Despite these benefits, the spread of ATX12VO has been slower than desired.
Last year, MSI released the PRO H610M 12VO motherboard for Intel processors, compliant with the ATX12VO standard. In 2024, the manufacturer plans to expand its line of products supporting ATX12VO. According to journalists from HardwareLuxx, who visited the company’s office as part of a tour, MSI is preparing to release a new motherboard model and a power supply.
The new motherboard will be named PRO B650 12VO WIFI. It is equipped with the AMD Socket AM5 processor socket. Interestingly, this is the first board with Socket AM5 to support the ATX12VO power standard. There is currently no information about the power supply unit. However, it is known that both products will be aimed at distribution through system integrators.
The introduction of the ATX12VO standard in an AMD Socket AM5 motherboard like the PRO B650 12VO WIFI represents a significant step in power supply technology. This approach could lead to more efficient and streamlined power delivery, potentially reducing energy consumption and improving overall system stability. The combination of the advanced AMD Socket AM5, known for its high performance and future-proofing capabilities, with the efficiency-focused ATX12VO standard, positions MSI’s upcoming motherboard as a potentially attractive option for builders and enthusiasts looking for the latest in hardware innovation.
The AMD Socket AM5, officially launched in September 2022, is a significant advancement in AMD’s CPU socket technology, primarily designed for Ryzen 7000 Series processors using the Zen 4 microarchitecture. Here are the key specifications and features of the Socket AM5:
- Socket Type: Socket AM5 is designated as LGA 1718, representing a land grid array (LGA) format with 1718 pins. This design is a departure from AMD’s previous AM4 socket and is the company’s first LGA socket for mainstream, non-enthusiast CPUs.
- Processor Compatibility: It is intended for use with AMD Ryzen 7000 Series processors.
- Memory and PCIe Support: The AM5 platform supports dual-channel DDR5 memory, which is a step up from the DDR4 memory supported by its predecessor, AM4. Additionally, it provides support for PCIe 5.0, enabling faster data transfer speeds for both graphics and NVMe storage devices.
- Thermal Design Power (TDP): The socket can achieve a TDP of 170W and has a Package Power Tracking (PPT) limit of up to 230W, which indicates its capability to handle high-performance processors that require more power.
- Heatsink Compatibility: The AM5 socket specifies a heatsink fastening mechanism similar to the AM4, with four holes placed in the corners of a 54×90 mm rectangle. However, unlike the AM4, the AM5’s backplate is not removable as it also serves as the CPU retention mechanism. This design change means that not all existing CPU coolers from the AM4 platform are compatible. Some coolers that use their own backplate mounting hardware will not work with AM5, although certain manufacturers offer upgrade kits for older coolers to be compatible with AM5.
- Cooler Compatibility: While there have been leaks suggesting that the AM5 socket could be broadly compatible with existing coolers, this is not universally true due to the changes in the CPU socket and retention mechanism.
