Silicon carbide and ATX 3.1: new power supplies for RTX 50 including a “milestone” from MSI 74 comments
Image: Cougar
CES 2025 is all about RTX 5000 graphics cards. Power supply manufacturers recognize the growing power requirements of kilowatt-class power sources. Although contrary to previous rumors there is still only one 12V 2×6 connection, many high-end power supplies now offer two.
Table of contents New power supplies for RTX 50 including a “milestone” from MSI MSI: First for silicon carbide semiconductors New arrivals
MSI: First for silicon carbide semiconductors
Spearheading MSI’s portfolio will be the MEG Ai1600T PCIE5, which is the first power supply equipped with Infineon CoolSiC MOSFETs. These wide bandgap semiconductors enable high switching frequencies with low (switching) losses, which the manufacturer took advantage of in interleaved PFC, because with conventional silicon power switches each switching process contributes significantly to the loss of power. However, it is questionable whether the figure of merit in terms of cost, efficiency and build volume can be improved over a PFC composed of GaN semiconductors, such as those used by Corsair in the AX1600i and Asus in the Rog Strix 1000W Platinum.
MSI also uses advanced technology for the LLC converter transformer. With its flat winding, it aims to achieve exceptionally high power density, notably through better heat dissipation. These components are intended to achieve very high efficiency according to 80Plus Titanium, Cybenetics Titanium and PPLP.INFO Titanium, even with a small build volume with a depth of only 190 mm. The manufacturer expects more stable output voltages with the all-digital platform, which extends to all parts of the circuit with the PFC, LLC converter and protection circuits.
MSI aims to provide a long lifespan for the power supply by using specific heatsinks and the 135mm dual ball bearing fan. According to PPLP.INFO, the volume should still remain very low thanks to semi-passive operation, according to the triple “S” rating. If necessary, fan speed can be controlled via software, outputs can be read and lighting modes can be changed.
With the MPG A1250GS PCIE5, MSI is also committed to keeping the volume low, but the power supply must dissipate significantly more heat with its triple “Gold” efficiency certification. The 135mm FDB fan also operates in semi-passive mode, which can also be optionally deactivated. The MPG A1250GS PCIE5’s digital circuitry is exclusively internal to control the power converters – there is no software interface. Both power supplies have two 12V 2×6 ports. Flexible cables with simple sheaths are also intended to enhance the equipment. Prices and availability date are not yet known. However, MSI has already announced that it will expand the MPG A1250GS PCIE5 to include smaller 1000W and 850W versions.
XPG and Enermax: the middle class in the spotlight
In this context, the presentations of new mid-range models are almost lost. XPG, Enermax, Cooler Master, Cougar and Endorfy (formerly SilentiumPC) always use the show to present power supplies outside the high-end segment. However, this is no longer possible without ATX 3.1 – so all designs follow the new standard.
The 12V 2×6 socket is also available in the middle class with the new XPG Pylon II, whose predecessor has already shown itself convincingly in the test. There should be variants up to 750 W, in which up to 450 W of continuous power can be supplied via the 12 V 2×6 connection. The Pymcore Platinum, on the other hand, belongs to the upper class; With a power swing of up to 235 percent, it should offer a continuous power of 1,000 W. Judging by the photo, the ATX format power supply can boast of high power density, since its depth barely exceeds the length of the edges of 120 mm. fan and there should always be fully modular cable management.
Enermax enters the price war with the Revolution III and CyberG II power supplies. So far, no manufacturer is operating under 75 euros with ATX 3.1 and an efficiency of 80Plus Gold. With the CyberG II, no modular cable management is necessary. And you also have to make do with the absolute minimum, such as the 120 mm fan, which only has a simple sleeve bearing. The cable configuration of the 650 watt model is also meager, because the 12V 2×6 connection is missing and two 8-pin PCIe connectors are only implemented via a Y-cable. With the output powers of 750 and 850 W, there is still only a simple Y-cable, but there is a 12V 2×6 connector with 600 W continuous power for compatible graphics cards. The manufacturer has also equipped the Revolution III with a modular connection panel and upgraded the fan with FD bearings. The housing depth remains unchanged at 140 mm. Instead of a ribbon cable, there are also individually sheathed wires and the 12V 2×6 connection (native) with the 650 watt model. Thus, the continuous power on the connection is limited to 450 W via electrical coding – all more powerful versions can access 600 W.
Both series are designed for operation at altitudes of up to 5,000 m, which is particularly important for insulation requirements. The recommended retail price for the CyberG II is 69.90 euros (650 W), 79.90 euros (750 W) and 89.90 euros (850 W) and for the Revolution III it is 84.90 euros (650 W), 94.90 euros (750 W). and 99.90 euros (850 W). The power supplies are available now. A 1,000-watt model will also follow for the Revolution III. This one is expected in early March with a recommended price of 124.90 euros.
Cooler Master: compact mid-range
Cooler Master expands the mid-range with the MWE (Masterwatt Essential) Gold IV series, which reportedly spans from 650 to 1,350 W. Fully modular cable management is part of the base package, as is standardization to ATX 3.1 and PCIe 5.1 CEM. There is also a 12V 2×6 connection with a continuous power of 600 W. The case of the 850 watt model seems compact with the 120 mm fan operating semi-passively. In addition to the 80Plus Gold efficiency certification, there is also Cybenetics Platinum and a Lambda A volume rating. The warranty period is expected to be ten years.
Thermaltake: 80Plus Titanium and dual 12V 2×6
Thermaltake expands the Toughpower series to include models with an efficiency level of 80Plus Titanium. This is also the case for the Toughpower SFX Titanium 1200W which, with its depth of only 103.7 mm, can be assigned to the standard SFX format and thus aims to exceed the efficiency of the competition in this form factor. The Toughpower TF3 Titanium follows the ATX layout. A multirail on the 12 volt rail is intended to enable enhanced overcurrent protection, which can optionally be disabled in the same way as semi-passive mode.
With otherwise similar specifications, the Toughpower IRGB Plus Titanium also has an RGB fan, with output powers of 1,250 and 1,650 W instead of 1,300 and 1,600 W. What the two have in common is the dual native 12V 2×6 connection. Apart from the 2000W output power and the digital interface, no other details are known about the Toughpower D2000. With the first quarter of 2025 and 259.99 euros (1300 W) and 299.99 US dollars (1600 W), prices and availability are only announced for the Toughpower TF3 Titanium.
Cougar & Endorfy: facelift
With the addition of the GEX Pro, Cougar adds a native 12V 2×6 connector to the power supply series. Efficiency is specified at gold class. The low noise level of the HDB fan must be Lambda A+ certified (750 and 850 W). The three models from 650 to 850 W should meet the ATX 3.1 criteria. The manufacturer’s data does not indicate with what wattage the 12V 2×6 plug is electrically coded.
Cougar GEX Pro
Cougar offers a higher class of performance with the GLE power supplies, featuring 1000 and 1200 W output powers.
With the Supremo FM6, Endorfy / SilentiumPC updates the previous 80Plus Gold series with the ATX 3.1 standard. Apart from the fact that an internal fan will be used, no other details are known yet.
Einarex: A newcomer
With multiple series ranging from SFX to ATX, Einarex power supplies are meant to live up to the “heart of the system” tagline. It remains to be seen whether products like those of newcomer XYZ will ever reach the European market. For XYZ, the emphasis is on color contrasts with white and black, which the manufacturer also reflects in its power supplies.
Subjects: Power supplies Adata CES 2025 Cooler Master Cougar Enermax MSI SilentiumPC Thermaltake XPG Source: Miscellaneous
Hugo analyses PC power supplies, evaluating their efficiency, reliability, and compatibility with various builds.
