PSU recommendation for RTX 5090

[lambda]

As long as it's the new 12V-2X6 on the gpu side it's fine which it should be anyone with a 5090 should have a wireview pro anyways imho personality I wouldn't take any chances lol.

I'm unsure myself, the article makes it seem that ATX 3.0 uses the 12vhpwr connector rather than the newer 12v-2x6.

 

[oxrufiioxo]

To me it's a non issue statistically.

I'd hate to be that 0.1% person and if im spending 3k on a gpu an 80 ish usd peripheral is chump change.

 

[Carsomyr]

Pasting this here for your reference - https://www.corsair.com/us/en/explo...-units/atx-30-vs-atx-31-whats-the-difference/

I'd probably get the newer unit if I can, just because.

I thought the unit I bought WAS the newer unit... But keep in mind I bought a super flower psu. NOT a corsair psu

 

[oxrufiioxo]

I'm unsure myself, the article makes it seem that ATX 3.0 uses the 12vhpwr connector rather than the newer 12v-2x6.

Could be marketing bs but this whole connector has become more complicated than it should even if it's been blow out of proportion.

 

[Carsomyr]

Here's the back of psu

Transcript of my chat with Newegg tech agent:

Yes thanks. Just trying to understand why my atx 3.1 psu says atx 3.0 on the box and not atx 3.1 it also says pcie 5.0 on the box instead of pcie 5.1

Christian D. 09:00 PM PT
Alright, did you confirm if the PSU came with a 12vhpwr or a 12v2x6?

Jonathan Martin 09:01 PM PT
How would I know the difference?

Jonathan Martin 09:01 PM PT
1000040021.jpg

Jonathan Martin 09:01 PM PT
1000040022.jpg

Jonathan Martin 09:01 PM PT
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Jonathan Martin 09:01 PM PT
This is the cable that came with the PSU

Christian D. 09:03 PM PT
Got it, looks like that is 3.1 capable!

Jonathan Martin 09:04 PM PT
Aaaah. It's so weird then, that on the box it days atx 3.0 and pcie 5.0

Jonathan Martin 09:04 PM PT
1000040015.jpg

Jonathan Martin 09:04 PM PT
1000040016.jpg

Christian D. 09:05 PM PT
I am sorry about that, I would advise that you leave feedback on the listing so the Product Manager of that PSU can fix the listing. Do you have any other questions or concerns Jonathan? (please do not forget the survey at the end along with the reseller survey in the email being sent to you after chat closes.)

Jonathan Martin 09:06 PM PT
Well I'd like to be 100% certain this psu and it's cables are indeed atx 3.1 and pcie 5.1 compatible. That's what I would like. I'll check with some veterans on techpowerup.com and figure out what to do. Maybe I won't need to return the psu

Jonathan Martin 09:09 PM PT
Yeah I'm pretty sure it's not atx 3.1 the new atx 3.1 cables are supposed to be rated for 675w... This cable clearly is 600w

Jonathan Martin 09:09 PM PT
1000040022.jpg

Christian D. 09:10 PM PT
The cables are 100% ATX 3.1 Capaable, however the PSU is 3.0 from what I see.

Christian D. 09:10 PM PT
image.png

Christian D. 09:10 PM PT
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Jonathan Martin 09:11 PM PT
1000040024.jpg

Jonathan Martin 09:11 PM PT
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Christian D. 09:11 PM PT
ATX 3.1 is rated for 600W.

Christian D. 09:11 PM PT
image.png

Jonathan Martin 09:11 PM PT
Aaaah OK. Lol this thing is so confusing Hahaha

Jonathan Martin 09:12 PM PT
I don't see any 12v 2x6 on the Psu back side like your pictures though

Jonathan Martin 09:12 PM PT
As you can see from the pictures I sent

Christian D. 09:14 PM PT
Looks like a 3.0 supply based off those pictures but is 3.1 capable due to the cable

Jonathan Martin 09:15 PM PT
Ok. Well I'll do some more research myself in the hopes of reassuring myself and then I'll make a decision. Thanks

Christian D. 09:16 PM PT
Do yo u have any other questions or concerns Jonathan?

Jonathan Martin 09:16 PM PT
No

 

[lambda]

I thought the unit I bought WAS the newer unit... But keep in mind I bought a super flower psu. NOT a corsair psu

The standard is followed by everyone, (I mean that's why it's called a standard) so the article being from a different manufacturer makes no difference.

If you bought a ATX 3.1 unit and received something else then simply return it.

 

[Carsomyr]

The standard is followed by everyone, (I mean that's why it's called a standard) so the article being from a different manufacturer makes no difference.

If you bought a ATX 3.1 unit and received something else then simply return it.

Yes I understand. I'm just not sure whether I got the right thing or not. Obviously, the box says atx 3.0 and pcie 5.0 there's no denying that. So I suppose I should return it. But like I said, it's really weird because in the Newegg page and the manufacturer website item description, they both list it as atx 3.0/3.1

 

[oxrufiioxo]

The standard is followed by everyone, (I mean that's why it's called a standard) so the article being from a different manufacturer makes no difference.

If you bought a ATX 3.1 unit and received something else then simply return it.

My take is that it meets or exceeds all the 3.1 requirements or else they'd get sued so I wouldn't really worry about that.

Not that it makes any difference but my only real annoyance with that psu is the plug should be 12VHPWR to 12VHPWR which in the grand scheme of things probably doesn't matter but the 2x8 to 12VHPWR should be fine that's what im running on my 4090 and it did fine with a 580w load for 2 weeks straight during my return period trying to get it to go up in smoke lol.

 

[Carsomyr]

My take is that it meets or exceeds all the 3.1 requirements or else they'd get sued so I wouldn't really worry about that.

Not that it makes any difference but my only real annoyance with that psu is the plug should be 12VHPWR to 12VHPWR which in the grand scheme of things probably doesn't matter but the 2x8 to 12VHPWR should be fine that's what im running on my 4090 and it did fine with a 580w load for 2 weeks straight during my return period trying to get it to go up in smoke lol.

Yeah when I browse for PSUs on Newegg there are 2x categories:
Atx 3.0/3.1 PSUs (like mine apparently) and real atx 3.1 PSUs (which have the new 12v 2x6 on the back of the psu, so you know to connect the cable there)

 

[lambda]

Here's the back of psu

The back of the PSU does not matter.

ATX 3.0 unit with native 12vhpwr connector on the PSU side.

Reference: https://www.anandtech.com/show/21381/the-cooler-master-v850-sfx-gold-atx-30-psu-review


-----
My ATX 3.1 unit explicitly says "ATX 3.1 12V-2x6 PCIE 5.1 ready" on the box.

 

[Carsomyr]

The back of the PSU does not matter.

ATX 3.0 unit with native 12vhpwr connector on the PSU side.


View attachment 399584
View attachment 399585

Reference: https://www.anandtech.com/show/21381/the-cooler-master-v850-sfx-gold-atx-30-psu-review


-----
My ATX 3.1 unit explicitly says "ATX 3.1 12V-2x6 PCIE 5.1 ready" on the box.

So you think that the fact that my PSU box doesn't say atx 3.1 and pcie 5.1 ready IS NOT GOOD right?

 

[oxrufiioxo]

So you think that the fact that my PSU box doesn't say atx 3.1 and pcie 5.1 ready IS NOT GOOD right?

Should I get an ATX v3.1 PSU, or will an ATX v3.0 be fine? Everything you need to know! - Hardware Busters

Hardware Busters - Should I get an ATX v3.1 PSU, or will an ATX v3.0 be fine? Everything you need to know! - Quick Tips

hwbusters.com

 

[lambda]

So you think that the fact that my PSU box doesn't say atx 3.1 and pcie 5.1 ready IS NOT GOOD right?

Here's the back of my PSU which is ATX 3.1

Point being, native 12v connector on the PSU is NOT the difference between ATX 3.0 and ATX 3.1

Th actual difference for you should be the newer connector on the 12vh cable i.e. 12v-2x6.

Your PSU is the older ATX 3.0 unit with the 12vhpwr connector (and not the cable) and NOT the 12v-2x6 connector.

Return it and get the newer stuff, ideally with native port on the PSU similar to mine.

Should I get an ATX v3.1 PSU, or will an ATX v3.0 be fine? Everything you need to know! - Hardware Busters

Hardware Busters - Should I get an ATX v3.1 PSU, or will an ATX v3.0 be fine? Everything you need to know! - Quick Tips

hwbusters.com

Refer to this article.

I'm more confused now than I was before this discussion.

 

[Carsomyr]

Should I get an ATX v3.1 PSU, or will an ATX v3.0 be fine? Everything you need to know! - Hardware Busters

Hardware Busters - Should I get an ATX v3.1 PSU, or will an ATX v3.0 be fine? Everything you need to know! - Quick Tips

hwbusters.com

According to your article (towards the end) and after asking grok about it it seems I've got the 150% transient response psu and not the 200%

Heres the little chat with grok

My understanding is that I have the 2x8 type psu seen in your article. See picture below

 

[lambda]

Christian D. 09:03 PM PT
Got it, looks like that is 3.1 capable!

What does this mean? What does that physically entail?

 

[Carsomyr]

What does this mean? What does that physically entail?

I have no idea. Here I took a Better picture of the cable that came with the PSU
Notice how the 2x8 pin connectors are actually 2x6 (2 of the 8 pins are absent)

 

[oxrufiioxo]

Honestly, on a likely 4-5000 usd system just return it and get something with a native plug.... lol. That is my take, do you need to probably not but when you are spending that much why take a chance and you know Nvidia and their bored partners they will do everything to try and blame you if it does go up in smoke which again is probably like winning the lottery but still.

I have no idea. Here I took a Better picture of the cable that came with the PSU
Notice how the 2x8 pin connectors are actually 2x6 (2 of the 8 pins are absent)
View attachment 399591

That's normal also I believe only 2 sense pins are actually active on those type of cables again I doubt it matters.

 

[lambda]

Honestly, on a likely 4-5000 usd system just return it and get something with a native plug.... lol. That is my take, do you need to probably not but when you are spending that much why take a chance and you know Nvidia and their bored partners they will do everything to try and blame you if it does go up in smoke which again is probably like winning the lottery but still.




That's normal also I believe only 2 sense pins are actually active on those type of cables again I doubt it matters.

I agree with this take, it seems ATX 3.0 is supposedly better than ATX 3.1 but the connector situation is thoroughly confusing.

 

[oxrufiioxo]

I agree with this take, it seems ATX 3.0 is supposedly better than ATX 3.1 but the connector situation is thoroughly confusing.

I would probably just roll with it but I also don't have a 5090 only a 4090 limited to 340w because it only loses about 5% of it's performance.......

I wouldn't run the 5090 at 600w either so to me it would be a non issue but I would have purchased something with a native plug or 2 regardless not because I think it's mandatory it's just if I am buying a psu on 2025 I would rather it have the physical plug on both ends.

 

[lambda]

I would probably just roll with it but I also don't have a 5090 only a 4090 limited to 340w because it only loses about 5% of it's performance.......

I wouldn't run the 5090 at 600w either so to me it would be a non issue but I would have purchased something with a native plug or 2 regardless not because I think it's mandatory it's just if I am buying a psu on 2025 I would rather it have the physical plug on both ends.

My 850w PSU does NOT support 600w on the 12v-2x6 connector. It only does a max of 450w.



This ATX 3.0/3.1 situation reminds me of USB 3.0 standard.

@Carsomyr , did you review the physical user manual? What does it say?

I have no idea. Here I took a Better picture of the cable that came with the PSU
Notice how the 2x8 pin connectors are actually 2x6 (2 of the 8 pins are absent)
View attachment 399591

Is PSU SKU "SF-1300F14XG"?

Super Flower Leadex VII Gold 1300W (SF-1300F14XG) PSU Review - Hardware Busters

Hardware Busters - Super Flower Leadex VII Gold 1300W (SF-1300F14XG) PSU Review - PSUs

hwbusters.com

 

[Carsomyr]

I would probably just roll with it but I also don't have a 5090 only a 4090 limited to 340w because it only loses about 5% of it's performance.......

I wouldn't run the 5090 at 600w either so to me it would be a non issue but I would have purchased something with a native plug or 2 regardless not because I think it's mandatory it's just if I am buying a psu on 2025 I would rather it have the physical plug on both ends.

Thanks that is What I'm thinking too:
Its just that:

1. It's frustrating to browse webstores carefully, selecting only the PSUs listed as ATX 3.1 only to receive a psu box full of "atx 3.0" markings
2. It's super frustrating not to have a CLEAR and decisive picture of what cables/psu ports are best suited to the rtx 5090
3. It's even more paradoxal and nonsensical that one should have to plan to undervolt an rtx 5090 for fear of PSU/connector/gpu meltdown... An rtx 5090 should be able to run at least at its defaults with no issues or even slightly overclocked.

But yeah, I'm not gonna gamble with the rtx 5090 by getting a potentially incompatible PSU but the worst part is the whole confusion around the subject. I'm used to finding some grey zones in the pc enthusiast realm, but I haven't come across this much confusion In a while LOL

 

[oxrufiioxo]

Thanks that is What I'm thinking too:
Its just that:

1. It's frustrating to browse webstores carefully, selecting only the PSUs listed as ATX 3.1 only to receive a psu box full of "atx 3.0" markings
2. It's super frustrating not to have a CLEAR and decisive picture of what cables/psu ports are best suited to the rtx 5090
3. It's even more paradoxal and nonsensical that one should have to plan to undervolt an rtx 5090 for fear of PSU/connector/gpu meltdown... An rtx 5090 should be able to run at least at its defaults with no issues or even slightly overclocked.

But yeah, I'm not gonna gamble with the rtx 5090 by getting a potentially incompatible PSU but the worst part is the whole confusion around the subject. I'm used to finding some grey zones in the pc enthusiast realm, but I haven't come across this much confusion In a while LOL

For me just running a gpu above 400w seems silly to begin with so the first articles I wait to watch/read are power scaling ones lol....

I agree though this whole ordeal is way more complicated than it needs to be. I'm not going to point fingers but if a company decides to stick a specific plug on their gpu they should stand by it. I get that user error is probably 70-80% if not more to blame for this whole ordeal It's not something they could prove so them laying the blame on the consumer is in poor taste to me make a plug that isn't hard to know 100% you are good and this is a non issue.

 

[Ruru]

If someone has the money to burn (pun intended) on a 5090, I suppose he/she can afford any PSU on the market as well. I'd go for this without even thinking of any other PSU.

https://seasonic.com/product/prime-tx-1600-noctua-edition/

 

[Sol_Badguy]

So you think that the fact that my PSU box doesn't say atx 3.1 and pcie 5.1 ready IS NOT GOOD right?

There is nothing wrong with the Super Flower PSU.
See post #4 in this thread. Also about your concerns regarding the wire thickness, look at the Seasonic Prime 1600.

atx 3.1 is "lower" standard than 3.0. It's confusing, but mostly the manufacturers says that it is 3.0 compliant for example "LEADEX VII XG is fully compatible with Intel ATX 3.0 / ATX 3.1 Specifications, "

LEADEX VII XG 1300W ATX3.0 / ATX3.1 (BK) | SUPER FLOWER

Please contact the distributor in your country for the availability and quotation

www.super-flower.com.tw

Should I get an ATX v3.1 PSU, or will an ATX v3.0 be fine? Everything you need to know! - Hardware Busters

Hardware Busters - Should I get an ATX v3.1 PSU, or will an ATX v3.0 be fine? Everything you need to know! - Quick Tips

hwbusters.com

Super Flower Leadex VII Gold 1300W (SF-1300F14XG) PSU Review - Hardware Busters

Hardware Busters - Super Flower Leadex VII Gold 1300W (SF-1300F14XG) PSU Review - PSUs

hwbusters.com

Seasonic Prime Noctua TX-1600 ATX v3.1 PSU Review - Hardware Busters

Hardware Busters - Seasonic Prime Noctua TX-1600 ATX v3.1 PSU Review - PSUs

hwbusters.com

I've got Super Flower Leadex VII Gold 1000W (SF-1000F14XG) and I'm happy with cables, I like how I can make them almost flat , I did not like the sleeved cables from Seasonic in my focus gold 550W.

Additional links:

No More 12VHPWR Connector! Say hi to 12V-2×6 - Hardware Busters

Hardware Busters - No More 12VHPWR Connector! Say hi to 12V-2×6 - News

hwbusters.com

How to Select a new PSU with the upcoming 12VHPWR change? - Hardware Busters

Hardware Busters - How to Select a new PSU with the upcoming 12VHPWR change? - PSUs

hwbusters.com

Evolving Standards: 12VHPWR and 12V-2x6

With the introduction of the RTX 40-Series, the PCIe 5.0 12VHPWR GPU power connector made its debut with the promise to deliver up to 600W of power through a single connector. As with any new standard, things are likely to evolve quickly and we’re now seeing the introduction of a new connector...

www.corsair.com

Native 12V-2x6 vs 8-pin to 12V-2x6 – what is the difference?

The difference is purely in the connector on the power supply, but let us take a look at the different ways these can connect to your PSU.

www.corsair.com

Having 2x8 pin instead of 12V-2x6 on the PSU is a non-issue.
The problem is the original connector the 12VHPWR one. The SF unit doesn't have that and neither does the 5090.
The only issue might be the cable pins.
See video below:

Even if the SF unit would have a cable with double dimple pins instead of leaf spring pins why would you return a good PSU for a cable that isn't the latest and greatest? You could just get a newer cable if indeed it's of older design.
Also it's not like the old cable is faulty per se, it's just that it gets looser faster, but that would require constant inserting and reinserting.
12V-2x6 refers to the socket connector on the PSU and the GPU and not the cable connectors.
There are differences between cables as per the JTC video, but there's no actual spec that I know of, in the same way as for the 12VHPWR socket and the 12V-2x6 socket.
The two missing pins on the 12V-2x6 that goes into the GPU are sense pins and they don't matter (Aris said it in the review), the two missing pins on the 8 pin connectors, well I don't know about those, I've seen connectors missing one, I don't know the specifics.
You could use the "octopus" and be done with it.

According to your article (towards the end) and after asking grok about it it seems I've got the 150% transient response psu and not the 200%

Then SF themselves are lying, towards the bottom of the page it says 200%.

LEADEX VII XG 1300W ATX3.0 / ATX3.1 (BK) | SUPER FLOWER

Please contact the distributor in your country for the availability and quotation

www.super-flower.com.tw

TLDR:
- the PSU is more than adequate for the 5090
- 2x8 sockets on the PSU are not a problem
- ATX 3.0 > ATX 3.1
- the cable might be questionable, need to check what is the pin type and investigate other concerns

My advice is to be calm and not proceed with panic. It's not like you have a 24h return window. Or do you?
You could ask Aris on hwbusters about your concerns and he would most probably respond within a few hours.

 

[lambda]

Best PSU Picks 2025 - Page 7 of 9 - Hardware Busters

Hardware Busters - Best PSU Picks 2025 - Best Picks

hwbusters.com