Single Output PSU Standard

[DuckieHo]

Has there been any push for a +12V only PSU standard? I remember Intel talking about this at IDF a few years ago. A single output PSU would be easier to design and more efficient (correct me if I am wrong). The -5v and -12v rails are already gone. The +3.3v and +5v are barely used anymore. Some hard drives no longer need +5v. Only RAM, LED, some PCI cards, and maybe the motherboard need the other voltages. However, how much power do they really need? 20-30w? So anyone hear anything about this?

[bob8701]

what about 5v for usb?

[Yellowbeard]

It could be stepped down on the MOBO from the 12v line I guess.

[DuckieHo]

Originally Posted by Yellowbeard

It could be stepped down on the MOBO from the 12v line I guess.

All 2.5w per port.



I actually found the article. Google presented it IDF 2006: http://services.google.com/blog_reso...hite_paper.pdf

Surprisingly, Google has already implemented +12V PSU on some of their servers.

[jonnyGURU]

Right. They're using DC to DC power supplies at the hardware. Funny how they're claiming 90% efficiency because they're not taking into consideration the complete AC to DC conversion, but DuckieHo is correct... a single voltage PSU would be more efficient and cheaper. Hardware may cost a little more though.

[bob8701]

If motherboard does all the work to convert 12 volt to other voltage, then motherboard cost will increase.

[jonnyGURU]

Yep.

[DuckieHo]

So... is it worth it in the end?

[jonnyGURU]

It WILL cost more. But doesn't more efficient PSU's cost more anyways?

The problem is, you would have to change the whole standard or create a new one and persuade migration over to it. If you do that, you pretty much REQUIRE people to spend more on hardware.

[Yellowbeard]

Originally Posted by jonnyGURU

It WILL cost more. But doesn't more efficient PSU's cost more anyways?

The problem is, you would have to change the whole standard or create a new one and persuade migration over to it. If you do that, you pretty much REQUIRE people to spend more on hardware.

That actually sounds like a bad marketing tactic. Some uber entity can try to force the adoption of a new standard which will force users to buy more hardware (ie a new PSU or MOBO, etc) when they upgrade.