PGC NEWS

The arrival of NVIDIA GeForce RTX 40 Series graphics cards introduced the 12VHPWR power connector, presenting new challenges for PC builders. In response, power supply manufacturers are embracing the ATX 3.0 and PCIe 5.0 standards, representing the future of PC power delivery. MSI, a leading component manufacturer, is at the forefront of this transition with the MSI MPG A1000G, a high-end power supply with native support for the 12VHPWR (16-pin) connector. This review explores what sets the MSI MPG A1000G apart from conventional power supplies.

MSI MPG A1000G Power Supply Box

A Premium Design and Build

The MSI MPG A1000G boasts a sleek and sophisticated design. The black and purple color scheme, accented with angular lines, exudes a premium aesthetic. The box prominently displays the ATX 3.0 and PCIe 5.0 compatibility logos, alongside the 80 Plus Gold certification, highlighting its high efficiency.

MSI MPG A1000G Power Supply Box Rear

High-Quality Components for Reliability and Performance

MSI has equipped the MPG A1000G with high-quality Japanese capacitors rated for 105°C. These capacitors are designed to withstand extreme operating conditions, such as overloads, undervoltage, and short circuits, protecting other components. The rear of the box provides detailed information about the ATX 3.0 and PCIe 5.0 standards, along with specifications regarding the compact design, included cables, and the Zero Fan mode, which stops the fan when operating below 40% load. The power supply itself features a striking two-tone design with a gunmetal gray accent and the product name sharply etched on the side.

MSI MPG A1000G Power Supply Internals

Comprehensive Connectivity with a Focus on the Future

The MPG A1000G offers a comprehensive set of modular cables, including two CPU connectors to support power-hungry processors. While it includes three traditional PCIe connectors, one notable difference is the inclusion of a dedicated 12VHPWR 12-pin connector, replacing a fourth traditional PCIe connector. This 12VHPWR connector is designed to deliver up to 600W of power to graphics cards, offering improved power delivery and intelligent communication thanks to four dedicated sense pins.

MSI MPG A1000G Power Supply Connectors

Embracing ATX 3.0 for Enhanced Power Delivery

The ATX 3.0 standard mandates that power supplies can handle transient power spikes up to twice their rated power for short durations, preventing shutdowns that could occur with older standards. It also requires higher efficiency at low loads (2% of rated power), with a minimum of 60% efficiency. This allows the power supply to efficiently power both high-performance systems and those optimized for lower power consumption.

MSI MPG A1000G Power Supply Information

Real-World Performance and Compatibility

While the MPG A1000G is advertised as ATX 3.0 compatible, it doesn’t fully meet all the specifications, achieving approximately 80% of the T5 transient power spike requirement. Manufactured by Channel Well Technology (CWT), a reputable Taiwanese company with factories in Vietnam, the MPG A1000G exhibits high-quality construction. Testing with an MSI RTX 4080 SUPRIM X graphics card demonstrated the power supply’s ability to handle rapid power spikes and maintain stable voltage under heavy load.

Conclusion

The MSI MPG A1000G is a compelling choice for those seeking a power supply capable of powering high-end components, both present and future. Its adoption of the ATX 3.0 and PCIe 5.0 standards makes it a future-proof investment, ensuring compatibility with next-generation hardware. The MSI MPG A1000G offers a strong combination of performance, features, and future-proofing, making it a worthy consideration for any high-end PC build.