OPTIMO_ATX - truly linear ATX power supply

[Marcin_gps]

11 hours ago, ASRMichael said:

Marcin

 

I’m not trying to be a pain here but Sean Jacobs DC range is True Linear Power supply. Many use his LPS for ATX. 
 

My question was more on the specific parts. Maybe details will follow in due course. 
 

Cheers

It's not an ATX power supply as far as I know. 

[ASRMichael]

41 minutes ago, Marcin_gps said:

It's not an ATX power supply as far as I know. 

My DC3 is an ATX LPS. Anyway looking forward to the release, sure will be another excellent product by JCAT. Thanks

[Marcin_gps]

2 hours ago, ASRMichael said:

My DC3 is an ATX LPS. Anyway looking forward to the release, sure will be another excellent product by JCAT. Thanks

 

Full ATX and ATX 2.0 compliant without any DC-DC converters? 

[Exocer]

Hi Marcin, very interested in this unit. Any chance you'll be able to provide an approximate price range? Will there be a "smaller" option for those who already have an Optimo or smaller two-rail LPSU for PCI-E cards?

[Marcin_gps]

4 hours ago, Exocer said:

Hi Marcin, very interested in this unit. Any chance you'll be able to provide an approximate price range? Will there be a "smaller" option for those who already have an Optimo or smaller two-rail LPSU for PCI-E cards?

There will be one model with some options that will affect the price. 

 

I will announce the price when the product is ready. 

 

Best regards,
Marcin Ostapowicz
JPLAY & JCAT Founder

[Marcin_gps]

OPTIMO ATX – world’s first truly linear ATX PSU for audiophiles. We are almost there.

The heart of JCAT OPTIMO ATX PSU’s is a separate  Linear Regulator Board for each power line; 12V, 5V and 3.3V, providing 23A of continuous current. Its main components are: rectifier, smoothing capacitors bank and linear regulators.

KEY DESIGN FEATURES:

ACTIVE RECTIFIER

For the OPTIMO ATX whopping current we designed unique active rectifier. It is using MOS FET transistors instead of diodes that are switched at zero points of AC waveform by special circuit. The MOS FET in this application has forward resistance below 1 mOhm (0.001 Ohm) – this outperforms diode resulting in much better dynamic response. JCAT designed analog control circuit with so called “floating ground” which means that there is no ground connection for rectifier at any point that otherwise might be path for introducing noise into DC circuit. This further ensures best noise performance as with GHz speed of MOS FETs there is practically no switching noise.

SUPERB PERFORMANCE

Eleven low impedance capacitors of total 110mF (110.000 uF) will ensure outstanding dynamic performance of OPTIMO ATX. On the graph below, the green line shows output voltage. You can observe superb response for step change of load (turquoise line).

 

 

CAPACITORS BANK

We chose high quality 105 Celcius degrees capacitors for trouble free operation in years to come, and designed in significant margin so even with some capacitance lost over time, there will be no effect on the OPTIMO ATX’s performance. Built to last, as we like things in JCAT.

 

 

LINEAR REGULATORS

The OPTIMO ATX is world’s first truly linear ATX power supply with no switching power circuits at any point. For cutting edge performance, instead of discrete elements, we used 11 state of an art LT3086 integrated linear regulators working in parallel. In result, the RMS noise of the OPTIMO ATX is impressive <15uV. We carefully optimised the PCB layout for shortest signal path, impedance and heat dispatch.

 

 

 

SUPERB BUILD QUALITY

High quality components, from resistors to connectors. Significant design margins. Gold plated 70 um copper PCB. Heat transfer elements made of pure copper. EU placed supply chain. Everything to ensure superb quality. The OPTIMO ATX PSU complies with these safety regulations: directive 2014/35/UE EMC, 2014/30/UE RoHS 2, 2011/65/UE, EN 62368-1, EN 50419 and EN-61558-1.

 

 

 

 

 

DISCLAIMER

All above information and specifications are preliminary/prototype and final product may vary.

[RickyV]

46 minutes ago, Marcin_gps said:

OPTIMO ATX – world’s first truly linear ATX PSU for audiophiles. We are almost there.

The heart of JCAT OPTIMO ATX PSU’s is a separate  Linear Regulator Board for each power line; 12V, 5V and 3.3V, providing 23A of continuous current. Its main components are: rectifier, smoothing capacitors bank and linear regulators.

KEY DESIGN FEATURES:

ACTIVE RECTIFIER

For the OPTIMO ATX whopping current we designed unique active rectifier. It is using MOS FET transistors instead of diodes that are switched at zero points of AC waveform by special circuit. The MOS FET in this application has forward resistance below 1 mOhm (0.001 Ohm) – this outperforms diode resulting in much better dynamic response. JCAT designed analog control circuit with so called “floating ground” which means that there is no ground connection for rectifier at any point that otherwise might be path for introducing noise into DC circuit. This further ensures best noise performance as with GHz speed of MOS FETs there is practically no switching noise.

SUPERB PERFORMANCE

Eleven low impedance capacitors of total 110mF (110.000 uF) will ensure outstanding dynamic performance of OPTIMO ATX. On the graph below, the green line shows output voltage. You can observe superb response for step change of load (turquoise line).

 

 

CAPACITORS BANK

We chose high quality 105 Celcius degrees capacitors for trouble free operation in years to come, and designed in significant margin so even with some capacitance lost over time, there will be no effect on the OPTIMO ATX’s performance. Built to last, as we like things in JCAT.

 

 

LINEAR REGULATORS

The OPTIMO ATX is world’s first truly linear ATX power supply with no switching power circuits at any point. For cutting edge performance, instead of discrete elements, we used 11 state of an art LT3086 integrated linear regulators working in parallel. In result, the RMS noise of the OPTIMO ATX is impressive <15uV. We carefully optimised the PCB layout for shortest signal path, impedance and heat dispatch.

 

 

 

SUPERB BUILD QUALITY

High quality components, from resistors to connectors. Significant design margins. Gold plated 70 um copper PCB. Heat transfer elements made of pure copper. EU placed supply chain. Everything to ensure superb quality. The OPTIMO ATX PSU complies with these safety regulations: directive 2014/35/UE EMC, 2014/30/UE RoHS 2, 2011/65/UE, EN 62368-1, EN 50419 and EN-61558-1.

 

 

 

 

 

DISCLAIMER

All above information and specifications are preliminary/prototype and final product may vary.

Very nice Marcin. Two questions, what are its input requirements? And of course what does it cost?

[luisma]

I'll be following this thread, if I understand this properly @Marcin_gpsthis will be purposed to power PC components like motherboard, cpu and such with moderate power requirements like miniITX or mATX boards, efficient CPU's etc. is that accurate? if so considering the 23 amps total this would be "similar" and I understand this is linear not switching, to let's say a conventional 250W ATX PS (and I mean conventional from the comparisons standpoint as I know this ATX linear PS is not conventional at all)

Thank you

 

Luis V

[Vlaag]

It will be a great update for my 2 kecess p8’s powering the pc. I wonder what casing and cables are required

[Marcin_gps]

16 minutes ago, RickyV said:

Very nice Marcin. Two questions, what are its input requirements? And of course what does it cost?

Input comes via power cord from AC wall socket (100-240V). It's a complete ATX power supply unit with DC cables to power all components: motherboard, CPU, drives and other peripherals 

 

6 minutes ago, luisma said:

I'll be following this thread, if I understand this properly @Marcin_gpsthis will be purposed to power PC components like motherboard, cpu and such with moderate power requirements like miniITX or mATX boards, efficient CPU's etc. is that accurate? if so considering the 23 amps total this would be "similar" and I understand this is linear not switching, to let's say a conventional 250W ATX PS (and I mean conventional from the comparisons standpoint as I know this ATX linear PS is not conventional at all)

Thank you

 

Luis V

 

Correct. Not just 'moderate' as the current capabilities are 23A per rail. 

 

For miniITX/mATX requiring only a single rail, we will probably have a simplified product at a lower price. But initially it will be a ATX PSU. 

 

And correct, the function is the same as a typical computer ATX PSU, only at a very high quality level required for any high-end music server.

 

Yes, this is truly linear ATX PSU - no switching power circuits at any point - which makes this product unique world-wide. 

 

If will be announced officially in January 2021. The final price is not set yet, but it will be 3000EUR minimum. 

 

Regards, 
Marcin

[Marcin_gps]

6 minutes ago, Vlaag said:

It will be a great update for my 2 kecess p8’s powering the pc. I wonder what casing and cables are required

It will come in a nice enclosure with high-quality DC cables.  (render image of the enclosure below)

 

The pictures above show only one regulator board. There will be 3 regulator boards (for each power line; 12V, 5V and 3.3V), power transformers (separate for each line) and control logic board. 

 

In other words; it's a plug & play product requiring no expert knowledge from a user. 

[Savolax]

Can you give some perspective what to expect sound wise with the Optimo ATX when I have PC with standard ATX PSU but have already USB XE card (with Farad3 LPS), USB+LAN Ground conditioner and Net Isolator?

 

How substantial improvement it would be in such combination? (maybe also relatively vs. the USB XE and separate LPS for USB XE)

 

How about the length of PSU cables? Just wondering out loud possible setup if I ever obtained one when I have mid tower ATX case. Any chance having Optimo ATX on the table and leave PC on the floor as it is now? Probably need to invest some similar PC case such the one with Optimo ATX and stack them on top of other...

 

Minimum 3k obviously sounds little steep, but when I have not any other LPS's to computer parts, then I see it more sensible.

 

[RickyV]

1 hour ago, Marcin_gps said:

It will come in a nice enclosure with high-quality DC cables.  (render image of the enclosure below)

 

The pictures above show only one regulator board. There will be 3 regulator boards (for each power line; 12V, 5V and 3.3V), power transformers (separate for each line) and control logic board. 

 

In other words; it's a plug & play product requiring no expert knowledge from a user. 

ah okay now I understand.

My guess, it will be very good and very expensive.

[Exocer]

52 minutes ago, RickyV said:

ah okay now I understand.

My guess, it will be very good and very expensive.

Agreed. Likely a bit out of my price range but I am excited with the direction. Looking forward to feedback from those who migrate away from the DC-ATX converters to solutions like this.

[Marcin_gps]

3 hours ago, Savolax said:

Can you give some perspective what to expect sound wise with the Optimo ATX when I have PC with standard ATX PSU but have already USB XE card (with Farad3 LPS), USB+LAN Ground conditioner and Net Isolator?

 

How substantial improvement it would be in such combination? (maybe also relatively vs. the USB XE and separate LPS for USB XE)

 

How about the length of PSU cables? Just wondering out loud possible setup if I ever obtained one when I have mid tower ATX case. Any chance having Optimo ATX on the table and leave PC on the floor as it is now? Probably need to invest some similar PC case such the one with Optimo ATX and stack them on top of other...

 

Minimum 3k obviously sounds little steep, but when I have not any other LPS's to computer parts, then I see it more sensible.

 

Sonically it's a night & day, even if you already have the cards powered by LPS and other accessories. 

 

The DC cables will be 1.5m long. 

 

The matching PC enclosure will be available as well as the next step, but of course it's possible to use with any PC as  long as you can find the way in for the DC cables.

 

1 hour ago, Exocer said:

Agreed. Likely a bit out of my price range but I am excited with the direction. Looking forward to feedback from those who migrate away from the DC-ATX converters to solutions like this.

 

The OPTIMO ATX's Linear Regulator Board is designed to work as single rail too. In principle we can make any PSU based on the Linear Regulator Board up to 24V/23A (280W)

 

There will be more affordable option availble down the path, especially for anyone who wishes to use only a single rail; to feed a miniITX/mATX motherboard, a DC-ATX converter or a NUC.  

 

Regards, 
Marcin

 

 

[Marcin_gps]

Here is a picture of the OPTIMO ATX's Linear Regulator Board side-by-side with the OPTIMO 3 DUO's linear regulator board. As you can see, it's quite a beast :)

 

[austinpop]

Hi @Marcin_gps

 

This looks very impressive! A couple of quick questions: if powering a mobo with this Linear ATX PSU:

• Does the PSU have a separate 12V rail for EPS? Or will CPU power come from the 12V rail on ATX?
• If using the XE USB and Net cards, can these card now operate (with optimal SQ) on bus power, or does the user still need 2 more external 5V rails for these cards?

Also, how do you envisage this evolving as the ATX12VO standard becomes more prevalent?

 

Thanks.

[Marcin_gps]

10 hours ago, austinpop said:

Hi @Marcin_gps

 

This looks very impressive! A couple of quick questions: if powering a mobo with this Linear ATX PSU:

• Does the PSU have a separate 12V rail for EPS? Or will CPU power come from the 12V rail on ATX?
• If using the XE USB and Net cards, can these card now operate (with optimal SQ) on bus power, or does the user still need 2 more external 5V rails for these cards?

Also, how do you envisage this evolving as the ATX12VO standard becomes more prevalent?

 

Thanks.

 

Hi @austinpop

 

Good questions! 

 

During R&D we experimented a lot with different setups and cables, including connecting separate regulator for CPU power line. Optimo ATX will come with standard cables including ATX connector and CPU power connector, though this lines share common regulator.

 

However in most computer mainboards those power lines are connected anyway, and separate cable for CPU is only to provide enough power for high TDP processors that ATX cable alone can’t support. In most computers with 35W TDP processor you can disconnect CPU cable and computer will run just fine.

 

The Optimo ATX will provide superb sound quality powering JCAT USB and network cards, however on our test rig we still observe some improvement using the Optimo 3 Duo for the cards. I think that this comes as no surprise as the Optimo 3 Duo is superior in terms of power quality over the Optimo ATX and these most sensitive components will benefit from that extra quality. 

 

ATX12VO is still a song of the future as most platforms on the market are ATX, we also expect some compatibility of ATX12VO mainboards with adapters especially for lower power platforms. Developing our ATX we kept this new standard in mind. Based on the  technology developed for the Optimo ATX we will be able to build audiophile quality ATX12VO standard power supply when the time comes.

 

Please let me know if you have any further questions.

 

Best regards,
Marcin Ostapowicz
JPLAY & JCAT Founder

[luisma]

On 12/7/2020 at 9:14 AM, Marcin_gps said:

23A per rail

Thank you for the clarification, It seemed initially it was 23A total, per rail is definitely impressive for a full linear (no switching PS) and provides definitely more power.

 

[StreamFidelity]

4 hours ago, Marcin_gps said:

In most computers with 35W TDP processor you can disconnect CPU cable and computer will run just fine.

 

In my experience, the SQ only increases significantly when the CPU is supplied with power directly. I reported here:

On 5/1/2020 at 12:25 PM, StreamFidelity said:

4. Test fis audio cable computer and DC complete with 2 Keces P8 (20V / 8A & 12V / 8A)

 

We removed for this wiring
- 3.2 CPU EPS 8 PIN
and added a second fis audio cable instead
- DC Output 12V Male DC (2.5x5.5mm) --- Molex 8 PIN

 

The circuit diagram shows the connections.

 

 

Me: a little more of everything, more space

Bernd: more space, more dynamics, more pulse speed, more resolution, very good voice.

 

I suspect it is because of the bypassing of the 400W HDPLEX DC / ATX converter. This would no longer be necessary with the Optimo ATX. I am very interested. 👍

[AME]

Hello@Marcin_gps,

 

I'm new on the forum and at the moment building a new PC which is a bit of a mix between the Taiko and Pink Faun and looking for a very good PSU to feed this build.

 

You mention also a matching PC case, 

 

Can this case house a full EATX board and how is the cooling solution?

What are the dimensions of the case, the provided picture of the PSU internals is a bit to small to see the dimensions.

My new build has 5 Low profile PCI cards, can this fit in the case

Are there any special futures in the case, like damping or compartments to house peripherals?

 

Thanks!

 

 

 

 

 

 

[Patatorz]

12 hours ago, StreamFidelity said:

 

In my experience, the SQ only increases significantly when the CPU is supplied with power directly. I reported here:

 

I suspect it is because of the bypassing of the 400W HDPLEX DC / ATX converter. This would no longer be necessary with the Optimo ATX. I am very interested. 👍

Hello, i use my setup as a server and not player. Bypassing the dc/atx module (400 or 800w HDPlex) using the HDPlex 400w lpsu atx rail improved a lot the performance in terms of sound stage, fluidity and impact. 
 

@StreamFidelityfully agree with you 

[Dev]

@Marcin_gps any plans to build a DC-DC ATX power supply, similar to Hdplex 400w/800w units ? Those with their own DC power supply (non-ATX) might benefit from this.

[Marcin_gps]

20 hours ago, AME said:

Hello@Marcin_gps,

 

I'm new on the forum and at the moment building a new PC which is a bit of a mix between the Taiko and Pink Faun and looking for a very good PSU to feed this build.

 

You mention also a matching PC case, 

 

Can this case house a full EATX board and how is the cooling solution?

What are the dimensions of the case, the provided picture of the PSU internals is a bit to small to see the dimensions.

My new build has 5 Low profile PCI cards, can this fit in the case

Are there any special futures in the case, like damping or compartments to house peripherals?

 

Thanks!

 

 

 

 

 

 

Full ATX stadard only. We have not decided on cooling yet. 

Please note that the maximum CPU TDP for the OPTIMO ATX is 95W (see below)

 

11 hours ago, Dev said:

@Marcin_gps any plans to build a DC-DC ATX power supply, similar to Hdplex 400w/800w units ? Those with their own DC power supply (non-ATX) might benefit from this.

We have no plans for a DC-DC ATX power supply. 

In our experience the biggest improvement comes from using a clean 12V LPS. And some DC-DC ATX boards pass-through the 12V from the external PSU to the motherboard / CPU. So for customers using DC-DC ATX converters we will have a powerful single-rail LPS (based on the OPTIMO ATX's  Linear Regulator Board )

 

Best regards, 

Marcin

[NWLanding]

Enthusiastically following this thread.  Wondering if a release date eminent.