The PC gaming community is buzzing with the latest news regarding the power connectors for Nvidia’s RTX 40-series Super graphics cards. In a recent post by Алексей on X, two images depicting the PCIe 5.0 16-pin power connectors have been shared. These images reveal that there are two variants of the connector, namely the 12VHPWR and 12V-2×6, each with different identification marks.
It is important to note that not all of the new RTX 40-series Super graphics cards feature the revised 12V-2×6 connector. There are still some AIC partners who are utilizing the original 12VHPWR connector on specific models like the RTX 4070 Super, 4070 Ti Super, and 4080 Super graphics cards.
The controversy surrounding the 12VHPWR connector stems from its association with the RTX 4090 series, which experienced notable issues last year. This connector has proven to be sensitive to various environmental stressors like cable bending, improper insertions, and deficiencies in cable quality. Particularly, Nvidia’s 16-pin adapters have been found to be of subpar quality.
To address these concerns, the 12V-2×6 connector was introduced as a superior alternative to its predecessor. This new connector underwent modifications to enhance durability and receive a power boost from 600W to 675W. Notably, the 16 connecting pins were refined to improve conductivity and thermal performance. Through extensive testing, Hardware Busters concluded that these changes provided significant thermal improvements, making the 12V-2×6 connector resistant to melting.
Thankfully, melting failures have only been associated with the RTX 4090 series. There have been no reports of melting issues with Nvidia’s new RTX 40 Super GPUs or the 4080 and lower-tier models. These GPUs simply do not have the power requirements to reach temperatures that could cause the connector to melt.
For RTX 4090 owners, it is now possible to verify which connector their card has by examining the identification marks. The 12VHPWR connector is marked as H+, while the 12V-2×6 connector is marked as H++. Although one may need to remove the graphics card cooler to check for the connector type, this identification process provides clarity. However, it’s worth noting that not all RTX 4090 cards manufactured after 2023 necessarily use the updated connector.
The reasons behind some AIC partners still utilizing the older 12VHPWR standard are unclear. It could be due to excess supply or design limitations. Nevertheless, for users with RTX GPUs below the RTX 4090 series, the older 12VHPWR connector should pose no issues as long as it is properly inserted and secured.
In conclusion, understanding the different power connectors for Nvidia’s RTX 40-series Super graphics cards is crucial for users to identify and ensure the optimal performance and safety of their GPUs. The industry’s constant innovation and relentless pursuit of better designs will undoubtedly lead to further advancements in power connectors for future graphics cards.
An FAQ section based on the main topics and information presented in the article:
Q: What are the different power connectors for Nvidia’s RTX 40-series Super graphics cards?
A: The two variants of the power connector are the 12VHPWR and the 12V-2×6.
Q: Which graphics cards feature the revised 12V-2×6 connector?
A: Not all of the new RTX 40-series Super graphics cards feature the 12V-2×6 connector. Some AIC partners are still using the original 12VHPWR connector on specific models like the RTX 4070 Super, 4070 Ti Super, and 4080 Super graphics cards.
Q: What issues are associated with the 12VHPWR connector?
A: The 12VHPWR connector has been associated with melting issues in the RTX 4090 series. It is sensitive to environmental stressors like cable bending, improper insertions, and deficiencies in cable quality.
Q: How has the 12V-2×6 connector addressed these concerns?
A: The 12V-2×6 connector is a superior alternative to the 12VHPWR connector. It underwent modifications to enhance durability and received a power boost from 600W to 675W. The connector’s pins were refined to improve conductivity and thermal performance, making it resistant to melting.
Q: Are there any reports of melting issues with the newer RTX 40 Super GPUs?
A: No, there have been no reports of melting issues with Nvidia’s new RTX 40 Super GPUs or the 4080 and lower-tier models. These GPUs do not have the power requirements to reach temperatures that could cause the connector to melt.
Q: How can RTX 4090 owners verify the connector type?
A: RTX 4090 owners can examine the identification marks on the connector. The 12VHPWR connector is marked as H+, while the 12V-2×6 connector is marked as H++. However, not all RTX 4090 cards manufactured after 2023 necessarily use the updated connector.
Q: Why are some AIC partners still using the older 12VHPWR standard?
A: The reasons for this are unclear. It could be due to excess supply or design limitations.
Q: Does the older 12VHPWR connector pose any issues for RTX GPUs below the RTX 4090 series?
A: No, as long as it is properly inserted and secured, the older 12VHPWR connector should pose no issues for RTX GPUs below the RTX 4090 series.
Key terms and jargon:
1. PCIe 5.0: This refers to the fifth generation of the Peripheral Component Interconnect Express (PCIe) standard, which is a high-speed serial computer expansion bus standard. The PCIe 5.0 16-pin power connectors are used for Nvidia’s RTX 40-series Super graphics cards.
Suggested related links:
1. Nvidia
2. Hardware Busters
The source of the article is from the blog newyorkpostgazette.com