2023-07-05 13:01:13
If you’ve ever installed a graphics card in a PC or Mac, you’ve probably seen the famous “PCI-Express” power connectors. They are actually used to power some cards, those that require more than the 75 W provided by the slot itself. And after the many problems with the latest version (used on some of Nvidia’s GeForce RTXs), the consortium that manages the standard is obviously working on a safer successor, which would save a few more watts.
A 12VHPWR connector.
Let’s go back: the slot can supply 75 W and the traditional connectors, those with 6 and 8 pins, can supply 75 W and 150 W (respectively). As graphics cards consume more and more over time, a solution has been found to avoid multiplying the sockets: a connector capable of supplying up to 600 W. We had already talked about the 12VHPWR (its small name) because this socket compact posed problems during the launch of the latest GeForces at Nvidia: in certain rare cases, incorrect insertion could lead to overheating and destruction of the graphics card, not to mention the risk of fire.
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According to the German site Igor’s Lab, an evolution is planned to reduce risks but also allow graphics cards to consume more. On this point, the specifications indicate a maximum of 675 W, that is to say the 75 W of the location coupled with the 600 W of the connector, against 600 W in total with the old connector. The new version (12V-2×6) has only been slightly modified and remains physically compatible, but new rules apply on the quality of the internal cables and the pins are a little longer to improve contacts. Similarly, the pins used for detection are slightly different to more easily detect an insertion fault and automatically cut off the power supply. A solution obviously already used by Nvidia with the GeForce RTX 4070, according to our colleagues.
The new take, close but internally different.
Finally, the connector becomes a bit more universal: it allows the creation of sockets with a consumption limit of 150 W and 300 W, in addition to the 450 W and 600 W versions. entry-level graphics but also on power supplies with limited power. Remember that the only Apple machine that still has PCI-Express slots — the Mac Pro — does offer PCI-Express power connectors, but older versions (two 6-pin and one 8-pin, i.e. 300 W in total) .
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