Asus is developing a new solution to reduce cable clutter in desktop PCs. With its innovative GC-HPWR connector, Asus has created a concept that could eliminate the need for traditional power cables on graphics cards, feeding the power through an extended connector beside the PCIe slot.
This connector, shared by HardwareLuxx, is designed for Asus's BTF 2.0 series motherboards. It aims to minimise cable clutter and simplify PC building. BTF motherboards relocate various connectors and components to the rear of the board, creating a cleaner and more aesthetically pleasing build. The GC-HPWR builds upon Asus's previous efforts to eliminate visible cables. While earlier BTF designs focused on relocating power connectors and other components to the back of the motherboard, the GC-HPWR takes it a step further with a retractable or detachable design.
This solution could connect future graphics cards to the system completely cable-free. Alternatively, the connector can be detached or retracted when not in use, ensuring compatibility with standard 12VHPWR cables. Supporting cable-free connections and traditional 12VHPWR cables eliminates the decreased resale value of BTF graphics cards, which were limited to a single connector type.
The GC-HPWR connector features a construction combining metal and copper, improving connectivity, reducing resistance, and enabling lower operating temperatures. Asus claims this new connector can support up to 1000W of power delivery, making it suitable for even the most power-hungry graphics cards.
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KitGuru says: Will power connectors similar to GC-HPWR become the norm? If that's the case, we hope they create a standard so that each brand doesn't end up having its own connector.