ASUS has unveiled impressive test results for its proprietary GC-HPWR connector, featured on the upcoming ROG Astral GeForce RTX 5090 BTF Edition. This innovative metal power connector, designed to handle extreme power loads, successfully managed over 1900W in single-PSU tests and an astonishing 2600W in dual-PSU configurations, all while maintaining remarkably low temperatures.
Asus’s Next-Gen Power Connector Redefines GPU Power Delivery
Asus is pushing the boundaries of GPU power delivery with its latest BTF (Back to the Future) 2.5 design, which introduces a detachable GC-HPWR connector. This allows users unprecedented flexibility, enabling them to switch between the proprietary GC-HPWR and the standard 16-pin 12VHPWR connector. This adaptability addresses previous limitations where the GC-HPWR was fixed, enhancing the card’s versatility and potential resale value.
Extreme Power Handling and Thermal Efficiency
Tony Yu, General Manager of Asus China, conducted rigorous tests to demonstrate the GC-HPWR connector’s capabilities. Key findings include:
- 1000W Design Capacity: The connector was engineered to handle up to 1000W.
- 670W Test: During a 10-minute test at approximately 670W (typical RTX 5090 maximum power), the connector’s temperature remained between 30-35°C.
- 1300W Test: Pushing the load to 1300W saw the temperature rise only slightly to 38°C.
- 1900W+ Single PSU Test: At 150A, three times the 16-pin connector’s official rating, the GC-HPWR handled over 1900W, with its temperature staying around 41°C, significantly cooler than the power cables (68-70°C).
- 2600W Dual PSU Test: In an extreme scenario, the connector successfully managed over 2600W when drawing power from two separate power supplies.
These results highlight the GC-HPWR’s superior thermal management compared to traditional plastic connectors, which are prone to higher temperatures under similar loads.
Collaborative Power Delivery and Future Implications
Yu’s tests also explored the combined performance of the GC-HPWR and 16-pin connectors. The RTX 5090 can split power delivery between them, demonstrating efficient load balancing. While Asus currently has no plans for retail cards utilizing both connectors simultaneously, primarily due to the extreme power demands being relevant only for niche overclocking scenarios, the demonstration suggests a viable solution for future high-wattage GPUs. This innovative approach could set new standards for power delivery, paving the way for the next generation of graphics cards.
Key Takeaways
- Asus’s GC-HPWR connector on the RTX 5090 BTF 2.5 demonstrates exceptional power handling and thermal efficiency.
- The new detachable design offers users greater flexibility.
- The connector successfully managed over 1900W in single-PSU tests and 2600W in dual-PSU tests, maintaining low temperatures.
- This technology could be crucial for future high-power graphics cards, potentially influencing new industry standards.
Via BiliBili, Uniko’s Hardware
