It looks like we are getting more details on ASUS’s next generation BTF 2.0 platform thanks to Andreas Schilling over at HardwareLuxx. He posted slides from an ASUS presentation going over major changes to the power connector design which show that BTF 2.0 graphics cards will be compatible with non-BTF systems. This could mean we would see more BTF options this generation as these cards can be used in any system, not just BTF systems.
With the first generation of BTF graphics cards there was a power connector at the bottom-edge of the card with no other power connectors. This design made these cards only work with ASUS BTF motherboards. With this generation of BTF graphics cards ASUS will move this GC-HPWR PCB power connector up to a higher position on the card so it clears any motherboard components, then provide a small adapter that will plug in between the motherboard and the graphics card. This will allow for BTF graphics cards to not only work on BTF motherboards, but essentially on any system as the cards will also have an optional 12-V-2×6 power connection.
This small adapter will support up to 1000W and ASUS has reinforced it with metal to ensure reliability and to reduce EMI interference. I think the big question is while this cards will work with any motherboard, what will the price difference be between a BTF and non-BTF card. I also don’t see ASUS allowing other brands to offer the BTF connector on their boards.
