Next-generation AMD and NVIDIA GPUs may adopt a PCIe 5.0 power connector for up to 600 W TDPs
Last week, VideoCardz asserted that NVIDIA could turn to a new power connector for the RTX 3090 Ti. At the time, the website claimed that the power connector would have 16 pins; it also speculated that it would be a MicroFit Molex standard connector.
Now, Amphenol has confirmed that a 16-pin power connector is on its way, designed for PCIe Gen 5. Amphenol describes the 12VHPWR as having 3 mm pitch power pins, 1.2 mm smaller than existing connectors. Additionally, the 12VHPWR measures 18.85 mm across, making it about as wide as NVIDIA's 12-pin connector.
Incidentally, the 12VHPWR has 12 power pins, matching NVIDIA's alternative. However, it also contains 4 signal pins, the use of which remains unclear currently. Igor's Lab has leaked schematics for the new power connector, which you can view below or on its website.
A selling point of the 12VHPWR power connector is its power throughput. PCI-SIG reports that 12VHPWR maintains 55.2 A across 12 power pins at 12 V, yielding a peak of 662 W. Igor's Lab states that the 12VHPWR will be capped at 600 W, though.
Ultimately, 12VHPWR should spell the end of NVIDIA's 12-pin connector. If VideoCardz is correct, NVIDIA may fragment its Ampere line-up as soon as January 2022 at CES 2022.
Source(s)
Amphenol & Igor's Lab via VideoCardz & Tom's Hardware
