AMD and Intel both are reportedly testing the new 12V-2×6 connectors which may power their next-gen GPUs, according to Hungarian publication Prohardver (via Wccftech).
12V-2×6 For RDNA4 & Battlemage?
In case you aren’t familiar, the 12V-2×6 is the evolution of the original 12VHPWR connector that, while advertised to deliver up to 600 watts of power through a single cable, had a less-than-stellar safety record due to various reports of melted connectors and fire risks. The updated connector reportedly has enhanced safety features that prevents meltdowns from occurring if it comes loose, which is especially important for NVIDIA’s upcoming flagship GPU.
Prohardver reported that both Team Red and Team Blue are testing the new connector with manufacturing partners, though it’s unclear if this ultimately means their upcoming products will feature this design. It’s worth noting that it ultimately may not be required for both companies, as Intel has no intention of designing a high-end GPU with power-guzzling TDP figures, and AMD for the time being has put aside its flagship-rivaling ambitions. Instead, both companies can stick to the tried-and-true dual PCIe 8-pin design.
That being said, it’s possible that both companies will implement this connector in the far future, especially as both RDNA4 and Battlemage are likely in a very late phase of development, which may not see further changes on the connector at this point. It’s worth noting that AIBs like ASRock has unofficially implemented the 12V-2×6 connector in its blower fan-based GPUs, which is useful thanks to its space-saving characteristics.
Pokdepinion: Unless the next-gen uses more than 300 watts, I don’t see many reasons to implement the connector (and ATX 3.1 PSUs aren’t quite as common just yet).
