Gen 5 Adapters Aren’t Safe For Next-Gen GPUs On Current ATX 2.0 Power Supplies

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Sajjad Hussain

At HI Digital I test and write about different hardware configurations to show other PC users what they can expect from their build. My end goal is to educate the masses to make the right decision when they are looking for new PC parts to buy

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With Nvidia’s “GeForce Beyond” event just around the corner, there have been discussions about the power specifications for the next-gen graphics cards and whether they will work with your current power supply. It is rumored that adapters that are expected to be used to run these 40 Series graphics cards will be equipped with the new 16-pin PCIe Gen 5 connector.

Of course, we have the new ATX 3.0 Power Supplies that will also be launched very soon. These next generation of power supplies will feature a new standard that replaces existing eight-pin 150W power cables with a single 600W power line, also called the 12VHPWR power cable. To satisfy the PCIe Gen5 specifications, next-generation GPUs will require a new 16-pin power cable or an adapter. 

Lately, however, there have been concerns from PCI-SIG regarding the new 12VHPWR adapters. The PCI-SIG is an electronics industry group that specifies PCI, PCI-X, and PCI Express computer buses. The company was concerned about how certain adapters would act under certain circumstances.

Consequently, the leaked mail shows that PCI-SIG has instructed its members to act with due diligence when using high-power connectors.

The main problem when using ATX 2.0 PSUs with Gen 5 connectors is that an eight-pin connector has a maximum limit of 150W that it can supply to the component. Even using three of these eight-pin connectors as an adapter (3×8-pin to 1x16pin) will not be enough as 3×8-pins can supply a maximum of 450W, while a Gen 5 connector requires 600W.

The variance in current and playing with limits can cost consumers a lot of money, which is simply what PCI-SIG is concerned about.

As a result, if you plan to invest in the highest-end next-gen graphics card, opting for the new ATX3.0 PSU will be nothing less than a wise decision.

It is, however, expected that before the release of the next-gen graphics cards from Nvidia, PCI-SIG will issue a report soon, based on which it would be much easier to narrow down your purchase decision.

Sajjad Hussain

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