The updated 12V-2×6 connector, the follow-up to the controversial 12VHPWR connector has passed a series of stress tests with flying colors. HardwareBusters took the new connector to task by not only using it under ideal settings, but also tried a couple of “user” error-type scenarios, and the updated 12V-2×6 connector performed flawlessly. From bending the cable beyond the recommended level to only partially inserting the connector testing showed it maintained an average temperature between 41°C-46.5°C, even when under load with 640W of power. Since testing was performed by using a load tester the sense pins did not restrict power from the PSU. The connector also passed testing, via proper insertion, with 660W of power.
Testing was done a Linwell, a popular cable manufacturer that supplies a number of brands including ASUS. The connector was given 55 Amps of power while the technician vigorously bent the cable without negative effect. NVIDIA has been updating its RTX 40 series graphics cards since the beginning of 2023 and under normal operation, the sense pins should detect if the connector is not fully inserted and prevent a card from powering up. However, from manufacturing defects to other factors, it should be noted that no connector is perfect and without some possibility of failure.
Per VideoCardz:
“The updated 12V-2×6 cable represents an important design advancement in graphics card power delivery. It has now become the standard for all new RTX 40 cards shipped to customers, with power supplies also adapting to the new standard. While we hope to avoid any reports of these new cables melting, it’s essential to remember that every power cable and connector carries some risk of failure, and no design is entirely flawless.”
From 12VHPWR to 12V-2×6
The 12V-2×6 connector arrives following a year+ reports of melting cables/connectors from users, and some hardware testers with the previous 12VHPWR version. Controversy has surrounded the previous version with some hardware testers and manufacturers placing blame on users while others point to a problematic design that could inherently lead to user error. Early on it was rumored that PCI-SIG was working on a revision which later became fact with the arrival of the 12V-2×6 connector. More information about the 12V-2×6 connector can be found here.