With the arrival of NVIDIA’s new RTX 40 Super graphics cards, the democratization of the 12V-2×6 power connector is well underway. But will these changes prevent graphics cards from burning out?
12V-2×6: safer?
Among the changes made to this version are shortened sensor pins. These now prevent the PC from starting up if the card is not correctly connected. In addition, the plastic surrounding the connector is thicker, while the pins are larger. The aim is to eliminate play in the connector when plugged in, while improving contact between the male and female pins. This, in turn, limits heating.
In practice, Igor’s Lab encountered a strange phenomenon: no click on insertion. It may sound silly, but this audible click is often the signal given to the user that his adapter is properly plugged in. In this case, however, the new adapter had to be plugged in and unplugged some fifteen times.
In the final analysis, the problem lies with the new connector itself. The increased thickness of the plastic housing, combined with excessive nickel plating, makes contact between the male and female pins more difficult. As a result, the connector doesn’t click, and can even be removed without operating the retention lever.
What’s more, if you try to remove the connector by moving it sideways, this can damage the side pins. The connectors become looser, ensuring poorer contact with the male pins.
So, broadly speaking, NVIDIA’s connector problems have not been resolved. We’ll see if we get any feedback from burnt-out RTX 4080 Super cards, since, let’s not forget, this card has a power consumption of 320W. It’s the RTX 40 Super that consumes the most power, and therefore has the greatest chance of ending up badly!
