With its new BTF (Back to the Future) component series, Asus is introducing a new power connector for graphics cards, the GC-HCPE. The GC-HCPE is integrated directly onto the graphics card PCB, as an extension of PCIe. If we already know what it looks like, we now know that it can transmit over 600W of power, better than the 12VHPWR!
GC-HCPE: over 600W of power for this connector!
As a reminder, Asus wants to “revolutionize” the way gamers’ personal PCs are wired. To this end, the brand is pushing ahead with a new standard. On the motherboard side, this means moving the power connectors to the back of the PCB. This keeps connectivity out of sight, at the rear of the case, but what about graphics cards?
Well, for this component, the brand has a solution: a new power connector… Another one… Name? The GC-HCPE. It’s a connector derived from the server world, the HPCE(High Power Card Edge), which takes its place in the extension of the PCIe slot. The latter comprises a total of 28 pins. Sixteen of these are used to supply power to the graphics card, while the remaining twelve are used for communication between the graphics card and the motherboard.
The other advantage of such a connector, apart from the fact that it doesn’t require a cable that’s not always very pretty, is the power supplied. While a 12VHPWR can deliver up to 600W of power, this one can go even further. What’s more, its thickness and dimensions make it compatible with graphics card PCBs. Finally, once the card has been plugged in and held securely by the PCIe latch, you shouldn’t have to deal with a badly connected connector that could cause serious damage to the user’s configuration.
Front View of GC-HPWR pic.twitter.com/x2RYNgJBeh
— 188号 (@momomo_us) August 28, 2023
Now, the only snag is the cost that this kind of implementation can generate on a motherboard. It’s not impossible that manufacturers will have to integrate additional security systems on the motherboard.
