12VHPWR power connector doomed to fail – replaced with “12V-2×6”

With PCI Express 5.0 and ATX 3.0, a new 16-pin connector was introduced under the name 12VHPWR. A fresh, new standard connector would better handle current peaks and the new demands of higher power output for modern components, but the connector itself came into the spotlight in the fall when many users reported melting when using the latest graphics cards.

Incidents were attributed to user error and incorrect contacts being entered, but the standard nonetheless faced criticism that the error could have started with it. It now appears that PCI-SIG, the organization behind the standard, is revising the connector and replacing the 12VHPWR. Instead, the 12V-2×6 variant will be offered.

Despite the new name, the connector is basically very similar and retains 12 contact pins for power supply and 4 smaller pins for other connections. The biggest differences relate partly to the specifications and requirements described, and partly to differences within the connector. PCI-SIG reviews, among other things, distances, dimensions, and places contact bar pins (sense-pins) are in the plastic casing, which means they are not connected unless the connector is pushed fully into the socket.

In addition, a change is made which means there is no power supply at all senseThe screws are not fully connected. For example, if a graphics card is plugged in the wrong way, it receives no power at all, or alternatively, the power cuts out if the connector slips. With the same pin it is possible to regulate the power level that the connector must allow, up to 150, 300, 450 or 600 watts.

The exact external design of the new connector has not been determined at the time of this writing, as PCI-SIG is still testing the new variant. However, it will be backwards compatible with the 12VHPWR and on the outside the two can be easily distinguished by the new 12V-2×6 connector being stamped “H++”. The old contact’s recommendation not to bend the wires too hard is mentioned.

The new standard is still an ongoing project and details may change. However, according to Igor Testers, who witnessed the update, it is unlikely that there will be any major changes.

source: Igor Lab