New HPCE power connection standard leaks

At this year’s Computex 2023, ASUS unveiled a “wireless” PC solution based on a wired approach, christened the “ASUS Hidden-Connector Concept Build.” The motherboard employed features a custom slot dedicated to connecting and powering the GeForce RTX 4070 graphics card, eliminating the need for any power cables and presenting a remarkably sleek appearance.

Recently, an official document was leaked by Twitter user @momomo_us, originating from a novel custom HPCE power connection standard, aiming to deliver supplemental power to graphics cards directly via the motherboard.

The document delineates all the pivotal specifications of this new connector, including its capacity to furnish power exceeding 600W, surpassing even the current 16Pin 12VHPWR connector. However, the exact power ceiling remains unspecified in the document. Such a power capacity is ample for future high-end graphics cards; even the current 600W is already impressively substantial.

The HPCE graphics card power solution embodies the design philosophy showcased by ASUS in their “wireless” PC, with its distinct advantage being the elimination of external graphics card power cables, drawing energy directly from a motherboard slot. This not only diminishes the intricacies of internal cable management, offering a more streamlined aesthetic, but it also circumvents the damages or burnout incidents previously associated with the 12VHPWR connector due to poor contact or bent wiring.

According to the details, the motherboard slot necessitates certain enhancements. A new HPCE power slot is positioned ahead of the PCIe x16 slot where the graphics card is inserted. Aesthetically, the HPCE power slot bears a striking resemblance to conventional PCIe slots, with its overall dimensions mirroring that of a PCIe x1 slot. Internally, it houses four sets of pins, 16 of which are exclusively for power, while the remaining 12 facilitate communication between the motherboard and graphics card. To utilize this power scheme, graphics cards need relevant design modifications, necessitating additional connectors at the front. When installing the graphics card, it must be accurately inserted into both the PCIe x16 slot and the HPCE power slot.

This new connector is not an entirely fresh design but rather derives from the HPCE standard widely utilized within the server industry. Having undergone modifications, it is theoretically more mature and reliable than the 12VHPWR connector. It remains uncertain which manufacturers will adopt this design, but present knowledge predominantly stems from the concept product showcased by ASUS.