PCI-SIG prepares 12V-2×6 PCIe 6.0 connector

NVIDIA has extensively adopted the 12VHPWR interface in its latest generation of GeForce RTX 40 series graphics cards. However, over the past few months, numerous reports of overheating and melting 12VHPWR connectors have emerged. While these are often attributed to user installation errors, the consensus seems to be that cable bending can easily result in excessive contact pressure, leading to greater potential risks.

According to Igor’s Lab, PCI-SIG is preparing a new connector design called “12V-2×6 PCIe 6.0”, set to appear in the upcoming CEM 5.1 specifications to replace the existing PCIe 5.0 standard’s 12VHPWR. The new connector complies with ATX 3.1 and PCIe 6.0 standards. PCI-SIG has defined parameters like common shape specifications, maximum temperature rise, maximum power, and continuous power to ensure specification consistency. To prevent unnecessary pressure on the contact points, it is also stipulated that the cable cannot be immediately bent upon exiting the connector and cannot be constrained in any way.

In the new design, the “12V-2×6 PCIe 6.0” connector will provide a continuous current of up to 55A and support a maximum power output of 600W. The PCIe slot (PEG) on the motherboard can also provide a maximum power output of 75W. This means that the maximum power consumption of the graphics card can reach 675W, compared to 600W in the previous CEM 5.0 specifications. The new connector will be compatible with existing form factor specifications through a similar design, and can be compatible with existing designs over 300W under certain conditions. However, designs between 150W and 300W may undergo some changes.

Since PCI-SIG has not yet finalized the specifications, the “12V-2×6 PCIe 6.0” connector will not arrive soon and is expected to wait until 2025.