MSI launches its “Back-Connection” RTX 5070 Ti Ventus 3X PZ graphics card

MSI introduces its first “Project Zero” graphics card with a “Zero-Trace Power Path”

MSI has officially launched its first Project Zero (now MSI PZ) graphics card, following their tease at TGS 2025. This GPU features what MSI calls a “Zero-Trace Power Path”, which is a fancy way of saying that its power cable is hidden from view. This feature makes the new MSI RTX 5070 Ti Ventus 3X PZ a great GPU for users of PZ (Project Zero) motherboards, as it allows for full system builds with hidden power connectors.

Like most RTX 5070 Ti graphics cards, the new PZ model is powered using a 16-pin 12V-2×6 power cable. This power connection point is hidden behind the GPU’s backplate, allowing it to be routed invisibly behind your motherboard.

This style of “hidden connector” design isn’t new. Sapphire’s Radeon RX 9070 XT Nitro+ (review here) has a similar setup. Note that part of this GPU’s heatsink needs to be removed to create space for the GPU’s power connector/cable. In theory, this will make this GPU run hotter than its non-PZ counterpart (which can have more heatsink area).

Note how this power connector and cable are neatly hidden behind a magnetic backplate. If this backplate section of the GPU is installed, most onlookers would be unaware that the GPU has a power connector. Users can easily remove this backplate if they want a look at their GPU’s power connector.

Sadly, MSI has not unveiled the pricing or release date of this new GPU. We expect this new PZ series GPU to become available at retailers soon. Once it arrives, we will be able to see the pricing of this GPU first-hand. We expect it to carry a small premium over MSI’s other White Ventus 3X series products.

You can join the discussion on MSI’s first Project Zero (PZ) graphics card on the OC3D Forums.