ASUS’ new BTF 2.0/GC-HPWR power connector could change the GPU market forever

ASUS unveils their “BTF 2.0” power solution for “cable-free” gaming PCs

ASUS changed how PCs are built with their BTF technology, moving cable clutter to the rear of motherboards to make custom PCs appear “cable-free”. Last year, ASUS even extended their BTF technology to graphics cards. Now, ASUS is taking its BTF GPU technology to the next level with its new GC-HPWR standard, which allows GPUs to support BTF power connections or traditional GPU power cables.

HardwareLuxx has received detailed schematics for ASUS’ new back-connect GPU power solution. Below, we can see ASUS’ existing BTF GPU power solution. While functional, this solution only works with compatible PC motherboards. This forces users to invest in full BTF gaming systems. This has hampered the adoption of GC-HPWR on graphics cards, as it only works on a subset of ASUS motherboards.

(Images from Hardwareluxx)

ASUS’ GC-HPWR standard is changing – Meet ASUS’ detachable GC-HPWR connector

Instead of having their GC-HPWR connectors run in line with a GPU’s primary PCIe slot, ASUS has recessed the GC-HPWR connectors further inside their GPUs and has created a bridge connector that can sit between a GPU and a motherboard. This allows BTF GPUs to be compatible with standard PC motherboards, provided these GPUs also have a standard power connectors.

With support for up to 1000W of power, this connector can easily power any modern graphics card.

Below, we can see a GPU design that features a retracted GC-HPWR connector and a 12V-2×6 power input. This GPU can be powered using either power connector. This means that PC builders can use its BTF connector on compatible motherboards, and its standard power connector on traditional motherboard designs.

The best of both worlds

With this new design, ASUS can now create GPUs that support BTF and non-BTF motherboards. This allows BTF series GPUs to cater to larger sections of the PC market. This maximises the appeal of BTF GPUs. Furthermore, it could give PC builders more reason to upgrade to a BTF motherboard.

Currently, it is unknown when ASUS plans to release their first BTF 2.0 graphics card. Regardless, we expect to see BTF compatible RTX 50 series GPUs later this year.

You can join the discussion on ASUS’ updated GC-HPWR GPU power connector on the OC3D Forums.