Nvidia’s RTX 5090 could feature two 12V-2×6 power connectors
Nvidia’s RTX 5090 GPU may force PSU upgrades
Rumour has it that Nvidia’s next-generation GeForce RTX 5090 will be incredibly power-hungry. Recent rumours suggest that the GPU will have a 600W TDP. That’s 150 watts more than Nvidia’s RTX 4090. Now, it looks like Nvidia’s next-gen flagship will force a lot of PSU upgrades, as the GPU may feature two 12V-2×6 power connectors.
Today, a growing number of PSU manufacturers are creating high-wattage PSUs with dual 12V-2×6 power connectors. TweakTown recently visited an MSI factory in Shenzen, China, where MSI reportedly stated that an additional 12V-2×6 connector was needed to support next-generation GPUs. Since dual-GPU gaming systems aren’t a thing anymore, we know that this second connector isn’t for a second graphics card.
With that, companies are lining up new hardware, including Power Supplies or PSUs, designed for the next generation of PC gaming and desktop AI. For example, MSI’s impressive new 1600W MEG Ai1600T PCIE5 and the 1250W MPG A1250 (also available in 1000W and 850W), which we got to see during a recent tour of MSI’s impressive factory in Shenzhen, China.
Interestingly, these new PSUs feature two 12V-2×6 power connectors (the updated 16-pin 12VHPWR that can deliver up to 600W on a single cable). MSI’s reason for the additional connector is to support the next generation of graphics cards. Could we see the GeForce RTX 5090 launch with two power connectors? Possibly.
(RTX 5090 Mock-Up from TweakTown)
If Nvidia’s RTX 5090’s standard TBP is 600W, it would make sense for Nvidia to use two 12V-2×6 (16-pin) power connectors. Yes, each connector is rated for 600 watts of power. Regardless, overclocking would easily push a 600W GPU past the limits of a single 16-pin power connector. As such, two connectors may be necessary for overclocked GPU models or to give end users headroom for overclocking.
Since Nvidia’s RTX 5090 will likely cost over £1500 at launch, the need for a PSU upgrade may not be a major factor for buyers of this extremely high-end GPU. After all, those with that much expendable income will likely have enough money for a PSU upgrade. Beyond that, using two connectors will alleviate user concerns with the 16-pin power standard. Basically, having two under-loaded connectors is better than having one fully loaded (or overloaded) one.
You can join the discussion on Nvidia’s RTX 5090 using two 12V-2×6 power connectors on the OC3D Forums.
