NVIDIA has started shipping the GeForce RTX 4070 and RTX 4090 Founders Edition graphics cards, featuring an upgraded power connector known as the 12V-2x6 connector.

This connector design improvement aims to enhance power delivery and prevent potential hazards. Let's explore the technical details and safety measures introduced by NVIDIA. One Reddit user reported observing shortened sensing pins on the connector, a crucial feature that ensures the card draws sufficient power and prevents the connector from melting due to inadequate connection.

The shortened sense pins on the connector enable effective communication between the GPU and the power supply. By reducing their length, the graphics card can negotiate and request higher wattage only when the cable is fully inserted. This modification ensures that high power is not forced through an improperly seated cable, mitigating potential hazards and enhancing safety.

While specific implementation details are undisclosed, it has been observed that NVIDIA has already incorporated the upgraded connector in the RTX 4070 and RTX 4070 Ti cards, which belong to the RTX 40 series. However, it is important to note that this may not represent the complete implementation of the 12V-2x6 connector.

Although NVIDIA has not made an official announcement regarding changes to the power connector, reports suggest ongoing development of a new connector design. This emphasizes the company's commitment to improving safety measures and ensuring optimal power delivery in their graphics card lineup.

GeForce RTX 4070 and RTX 4090 Founders Edition now have Upgraded Power Connectors