GN has Confirmed: 12-Pin Connectors For Ampere, Likely OEM Focus
"This week, there’s been a rumor making the rounds that 12-pin connections from the PSU are in order for new Ampere cards. GN has independently confirmed that this is true: 12-pin connections for Ampere are legitimate. Though, as we currently understand it, it isn’t likely to have an effect on the current DIY/enthusiast space. To make it clear, it’s highly unlikely you’ll need a new PSU for Ampere, at least not for lack of proper cables, anyway.
12-pin connectors have been in discussion at Nvidia for a few years now, and GN has even reaffirmed this with now-former Nvidia employees. We’ve also talked to all the major AIB partners and have been able to confirm that custom cards, and even custom coolers based on the reference PCB, will ship with 2x 8-pin or 3x 8-pin connectors, (the latter being aimed at serious overclockers) rather than a single 12-pin connector.
A single 12-pin connector is capable of delivering 600W, versus 2x 6-pins at 225W (150W + 75W from PCIe x16 slot) or 2x 8-pins at 375W (300W + 75W from PCIe x16 slot).
Rather, as we understand it, Nvidia’s reference (FE) cards will have a 12-pin connector, and may even come with an adapter -- something like an adapter from 2x 8 to 1x 12-pin connector. However, we’re not sure if these cards will make it to the retail channel, or if they will be strictly an OEM focus. We’re leaning towards the latter. Furthermore, it’s likely that OEMs like HP and Dell, and maybe even system integrators will be the primary customer for 12-pin cards.
We also know, based on a cable factory we toured about a month ago, that manufacturers are scrambling to get the tooling and molds ready for 12-pin cables. What we aren’t entirely sure of is just how widespread 12-pin connector cards will be."
https://www.gamersnexus.net/news-pc/3605-hw-news-nvidia-rtx-3080-12-pin-cable-ddr5-spec-intel-i9-10850k
Alright maybe Nvidia is crazy but as you shouldn't need a new PSU according to the report and the partner cards shouldn't come with the 12 pin, maybe they are half a step crazy? But if it's OEM focused, then it won't be care worthy either way... I am willing to believe GN more so than a few other sources since their confirmations have been fairly on point.
PC Specs: CPU: 7800X3D || GPU: Strix 4090 || RAM: 32GB DDR5 6000 || Main SSD: WD 2TB SN850
