ASUS has announced the launch of its ROG STRIX GeForce RTX 4090 BTF graphics card, which boasts a unique power supply feature through a BTF connector. This means that it is the first GeForce RTX 4090 with no need for a 12VHWPR connector or the use of three 8+8+8 pin PCI-Express connectors. It doesn’t even require a power cable, allowing for a clean installation without any wiring.
However, the BTF connector is a proprietary power connector from ASUS based on the PCI-Express interface. Specifically, it is called a high-power PCIe connector. To access this connector, a compatible motherboard must be purchased – an ASUS Advanced BTF series motherboard, which includes this connector. This connector can deliver up to 600W of power, just like the well-known 12VHWPR connector and its improved version, the 12v-6×6. It also allows for better assembly by reducing bending due to weight.
Apart from this, the ASUS STRIX GeForce RTX 4090 BTF is the same as the original model. This means that the ASUS ROG STRIX GeForce RTX 4090 BTF offers the same performance as the original model, featuring the same GPU with 16,384 CUDA Cores, capable of reaching a maximum frequency with overclocking of 2,640 MHz, and 24 GB of GDDR6X memory. However, the company did not announce the most important detail – its price.
This poses a serious problem, as it doesn’t matter if the price is the same or slightly cheaper than the original model. It is logical to assume that the extra cost will be allocated to the motherboard itself, which contains the BTF connector with a high-power PCIe interface to supply the GPU with 600W power during high-stress conditions. The success of this connector is not yet guaranteed, posing a potential issue in the future if these motherboards are no longer available. As it is not a market standard, ASUS will decide whether to continue supporting it in the future based on its success.
There seem to be many drawbacks for the sole advantage of avoiding visible cables. It might be successful for those mods looking to offer a clean design without wires. Otherwise, it is unlikely that a user would pay extra for this connector.
In addition, ASUS has also launched a TUF Gaming 4070 Ti SUPER with the BTF connector. Like the ASUS STRIX GeForce RTX 4090 BTF, the only advantage compared to the “original” model is the presence of this connector.
Initially, this connector was named the ASUS GC-HPWR, a wireless alternative to the 16-pin 12VHPWR. It has several power consumption modes, ranging from 150, 300, 450, and 600W. This way, the connector can adapt to more modest graphics cards.
To expand its adoption, ASUS has indicated that chassis manufacturers such as be Quiet!, Cooler Master, Corsair, InWin, Lian Li, Silverstone, and Thermaltake could prepare their chassis with this adapter, possibly considering an additional solution to the Riser that can power the GPU.
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