12VHPWR and 12V-2x6: the graphics card power connector

In short: 12VHPWR and its revised successor 12V-2x6 are compact 16-pin connectors that deliver up to 600 watts to a graphics card. They must be fully seated.

In more detail: Instead of several 8-pin PCIe connectors you need only one. The small connector carries high currents (around 50 A), however, so poor contact produces a lot of heat.

In Depth

• Design: 12 power/ground wires plus 4 small sense contacts that tell the power supply the allowed power (150 to 600 W).
• Known problem: If the connector is not fully inserted or the cable is bent sharply right at the connector, the contacts heat up and in extreme cases the housing melts.
• 12V-2x6: Improved version with shorter sense pins and longer power pins so a half-inserted connector does not let the card draw full power.
• In practice: Push in to the stop with an audible click, bend the cable only from about 3.5 cm after the connector, no adapters in tight cases, ideally the power supply’s original cable or a certified cable.
• Check: After installation look from the side to make sure no gap is visible.
• Power supply: See power supply and 80 Plus.

See also: cooling