The ATX 3.01 update released by Intel last month encourages power supply manufacturers to use spring-loaded connections instead of traditional dimple connections when manufacturing 12VHPWR connectors. The updated ATX 3.01 specification” recommends the use of a 4 spring design instead of a 3 prong design for the internal crimping of cable plugs. This will increase the contact area for current flow in the 12VHPWR connector and will reduce the temperature rise of each contact.
If you read between the lines, it’s clear that the new four-spring design is better. If so, do the existing dimple connectors need to be replaced?
When asked by PCWorld, Intel Platform Power Specialist Stephen Eastman replied, “No. Existing 12VHPWR connectors work equally well if properly manufactured and installed correctly. Eastman recommends referring to the website from Nvidia on how to properly connect the 12VHPWR power connector to the GPU “Although the new 4-spring design has increased stability, that doesn’t mean the old 3-pocket design is bad.”
In fact, if it hadn’t been for an accident where a bunch of 12VHPWR cables melted and damaged a $1500 graphics card, no one would have cared about the tiny metal connections on the power cables. However, after a news outlet reported that spring clips were superior to dimple clips, everyone’s attention focused on the type of connection.
After weeks of speculation, an investigation by Stefan Burke of Gamer’s Nexus revealed that the melted cable was most likely an improperly connected cable. Later, Nvidia also said that the 50 damage reports it received were most likely caused by the incomplete insertion of the power cable. Photos of melted cables posted on Reddit and Twitter also suggest the same possibility.
Intel’s spec update shows the connector can be improved, but not enough to force it. In fact, the ATX 3.01 specification recommends but does not mandate 4 spring connections. Power cable manufacturers may in the future produce and sell cables using push-button connectors.
Eastman said the update is so minor that power suppliers won’t even list it on the product box. So what does the update mean? Eastman explained that he makes it clear to power suppliers that there are other options and that some suppliers will do their part when considering all options.
editor@itworld.co.kr
