ASUS ROG Astral RTX 5090 BTF Edition Debuts with GC-HPWR Connector

[AleksandarK]

ASUS has expanded its BTF GPU ecosystem with the launch of the ROG Astral GeForce RTX 5090 32 GB GDDR7 BTF OC Edition, marking the first Astral model to adopt the detachable Graphics Card High-Power (GC-HPWR) connector. Building on improvements showcased in version 2.5, this new variant is engineered to supply over 1,000 watts through the high-power slot alongside the traditional 12V-2x6 connection located behind the PCIe connector. The ROG Astral RTX 5090 BTF Edition inherits the core specifications of its non-BTF sibling, which we reviewed here, but distinguishes itself with enhanced power delivery and compatibility. ASUS's removable GC-HPWR adapter allows integration with both standard motherboards and upcoming BTF-ready boards, promising greater flexibility for system builders and the aesthetic experience of no cables connected to the GPU.

This model employs the same four-fan configuration, vapor chamber, and optimized fin spacing, while a phase-change GPU thermal pad ensures maximum contact with the GPU die. According to ASUS, the quad-fan layout can boost airflow and pressure by up to 20%. Additional features include real-time monitoring of temperatures and power draw on the 12V-2x6 connector, accessible via GPU Tweak III, which also provides fine-tuning controls such as voltage and frequency adjustments, as well as thermal mapping. Although pricing has yet to be confirmed, ASUS will reflect the card's feature set with a price increase. Availability is expected in the third quarter, alongside other BTF products, such as the white-edged TUF Gaming Radeon RX 9070 XT and various ROG motherboards.



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[W1zzard]

But the power limit is still set to 600 W?

 

[AleksandarK]

But the power limit is still set to 600 W?

Default I think yes. As far as I understand it, you can load balance between GCHPWR and 12V-2x6. And default cooler cant handle 1kW. Soo definitely either requires a mod or different BIOS.

 

[lepudruk]

Since this is BTF 2.5 the GCHPWR takes power through mainboard, which has it's own 12V-2x6 plug at the back. So.. Improvement or just a smoke screen? (pun intended ;P)

 

[Blueberries]

I can't stop reading it as "back to front."

 

[ARF]

Since this is BTF 2.5 the GCHPWR takes power through mainboard, which has it's own 12V-2x6 plug at the back. So.. Improvement or just a smoke screen? (pun intended ;P)

Just a smoke screen.
This connector is so boggled even for 200W, ignition and fire at 600W are guaranteed. It is not a matter of an "if" but of a "when".

 

[Chaitanya]

So just moving the fire hazard from GPU to motherboard where now if you have a failure it will take CPU, RAM and other components for a toss instead of isolating just GPU.

 

[_roman_]

When people lose their data, they will be sad.

 

[bonehead123]

When people lose their data, they will be sad.

Well, I wouldn't really mind losing my data because of a drive failure, since I have multiple on & offsite backups, but even so, I would really, really prefer to NOT lose it AND my entire rig all at the same time due to a flaming GPU

 

[lepudruk]

This whole BTF 2.5 looks more like a transision stage before full revamp in 3.0 (with 50pin blade power connector coming straight from PSU).

Looking at the picture below I wonder if they're thinking about splitting power draw between all power connectors at the back (12V-2x6 and 2x classic 8pins).

Leaving it with just one 12V-2x6 would be straight dumb, must be something else.. Like splitting between connectors on GPU and this one (600W / 2 = 300W per connector). Would make more sense.

 

[FoulOnWhite]

But the power limit is still set to 600 W?

Nice 20 year badge.

 

[mashie]

Nice 20 year badge.

Indeed.

 

[FoulOnWhite]

Indeed.

I would have been 18 or 19 in another ego i think.

 

[Hereticbar]

This whole BTF 2.5 looks more like a transision stage before full revamp in 3.0 (with 50pin blade power connector coming straight from PSU).

Looking at the picture below I wonder if they're thinking about splitting power draw between all power connectors at the back (12V-2x6 and 2x classic 8pins PCIE).

View attachment 405573

Leaving it with just one 12V-2x6 would be straight dumb, must be something else.. Like splitting between connectors on GPU and this one (600W / 2 = 300W per connector). Would make more sense.

Those are not PCIE 8-pin connectors, they are EPS 8-pin connectors providing power to the CPU.

 

[lepudruk]

Those are not PCIE 8-pin connectors, they are EPS 8-pin connectors providing power to the CPU.

Ah, true! Sorry, my bad

 

[CronXPX]

Cool, but good luck trying to resell it later on.

 

[DemonicRyzen666]

Ah, true! Sorry, my bad

so two connectors that supposively support 600 watts each (450watts or less really ) & one that spec'd to support a maximum of 300 watts But is actually supports 336 watts

Max real total would be something like 1,100 watts for the board minus the other two cpu 8pins that has?
so the board as the maximum 1800watt support.

 

[Dr. Dro]

Just a smoke screen.
This connector is so boggled even for 200W, ignition and fire at 600W are guaranteed. It is not a matter of an "if" but of a "when".

The connector apparently works well.

ASUS BTF 2.5 Connector on GeForce RTX 5090 Stays Cool Even at 1,900 W Load

ASUS has confirmed that its GeForce RTX 5090 BTF Edition can draw nearly 1,900 W without any signs of overheating, thanks to a robust metal power connector that holds up under pressure. In a series of controlled stress tests led by Tony Yu, General Manager of ASUS China, the BTF v2.5 proprietary...

www.techpowerup.com

 

[SkullFox]

Cool, but good luck trying to resell it later on.

doesn't it have both connectors on the GFX?

 

[redeye]

WTF, a new Motherboard for a GPU?