AMD’s latest GPUs almost came with a troubled 16-pin connector.
AMD's latest GPUs almost came with a troubled 16-pin connector.
AMD’s Wise Decision: Dropping the 16-Pin Power Connector Plan
AMD, the tech giant, recently unleashed two spectacular new additions to its Radeon 7000 series – the RX 7800 XT and RX 7700 XT. These powerful graphics cards are based on the innovative RDNA 3 architecture and are specifically designed to offer the ultimate gaming experience at 1440p resolution. However, it seems that AMD had initially contemplated equipping these GPUs with a 16-pin 12VHPWR power connector. In an interview with Club386, Scott Herkelman, the senior vice president and general manager of the Graphics Business Unit at AMD, revealed the company’s change in plans.
It is no secret that rival company Nvidia faced significant issues with the 16-pin power connector. Consequently, AMD wisely decided to abandon the idea and stick with the standard 8-pin PCIe power connectors for its RX 7800 XT and RX 7700 XT. Herkelman explained that AMD took responsibility for its products and wanted to avoid blaming end-users for any potential problems. He specifically referred to the recent vapor-chamber issue, where he personally engaged with customers on social media, as he believed that it was AMD’s problem to own and address.
The power connector predicament faced by Nvidia, particularly with its high-end RTX 4090 graphics card from the RTX 40-series, attracted significant attention. Reports of the RTX 4090 melting during intense workloads emerged, highlighting loose or faulty connections as the culprit. Nvidia acknowledged these concerns and released guidelines on properly using the power connector. Meanwhile, the Peripheral Component Interconnect Special Interest Group introduced a revised 12V-2×6 power connector, touted to be safer than the original 16-pin variant.
Herkelman further emphasized AMD’s cautious approach, stating that until the power issue is resolved and confidence is restored among end-users, the company will not rush to integrate the 16-pin power connector into its products. AMD believes that it is essential to take responsibility for any potential problems that arise, rather than attributing them to users. However, this does not mean that AMD will never consider adopting the 16-pin power connector. Herkelman clarified that once the power issue is adequately addressed and user confidence is restored, AMD will actively consider incorporating the 16-pin power connector in its future GPU offerings.
In conclusion, AMD’s decision to drop the 16-pin power connector plan for its RX 7800 XT and RX 7700 XT was undoubtedly a prudent move. By learning from Nvidia’s experience, AMD aims to prioritize the quality and reliability of its products. Herkelman’s determination to take ownership of any issues is commendable and reflects AMD’s commitment to providing customers with the best possible experience. While the 16-pin power connector may eventually find its way into future AMD GPUs, the company is rightfully focused on ensuring the safety and satisfaction of its user base.
