AMD apparently does not plan to make 12V 2×6 power connectors mandatory for Radeon RX 9070 GPUs

AMD is not expected to impose a requirement to use the 12V 2×6 power connector for the upcoming Radeon RX 9070 series, according to reports. This applies to both the RX 9070 XT and RX 9070 models, but partner companies (AIBs) will have the option to use this connector in their own designs. This decision reflects AMD’s approach of allowing manufacturers flexibility in the implementation of power connectors.

Radeon RX 9000 series power supply

The Radeon RX 9000 series is based on AMD’s RDNA-4 architecture. According to reports, the GPUs of the RX 9070 series will mainly be equipped with conventional 8-pin PCI-E power connectors. This was reported by the website Benchlife. It is noted that AMD does not require manufacturers to use the newer 12V-2×6 connector.

The 12V-2×6 power connector is a further development of the 12VHPWR standard and was designed to make the power supply more efficient and safer. In particular, it is designed to avoid known problems such as melting connections. Although the connector is technically advantageous, it is currently mainly used for GPUs with very high power requirements. AMD’s decision to make its use optional is likely due to the wide availability of 8-pin PCI-E connectors in existing power supplies.

Performance data and connection options

According to reports, the top model of the RX 9070 series, the RX 9070 XT, will have a TDP of 260 watts. This means that the card in the reference design can be adequately supplied with two 8-pin power connectors. A single 8-pin PCI-E connector delivers up to 150 watts, while the PCI-E slot on the mainboard provides a further 75 watts. Together, this results in a maximum output of 375 watts – sufficient even for some more powerful, customized models.

Some partner manufacturers may still choose to use the 12V 2×6 connector in their custom designs, as it can provide up to 600 watts of power. This could play a role in particular for models with higher TDP values or for target groups with modern power supply units.

Market assessment and availability

The wide availability of power supply units with 8-pin PCI-E connectors is a decisive factor in the choice of connector. Many existing systems rely on this standard and switching to the 12V 2×6 connector would be an additional cost for users with older power supplies. Therefore, it is likely that the 8-pin PCI-E connector will remain the standard solution for most RX 9070 designs. However, high-end models aimed at enthusiasts could still be equipped with the new connector by some manufacturers.

Presentation at the CES 2025

The official details on the RX 9070 GPUs are expected to be presented at CES 2025. AMD is also expected to announce further information on the power supply and design decisions there. Until then, it remains to be seen what strategy AMD’s partners will pursue and whether the 12V 2×6 connector will take on a more significant role in the product line.

Source: Benchlife