Asus Unveils Detachable 1000W Power Connector for BTF 2.5 GPUs, Expanding Compatibility with Standard Systems

Asus has unveiled its latest GeForce RTX 5090 and GeForce RTX 5070 Ti graphics cards under the BTF 2.5 branding, aiming to offer some of the most powerful and versatile GPUs available. BTF, or "Back to the Future," is a design standard that Asus has been advancing for a few years to improve system aesthetics and management. The new BTF 2.5 graphics cards introduce a removable GC-HPWR power connector, allowing them to be used in both BTF-compatible and standard motherboards. New Models and Features The lineup includes the ROG Astral GeForce RTX 5090 32GB GDDR7 BTF Edition and its overclocked variant, alongside the TUF Gaming GeForce RTX 5070 Ti 16GB GDDR7 BTF White Edition and its overclocked version. Notably, the removable GC-HPWR power connector, rated for up to 1,000W, is the standout feature of these models. This connector offers flexibility, enabling users to switch between different power input methods and motherboard types without necessitating additional hardware changes. Specifications ROG Astral GeForce RTX 5090 32GB GDDR7 BTF OC Edition Boost Clock: 2,580 MHz OC Mode: 2,610 MHz CUDA Cores: 21,760 Memory: 32GB GDDR7 Memory Speed: 28 Gb/s Memory Interface: 512-bit ROG Astral GeForce RTX 5090 32GB GDDR7 BTF Edition Boost Clock: 2,437 MHz OC Mode: 2,467 MHz CUDA Cores: 21,760 Memory: 32GB GDDR7 Memory Speed: 28 Gb/s Memory Interface: 512-bit TUF Gaming GeForce RTX 5070 Ti 16GB GDDR7 BTF White OC Edition Boost Clock: 2,588 MHz OC Mode: 2,610 MHz CUDA Cores: 8,960 Memory: 16GB GDDR7 Memory Speed: 28 Gb/s Memory Interface: 256-bit TUF Gaming GeForce RTX 5070 Ti 16GB GDDR7 BTF White Edition Boost Clock: 2,452 MHz OC Mode: 2,482 MHz CUDA Cores: 8,960 Memory: 16GB GDDR7 Memory Speed: 28 Gb/s Memory Interface: 256-bit Key Benefits The primary advantage of the removable GC-HPWR power connector is its versatility. Users who initially purchase into the BTF ecosystem and later want to switch to a standard motherboard can do so without the hassle of replacing their graphics card. This flexibility is particularly valuable for enthusiasts and professionals who frequently update their systems. Power Requirements Factory overclocks affect the power requirements of these cards. Asus recommends a 1,000W power supply unit for the ROG Astral GeForce RTX 5090 32GB GDDR7 BTF Edition and an 850W unit for the TUF Gaming GeForce RTX 5070 Ti 16GB GDDR7 BTF White Edition. Despite the option to use both 16-pin and GC-HPWR connectors, Asus advises using only one at a time to avoid potential issues. Industry Reception Industry insiders view the BTF 2.5 standard as a step forward in GPU design, offering users more flexibility and potential cost savings over time. However, there are concerns about the safety and reliability of the GC-HPWR connector compared to the traditional 16-pin connector. Only real-world testing and user feedback will determine whether the new design holds up to the standards set by existing solutions. Company Profile Asus is a prominent player in the tech industry, known for its innovative motherboard and graphics card designs. The BTF 2.5 standard represents another milestone in the company's commitment to enhancing system build quality and user choice. While pricing details for these new models are not yet available, the addition of the GC-HPWR power connector suggests they may come with a premium price tag. Conclusion The introduction of Asus’s BTF 2.5 graphics cards, featuring a detachable GC-HPWR power connector, marks a notable advancement in the field of high-performance GPUs. This feature not only improves system aesthetics and ease of installation but also provides greater compatibility with a wider range of motherboards. As the tech community awaits further details and real-world performance data, the potential impact on future system builds is significant.