A new HPCE graphics card power connector
The new HPCE Graphics Card power connector looks set to improve aesthetics and simplify Cable Management on future graphics cards, potentially allowing them to ditch the need for supplementary power cables. Based on a tested design from the server industry, the connector behaves like a PCI Express connector with power delivery and signaling pins, meaning it can slot into the motherboard and power the GPU directly.
The HPCE connector is the size of a PCIe x1 connector, and sits behind the x16 slot on the motherboard. However, the graphics card can still slot into both the x16 and HPCE connectors, with the connector acting as a bridge between the two.
“By utilizing a proven design from the server industry, we’ve been able to simplify the installation experience,” HP says. “No locking mechanism is required for the HPCE connector as the connector sits behind the x16 slot mechanism.”
HPCE graphics cards could also be able to draw more than 600W of power, as the connector doesn’t have a locking mechanism. This would allow future GPUs to exceed the 600W limit of the new 12VHPWR connector, and could pave the way for higher-powered cards like the upcoming RTX 4090.
HPCE graphics cards were also shown off at Computex, with the company showing off prototype motherboards and graphics cards with the new connector. Companies like Asus could potentially adopt the standard for its future motherboards and future GPUs, and we’ll be interested to see if other manufacturers follow suit.
Check out our guide to the best graphics card for more information about the best graphics hardware available. You can also keep up to date with all the latest technological advancements by taking a look at our best tech picks.
