The ASUS RTX 5090 BTF 2.5 Connector is proving to be a game-changer in the GPU power delivery space. This new power connector easily handles over 1000W, showing impressive reliability compared to the traditional 16-pin connector.
If you’ve ever dealt with the frustrations of overheating and power delivery limits with GPUs like the RTX 5090, the BTF 2.5 connector might just be the solution you’ve been waiting for.
Originally designed for a cable-free PC setup, the BTF connector was introduced a few years ago in ASUS’s products. Now, with the release of the GC-HPWR (Graphics Card – High Power) 2.5 connector, which is featured on the latest ASUS motherboards, it can efficiently power GPUs like the RTX 5090 without the usual 16-pin connector. The GC-HPWR connector is rated to handle up to 1000W, a power capacity that keeps the system running smoothly even under heavy load.
ASUS’s Tony recently put the ROG Strix RTX 5090 BTF through some extreme stress tests to show just how reliable this connector is. He started by feeding the GPU around 600W, which is the default TDP for the RTX 5090, and gradually increased the load to an impressive 1300W. Even at this high power level, the GC-HPWR connector didn’t break a sweat, with temperatures staying comfortably below 40°C.
For his final test, Tony pushed the GPU even further, ramping up the power to nearly 1900W, with 150A of current running through the connector-three times what a 16-pin connector can handle. Remarkably, the connector still stayed cool, managing this huge load without issues. He even connected a second 1600W ROG power supply to demonstrate powering the GPU with both the GC-HPWR and 16-pin connectors simultaneously, showing no signs of damage or instability. Although this dual-rail design won’t be available in retail models, it proved the power and versatility of the GC-HPWR connector.
Despite being tailored for ASUS’s BTF motherboards, the RTX 5090 BTF GPU can also be powered using a standard 16-pin connector if you decide to remove the BTF connector. However, for maximum safety and performance, the GC-HPWR connector is clearly the superior choice, offering better reliability and lower temperatures. With this connector, ASUS has set a new standard for high-power GPU connectors, making the future of PC building more efficient and reliable.