Gigabyte reveal a new designed RTX 4090 graphics card that solves the 16-pin connector issue
Remember all the fuss last year when Nvidia launched the RTX 4090? All the consumer complaints had to do with a 16-pin connector that was poorly located on top of the graphics card, resulting in bent cables causing the graphics card not to receive adequate power. Gigabyte has solved that problem with its latest reveal, the newly designed RTX 4090.
Codename WindForce V2, Gigabyte new GeForce RTX 4090 unique design relocates the 16-pin connector to the graphics card interior. This new design allows the 16-pin to be hidden inside the card. Doing this improves the overall design and gives PC builders an easy insert of graphics cards into a chassis with narrow spacing.
If you examine the image closely, 1/6th of the 4090 graphics card heatsink is shaved off, allowing more room for the 16-pin connector to be placed horizontally inside the graphics card, with the cables sticking out of the rear of the graphics card instead of the top.
I can see this new design being standard for many aftermarket manufacturers. It certainly simplistically solves many problems with the 16-pin connector. With the 16-pin connector located inside, this will eliminate cable stress near the connector itself.
The new design by Gigabyte solves another issue, which is case compatibility. The hidden 16-pin connector improves height compatibility with ATX cases. It's worth noting that 16-pin power adapters require a good amount of height clearance which thwarts over-extended cable stress. Overall, the additional height clearance benefits PC builders who prioritize cable management.
There is a possible caveat with Gigabyte's new graphic card design, and that's cooling. Since there is a small portion of the heatsink removed in place of the 16-pin power cable can cause thermal issues. However, no matter how the RTX 4090 card is designed, there have never been reports of cooling with the card. The question is will other aftermarket manufacturers follow suit with a similar design? That remains to be seen.
