The upcoming RTX 5090, equipped with the cutting-edge Blackwell architecture, and fabricated using TSMC's 4NP 4nm-class process, is expected to have significant power demands. Estimates suggest that power consumption could exceed 500W, potentially reaching as high as 600W. This increase in power draw necessitates robust power supply solutions and poses a challenge for system builders.

Reports indicate that the RTX 5090 might feature dual 16-pin auxiliary power connectors, capable of delivering a peak output of up to 1200W. Initially, the 16-pin power interface, known as 12VHPWR, presented certain inherent flaws. These were later addressed with the 12V-2x6 standard, enhancing stability and safety without altering the maximum output capacity of 600W.

Theoretically, a single 16-pin interface should suffice for the RTX 5090. However, utilizing two connectors helps distribute the power load more evenly, reducing strain on a single connector and improving overall system reliability and safety. If traditional PCIe 8-pin power connectors were used, achieving 600W would require four such interfaces, which is hardly practical and lacks redundancy.

Not all power supplies support dual 16-pin interfaces. At a minimum, one native 16-pin connector is required, with the second 16-pin achieved through an adapter converting three 8-pin connectors. Complete compatibility with ATX 3.0/3.1 and PCIe 5.0/5.1 standards is also necessary.

Some modern high-end power supplies already offer dual 16-pin connectors. For instance, MSI’s MEG Ai1600T PCIe5, boasts a power rating of up to 1600W and 80PLUS Titanium certification.

Another example is Seasonic's newly released Prime PX-2200, which is rated for up to 2200W, 80PLUS Platinum certified, and comes with two native 16-pin power cables as well as two 8-pin to 16-pin adapter cables.