Seasonic aims to solve melting connectors problem with its next-generation PSUs
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Modern graphics cards require quite a lot of power, and this has resulted in the need for new supplemental power connectors that can carry more current to supply these more powerful cards. However, this increased power capacity has come with a new hazard – melting connectors. Seasonic is hoping that it has a solution to this ongoing problem.
For some time now, graphics cards using the 12VHPWR or 12V-2×6 power connectors have seen problems with overheating and melting. These two standards are widely adopted by Nvidia’s latest high-end cards. At Computex, Seasonic displayed a prototype that could have the potential to solve the issue.
Seasonic wants to put an end to the melting cable problem
Seasonic plans to incorporate a set of sensors, a microcontroller, and new firmware into its upcoming Prime power supplies. This should provide a two-factor protection against the unbalanced power loads or voltage surges that result in damaged connectors.
Some modern high-end power supplies can already monitor voltage output and current. Seasonic proposes that this data be displayed using an external device that can highlight specific problems to alert users before something catastrophic occurs.
Shutdown to prevent damage
Some people do leave their PC on when at work or attending to other tasks. Seasonic has a solution for this as well. If the temperature or current on the 12V-2×6 power connector exceeds designated thresholds, then not only will the Seasonic PSU warn the user via the external device, but it will also trigger over-temperature or over-current protection and shut the system down.
Though this could risk valuable work being lost, it is still better than ruining an expensive graphics card. There is potential to damage the operating system or SSD with an abnormal shutdown, so checks would need to be in place to prevent this, if possible.
Seasonic plans for these new premium power supplies to be available for sale in Q1 of 2026. The price has not been confirmed, but the extra technology needed is likely to push the price up.
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