A version of AMD's upcoming Radeon RX 9070 XT graphics card has been spotted with the controversial 12V-2×6 power connector, prompting concern from many users. The 12V-2×6 power connector has become a source of concern for many PC builders. Previous generation Nvidia RTX 40-series Super cards often came equipped with this connector, and some of them actually started melting, much like the previous 12VHPWR standard.

This problem persisted into the RTX 50 series, with similar issues reported by users of the RTX 5090 Founders Edition and at least one ASUS RTX 5080.

Sapphire Nitro+ RX 9070 XT features the 12V-2×6 connector

Now, the full specifications for the Sapphire Nitro+ version of the AMD Radeon RX 9070 XT have appeared online. The site confirms that the card will come with a 12V-2×6(H++) to PCI Express 3×8-pin power adapter in the box, indicating that it will be using the now-infamous connector.

Some commenters were unhappy about this, preferring a 3×8 configuration. Others have pointed out that ‘user error' might be the culprit in many previous melting cable incidents, with improperly-seated connectors causing electrical arcing that melted the plastic.

It is also worth noting that Nvidia's high-end cards, like the RTX 5080, draw more power than the RX 9070 XT. The RTX 5080, for example, has a TDP of 360 W compared to the 304 W of the RX 9070 XT. Some analysts have also criticised Nvidia for cutting safety margins so fine with its power and thermal management.

In addition, during the FurMark GPU stress test, the RX 9070 XT remained at a cool 55°C during testing, when most cards struggle to stay under 80°C. This seems to indicate that AMD has a better grasp on power and thermal management than its rivals.

However, not every RX 9070 card will have the 12V-2×6 connector, so concerned users can seek out alternative models with 8-pin standard power connectors if they wish. As announced by AMD in its recent RX 9000 series unveiling, 8-pin designs will be available for “most designs” – sadly the Nitro+ doesn’t fall into this category.

About the Author

Rebecca Hills-Duty

Writing and journalism experience at VRFocus, UploadVR, The Escapist, HTC, PC Gamer, Tech Radar+ and Dexerto. Can sometimes be found playing with retro tech.