ASUS preparing GeForce RTX 40 series cards without power connectors

ASUS is always the forerunner when it comes to Nvidia graphics cards. They want to continue their streak with yet another innovative RTX 40-series-based custom model in the works.

As reported by Wccftech on their tour of the ASUS HQ, the ROG team unveiled an upcoming graphics card, still in the concept phase and which will be a part of the GeForce RTX 40 family. It doesn’t fall under any existing product lineup. It will reportedly ditch the Power Plugs and power connectors for this series, compatible with a select range of motherboards that have a special connector.

This move is not surprising because the 12VHPWR power connector, featured on the latest RTX 40-series GPU, has been controversial, to say the least.

With a host of issues ranging from initial meltdowns, triggering a full-on investigation by Gamer Nexus, to isolated and scattered incidents of melting connectors, the 12VHPWR came with its problems.

ASUS preparing GeForce RTX 40 series cards without power connectors
The absence of power connectors, replaced by direct power supply via a special connector in the RTX 40 series card developed by ASUS

The concept car features a 2.3-slot design, triple axial cooling, an extended backplate that runs beyond the PCB, and a cut-out for ventilation. The card also features dual BIOS – “Performance” and “Quiet” modes.

Interestingly, the Megalodon naming on the backplate will not be the final branding for the card, as per reports. The lack of power connector will resemble AMD’s Radeon Pro offerings for the Apple Pro systems.

The special new connector can deliver up to 600W of power and uses a special connector, as mentioned. One such compatible motherboard is the Z790 TUF Gaming motherboard featuring no power connectors at the front.

ASUS preparing GeForce RTX 40 series cards without power connectors
The Z790 TUF Gaming Motherboard by ASUS that features power connectors on the backside

All the connectors are located on the backside. The connector-less design hosts three 8-pin connectors and a single 12VHPWR connector, feeding power directly to the GPU via the proprietary slot.

The connector is labeled “GC_HPWR,” and it’s under development. It is expected that ASUS will rework the name as the product launch draws closer.

These boards are set to be available globally in the next quarter, towards the end of the year. Unlike the BTF connector motherboards limited to China, ASUS confirmed these boards would have a worldwide presence.

The connector-less design means that the GPU and the motherboard have to be purchased together to work around the 12VHPWR connector problems. 

ASUS also confirmed that the cards will be priced more than the regular SKUs. The added cost is attributed to the removal, moving, and realigning of the connectors on the PCB.

It will probably be released on limited production since the company wants to see if there’s a demand for such products in the market.

It seems that gamers will have no choice but to shell out extra bucks if they want to go for Nvidia’s 40 series cards but don’t want the added headache of faulty power connectors.

About ASUS

ASUS or ASUSTek Computer Inc. is a Taiwanese computer and electronic hardware company, based out of Beitou, Taipei. They became a common name with their EEE PC and Zenfone series. They have recently introduced  Zenbo, a smart hobot robot.

ASUS continues to be one of the best motherboard and gaming brand with their leading technology and design.

About Log Horizon Season 3 Release Date, News & Visuals

It’s every gamer’s dream to live in their favorite game as one of the characters. This anime will satiate all your gaming fantasies.

Thirty thousand bewildered Japanese gamers are dragged from their everyday lives into the world of the popular MMORPG, Elder Tale.

The story revolves around the adventures of socially awkward college student Shiroe, who is a veteran of the game and wishes to test its limits.

1. Release Date

The last time Log Horizon aired was on March 28, 2015. Since then fans have been waiting eagerly for the renewal of their beloved series.

The show’s creator was allegedly involved in tax evasion and as a result the franchise did not get a third installment.

But, the wait is over. An official announcement has been made saying that season 3, “Log Horizon: Destruction of the Round Table”, will air in October 2020. No exact date has been announced yet.

2. Theory Section

Around three years back, the franchise was facing tax evasion issues. Fans were concerned that another installment would not happen.

But, now it has been officially confirmed that season 3 will be released soon, and Studio Deen is going to reprise its role.

I. Financial Standings

Log Horizon is a famous franchise with over a million copies sold, but that’s all we know.

II. Animation Quality

From season 1 to season 2, there was a change in the studio. Season 1 had solid artwork and season 2 wasn’t far behind, with solid action and great raid bosses. Score-(7/10)

III. Was season 2 any good?

Log Horizon has a plot like any other video game based anime, with a flexible environment and avatars that reflect its player.

Season 2 had several arcs, but with every episode covering multiple scenarios simultaneously, fans still thought the story paced at a snail’s speed.

The best part about season two was that the players actually put some effort into getting back to the real world. (Score-6.5)

Watch Log Horizon 2 Trailer Here:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lJrCR6up9jE

IV. Mamare Touno’s Health

The latest edition of “Log Horizon: Kanami, Go! East!” was released on December 31, 2016. Since then, no more volumes have been released. The last light novel was released on March 20, 2018 and after that, there has been no information on the health of the writer.

3. Production Update

It is May 2020 already, and there is not much information about the third installment of the show.

The show may get delayed due to the outspread of the coronavirus, which has caused disruption to the Anime industry in Japan, China and South Korea.

4. Trailer/Teaser

No new trailer or teaser for the third installment has been released yet.

5. Key Visuals

No new key visuals of the show are out yet.

6. Expected Storyline

Season 2 of Log Horizon covered 6-10 volumes of light novel series. It included the Fallen Guardian arc, Gold of the Kunie arc, Route 43 arc, Go East! Arc, Homesteading the Noosphere arc and Homesteading the Noosphere arc.

The third installment of the show is going to cover the remaining volumes from 11 to 13. The title of the show is the same as that of volume 12.

7. Recap

In season 2, after being trapped for more than six months in the game, the adventurers have started to gain the trust of the people of the land.

Akiba has flourished thanks to law and order established by Shiroe’s Round Table Alliance. Even though the Round Table Alliance is a hit, Akiba faces a threat from the spies of Minami district and a shortage of funds.

Shiroe also decides to venture outside the city and explore the vast world in which they are trapped.

Accompanied by his friend Naotsugu and the Sage of Mirror Lake Regan, the calculative Shiroe makes his move, hoping to unravel new possibilities and eventually find a way home.

8. Cast & Staff

Staff:

  • Director: Shinji Ishihira
  • Written by Toshizo Nemoto
  • Music by Yasuharu Takanashi
  • Studio: Studio Deen

Characters:

  • Takuma Terashima as Shiroe
  • Tomoaki as Naotsugu
  • Emiri Katō as Akatsuki
  • Jouji Nakata as Nyanta

9. About Log Horizon

The Light novel by Mamare Touno and illustrated by Kazuhiro Hara was adapted into a four-part manga series. The first part followed the original plot of the series, and the rest focused on the characters.

It was soon adapted into an anime production, first debuted in 2013, and the second season aired from 2014 to 2015.

Epic Dope Staff

Epic Dope Staff

Our talented team of Freelance writers - Always on the lookout - pour their energies into a wide range of topics bringing to our audience what they crave - fun up-to-date news, reviews, fan theories and much much more.

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