Intel and AMD are currently exploring the use of 12V-2x6 PCIe power connectors for their upcoming Radeon and Arc GPUs, signaling a potential shift from the traditional 8-pin PCIe connectors.

The introduction of the 12VHPWR power connector with NVIDIA's GeForce RTX 40 Series was met with some challenges, including reports of cable melting. This led to the development of the newer and safer 12V-2x6 power connectors, which are now featured on the GeForce RTX 40 Series SUPER cards and are set to be used in the next-gen GeForce RTX 50 Series.

According to reports, Intel and AMD are testing these new connectors with their partners. The 12V-2x6 standard offers several advantages, including the ability to deliver up to 600W over a single cable, smaller size, and built-in sense pins to monitor voltage and prevent overheating.

However, despite these benefits, Intel and AMD are cautious about making the switch. They argue that the traditional 8-pin and 6-pin PCIe power connectors have proven to be reliable in terms of stability and temperature control. Additionally, considering that next-gen cards are targeted at the mid-range and entry-level markets, the need for such high power delivery may not be as critical as the potential risks associated with adopting a new standard.

Moreover, the introduction of new connectors would require adaptors for users with older power supplies, and the 12V-2x6 connectors and ATX 3.1 PSU standard are still relatively new. This adds complexity and potential compatibility issues.