Eliminating the GPU Power Cable, ft. Hardware Unboxed
video description
In older and tradicional boards in the places they put the 12v socket to connect with the GPU could be the something else like the Chipset with a heatsink. This would make them incompatible due to the protrusion of the GPU 12v male connector colliding with what would normally be there.
Another thing is that those GPUs will probably not have the traditional 12v connectors.
A work around both problems would be to buy a PCIe riser that adapts the 12v connector to the traditional style.
Date: 2023-06-04
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Comments and reviews: 14
Rurou
As long as the normal layout still the norm, I don't mind it co-exist with this cables being plugged at the back.
On one hand, it should actually be easier to plug and unplug cables since you don't have to reach deep into the case + obviously cleaner look. OTOH it will make case have an extra thickness and probably most cases will give too big of a clearance just to be on the safe side thus extra thick cases. Personally I prefer slimmer cases mainly because I don't have a lot of floor space and I don't care about hiding cables. You have plenty of space at the front thus should utilize those instead of using extra space just for cables. Also trouble shooting something that involves plugging and unplugging stuff is easier if everything is on one side since in that situation you normally want to lay the case flat.
For that GPU power thing, similar to what I wrote above, as long as it co-exist with the usual PCI-E power cable, I don't mind.
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As long as the normal layout still the norm, I don't mind it co-exist with this cables being plugged at the back.
On one hand, it should actually be easier to plug and unplug cables since you don't have to reach deep into the case + obviously cleaner look. OTOH it will make case have an extra thickness and probably most cases will give too big of a clearance just to be on the safe side thus extra thick cases. Personally I prefer slimmer cases mainly because I don't have a lot of floor space and I don't care about hiding cables. You have plenty of space at the front thus should utilize those instead of using extra space just for cables. Also trouble shooting something that involves plugging and unplugging stuff is easier if everything is on one side since in that situation you normally want to lay the case flat.
For that GPU power thing, similar to what I wrote above, as long as it co-exist with the usual PCI-E power cable, I don't mind.
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FrenziedManbeast
The back of the board design has all the trimmings of an enthusiast or brand-new and shiny feature, but that's a luring and fleeting varnish to cover up what is, in my view, a much greater concern for the grander PC ecosystem: it's another layer of control where manufacturers are trapping you into an artificially created ecosystem. It's an ethical quagmire as well, because if a manufacturer has the ONLY case/mobo that works together they can't be charged with price-fixing and this will only hurt consumers. If you sell the only replacement motherboard for a case for example, you can charge whatever the hell you want for it.
Universal form factors are a critically important aspect of the consumer PC industry - it puts the power of choice into the hands of consumers. The only way this works out well for consumers is if manufacturers converge design with standardization, because that will HAVE to become a feature of case design.
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The back of the board design has all the trimmings of an enthusiast or brand-new and shiny feature, but that's a luring and fleeting varnish to cover up what is, in my view, a much greater concern for the grander PC ecosystem: it's another layer of control where manufacturers are trapping you into an artificially created ecosystem. It's an ethical quagmire as well, because if a manufacturer has the ONLY case/mobo that works together they can't be charged with price-fixing and this will only hurt consumers. If you sell the only replacement motherboard for a case for example, you can charge whatever the hell you want for it.
Universal form factors are a critically important aspect of the consumer PC industry - it puts the power of choice into the hands of consumers. The only way this works out well for consumers is if manufacturers converge design with standardization, because that will HAVE to become a feature of case design.
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Sleepless
Personally, I really like the idea of having all the cabling on the back with a power foot connector for the GPU. The worst part of building a PC is cable management, and if there's any way to make installing a massive GPU easier I'm all for it until the cows come home. Wider cases aren't an issue for me, because I fully support having wider cases for better ventilation by things like 200mm fans, but I think the problem is going to be cases. People don't change them that often, so customers might be put off upgrading to a rear-side design because they want to keep.their existing case. I know personally, I'd only make the change if I knew Fractal had a rear-side compatible version of the North, and even then, it would be something I'd do years down the line, because I wouldn't want to move to a rear-side configuration until it becomes an established form factor, so I don't end up in an evolutionary dead-end.
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Personally, I really like the idea of having all the cabling on the back with a power foot connector for the GPU. The worst part of building a PC is cable management, and if there's any way to make installing a massive GPU easier I'm all for it until the cows come home. Wider cases aren't an issue for me, because I fully support having wider cases for better ventilation by things like 200mm fans, but I think the problem is going to be cases. People don't change them that often, so customers might be put off upgrading to a rear-side design because they want to keep.their existing case. I know personally, I'd only make the change if I knew Fractal had a rear-side compatible version of the North, and even then, it would be something I'd do years down the line, because I wouldn't want to move to a rear-side configuration until it becomes an established form factor, so I don't end up in an evolutionary dead-end.
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Reggie
I think it's not a bad idea - if it proves safer then the current 12VHPWR connector (which is too fickle as melt downs are still being reported often enough) I'd be down for it.
Def wouldn't mind seeing something more standardized for card support... I mean the original IBM PC case (and clones) and most case's all the way through ATX had some form of slots built directly into the case that provided support on extended length cards. Now I'm unsure if those those simple slots of those years likely won't support the weight of today's cards - but isn't it just a little strange that we had something that worked, manufactures got rid of and we are running more frequently into problems with that these days (not that cards these days have set standard lengths any more). Yea, we can work around it by installing GPU supports of all sort, or using fishing line, etc - but I figure it's not a bad thing to bring up.
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I think it's not a bad idea - if it proves safer then the current 12VHPWR connector (which is too fickle as melt downs are still being reported often enough) I'd be down for it.
Def wouldn't mind seeing something more standardized for card support... I mean the original IBM PC case (and clones) and most case's all the way through ATX had some form of slots built directly into the case that provided support on extended length cards. Now I'm unsure if those those simple slots of those years likely won't support the weight of today's cards - but isn't it just a little strange that we had something that worked, manufactures got rid of and we are running more frequently into problems with that these days (not that cards these days have set standard lengths any more). Yea, we can work around it by installing GPU supports of all sort, or using fishing line, etc - but I figure it's not a bad thing to bring up.
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mariushmedias
I would have liked to see that connector a bit taller so that you could offer that connector on video cards as optional : either power through the bottom, or through 8 pin pci-e connectors, if not used the bottom could just float in the air (but maybe have some kind of sleeve to protect the contacts and prevent shorts)
I would have loved to see someone take a chance and maybe considering raising the voltage from 12v to something else, like for example 20v. Maybe impose that any video card should support either voltage. It would make VRMs a bit more expensive, but you'd reduce the currents and could potentially open the way for computers powered entirely from a 19.5v-20v adapters like the ones used on laptops. Maybe make a 20vO standard with 20v and 12v and use dc-dc converters on motherboard for 5v for usb and 3.3v for m.2 and other things.
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I would have liked to see that connector a bit taller so that you could offer that connector on video cards as optional : either power through the bottom, or through 8 pin pci-e connectors, if not used the bottom could just float in the air (but maybe have some kind of sleeve to protect the contacts and prevent shorts)
I would have loved to see someone take a chance and maybe considering raising the voltage from 12v to something else, like for example 20v. Maybe impose that any video card should support either voltage. It would make VRMs a bit more expensive, but you'd reduce the currents and could potentially open the way for computers powered entirely from a 19.5v-20v adapters like the ones used on laptops. Maybe make a 20vO standard with 20v and 12v and use dc-dc converters on motherboard for 5v for usb and 3.3v for m.2 and other things.
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Shootin
Really hope the back cable thing is just some fad and it doesn't become standard. Maybe it's a cash grab to get people to buy their cases? Because cases are the one thing you have been able to easily future proof and use for decades on end. My UnRaid Server / Gaming VM PC is in a Lian Li PC-P80N from 2011, while my 16 Bay DAS/Pfsense Router is in a Lian Li PC-P80B from 2008. Both can easily fit the 4090 and then some if I wanted to. Both can run for decades more without issue. Even changed the fans on the 2008 case to Noctua's in 2020 to extend its lifetime into the future. If this silly back cable thing becomes standard, i still won't buy one of their purpose built cases for it, I'll just mod the PC-P80s. Upgrade the parts of your computer inside the case, not the case itself, if you buy quality cases to begin with.
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Really hope the back cable thing is just some fad and it doesn't become standard. Maybe it's a cash grab to get people to buy their cases? Because cases are the one thing you have been able to easily future proof and use for decades on end. My UnRaid Server / Gaming VM PC is in a Lian Li PC-P80N from 2011, while my 16 Bay DAS/Pfsense Router is in a Lian Li PC-P80B from 2008. Both can easily fit the 4090 and then some if I wanted to. Both can run for decades more without issue. Even changed the fans on the 2008 case to Noctua's in 2020 to extend its lifetime into the future. If this silly back cable thing becomes standard, i still won't buy one of their purpose built cases for it, I'll just mod the PC-P80s. Upgrade the parts of your computer inside the case, not the case itself, if you buy quality cases to begin with.
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ChielScape
The answer to the standardization problem is to have full-motherboard backplates. The cases only need to support the backplate at the far corners and be entirely open behind the full motherboard profile. Case manufacturers can provide cover plates when mounting smaller motherboards (featureless sheet metal wouldn't be expensive). The motherboard manufacturer then determines where the holes in the motherboard tray should be, because the mobo backplate IS the tray. It'll be fully rigid, and infinitely adaptable to any board. Manufacturers can decide to cut holes for power connectors, M.2 slots, you name it. Some niche boards might even put PCIe and DIMM slots on the back for whatever reason (like making room for huge CPU coolers that cover the entire top half of the board, i'd like to see that).
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The answer to the standardization problem is to have full-motherboard backplates. The cases only need to support the backplate at the far corners and be entirely open behind the full motherboard profile. Case manufacturers can provide cover plates when mounting smaller motherboards (featureless sheet metal wouldn't be expensive). The motherboard manufacturer then determines where the holes in the motherboard tray should be, because the mobo backplate IS the tray. It'll be fully rigid, and infinitely adaptable to any board. Manufacturers can decide to cut holes for power connectors, M.2 slots, you name it. Some niche boards might even put PCIe and DIMM slots on the back for whatever reason (like making room for huge CPU coolers that cover the entire top half of the board, i'd like to see that).
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Peanut
In case UPS drops it ... Ya know, it's parcels tumbling in the back of the van that's far more common. Speed bumps (especially driving uphill), steep driveways, potted roads/tracks all have a tendency to cause well stacked packages to tumble around. Once 20% through a run, these tumbles are quite likely to occur unless using role specific shelving, but that reduces carrying capacity (which few are willing to pay for).
It annoys me when it's the drivers who the blame's usually aimed at, when it's really the packaging at fault (which is highlighted here) and/or cost reduction for transit ... though some drivers are awful (but again, cost cutting in transit where not paying enough to afford to fire crappy drivers).
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In case UPS drops it ... Ya know, it's parcels tumbling in the back of the van that's far more common. Speed bumps (especially driving uphill), steep driveways, potted roads/tracks all have a tendency to cause well stacked packages to tumble around. Once 20% through a run, these tumbles are quite likely to occur unless using role specific shelving, but that reduces carrying capacity (which few are willing to pay for).
It annoys me when it's the drivers who the blame's usually aimed at, when it's really the packaging at fault (which is highlighted here) and/or cost reduction for transit ... though some drivers are awful (but again, cost cutting in transit where not paying enough to afford to fire crappy drivers).
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Richard
Been thinking about this one since I saw it in someone else's coverage, and... yeah, I don't really think I like it that much ( and to be honest the whole plug-in-the-back thing is a bit meh ). I'd be happy with power into the end of a card instead of the top - not only would that be neater but it'd remove a few clearance problems & be somewhat orientation agnostic, and I'm sure if mobo builders started putting USB & other header slots in the same place case vendors could blank them off anyway, and then you can still get to all your cabling from the front. As long as anything's proprietary I'm not interested in paying for it though.
A proper So, Steve OK Steve collab in the works?
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Been thinking about this one since I saw it in someone else's coverage, and... yeah, I don't really think I like it that much ( and to be honest the whole plug-in-the-back thing is a bit meh ). I'd be happy with power into the end of a card instead of the top - not only would that be neater but it'd remove a few clearance problems & be somewhat orientation agnostic, and I'm sure if mobo builders started putting USB & other header slots in the same place case vendors could blank them off anyway, and then you can still get to all your cabling from the front. As long as anything's proprietary I'm not interested in paying for it though.
A proper So, Steve OK Steve collab in the works?
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Tafellappen
I really would not be happy about the cables being in the back tbh. No cables make the case look unnaturally empty imo and i do prefer neat cables to no cables. Like im also not really a fan of the plates over the mb pcbs either. I see the appeal and i guess its nicer to hold on to but its not for me. At some point it just feels like the components come in a case already and looking in your case window just feels like seeing another case
Im also concerned about the general ability to test the components before putting it in the case tbh its not gonna be very easy to set it on the motherboard box and just plug stuff in anymore
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I really would not be happy about the cables being in the back tbh. No cables make the case look unnaturally empty imo and i do prefer neat cables to no cables. Like im also not really a fan of the plates over the mb pcbs either. I see the appeal and i guess its nicer to hold on to but its not for me. At some point it just feels like the components come in a case already and looking in your case window just feels like seeing another case
Im also concerned about the general ability to test the components before putting it in the case tbh its not gonna be very easy to set it on the motherboard box and just plug stuff in anymore
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Homer
Regarding pre-builts, what I just don't get is why they continuously fail to do the obvious:
Ship the GPU separate, as installing it is super-easy, and more often than not is a lot less hassle than dealing with broken buses or a loose card, plus the customer would have to open the case either way, be that to remove foam/packaging materials, or to install the GPU real quick.
Shipping it separate ensures the GPU arrives intact, ensures the PCI-E bus remains intact... I guess it's only with watercooled custom designs where shipping the GPU block outside of the loop could be an issue.
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Regarding pre-builts, what I just don't get is why they continuously fail to do the obvious:
Ship the GPU separate, as installing it is super-easy, and more often than not is a lot less hassle than dealing with broken buses or a loose card, plus the customer would have to open the case either way, be that to remove foam/packaging materials, or to install the GPU real quick.
Shipping it separate ensures the GPU arrives intact, ensures the PCI-E bus remains intact... I guess it's only with watercooled custom designs where shipping the GPU block outside of the loop could be an issue.
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purringc
The companies should try to talk to one another to come up with a standard for back of the board cables. Having a set standard can stifle innovation, but makes more sense financially. I'm sure the case manufacturer's would appreciate it.
As for the power slot...well, I actually like that. But I do agree with Steve that this should probably go through the PCI standards committee.
This show is about showing new things and ideas. And that's great! I just don't want to have proprietary builds in the future. That limits options and creates e-waste.
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The companies should try to talk to one another to come up with a standard for back of the board cables. Having a set standard can stifle innovation, but makes more sense financially. I'm sure the case manufacturer's would appreciate it.
As for the power slot...well, I actually like that. But I do agree with Steve that this should probably go through the PCI standards committee.
This show is about showing new things and ideas. And that's great! I just don't want to have proprietary builds in the future. That limits options and creates e-waste.
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Kerosyn
I've never cared about hiding cables, I actually kind of like the look of decently managed cables anyway, so I don't understand this from the aesthetic standpoint especially considering the many downsides that come with it. however, I feel like a good layout with a good case for it might make system maintenance easier. but even with that said, I hate this particular idea, just use a support bracket to hide the cable or something if the no-cables aesthetic is so important, and angled power cables for better routing could be more common
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I've never cared about hiding cables, I actually kind of like the look of decently managed cables anyway, so I don't understand this from the aesthetic standpoint especially considering the many downsides that come with it. however, I feel like a good layout with a good case for it might make system maintenance easier. but even with that said, I hate this particular idea, just use a support bracket to hide the cable or something if the no-cables aesthetic is so important, and angled power cables for better routing could be more common
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Carn
Someone needs to decouple the MB Mounting plate from the case depth, and provide a continuous depth positioning adjustment mechanism so CONSUMERS can set the depth of the motherboard to accommodate their specific choices of COOLER, GRAPHICS CARD ORIENTATION, ACCOUTREMENTS without frigging panicking. Like a manboy, for naff sake.
Look, i could design a threaded post in 20 seconds that could replace the stand-off post's, in 4 to 6 pojnts,andeven make them RGB.
Sheeple will pay 601 for my case, and I'll even make it in plastic.
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Someone needs to decouple the MB Mounting plate from the case depth, and provide a continuous depth positioning adjustment mechanism so CONSUMERS can set the depth of the motherboard to accommodate their specific choices of COOLER, GRAPHICS CARD ORIENTATION, ACCOUTREMENTS without frigging panicking. Like a manboy, for naff sake.
Look, i could design a threaded post in 20 seconds that could replace the stand-off post's, in 4 to 6 pojnts,andeven make them RGB.
Sheeple will pay 601 for my case, and I'll even make it in plastic.
reply
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