Particle.news
Download on the App Store

DIY-APE Reveals BTF 3.0, a Single-Connector PC Power Concept Rated at 2,145W

Adoption now depends on major PC vendors embracing the concept for real-world products.

Overview

  • Dubbed the 50‑pin “gold‑finger” interface, the connector consolidates CPU, GPU, EPS and other power lines into one plug, delivering up to 1,680W for CPU and GPU within a 2,145W budget.
  • The design keeps 5V and 3.3V rails rather than going 12V‑only, with DIY‑APE citing compatibility and sleep‑wake behavior as reasons for the ATX 3.0/3.1‑based approach.
  • DIY‑APE demonstrated a near‑cableless prototype using Colorful components and a Sego case, showing the concept working with back‑connect hardware.
  • Backward‑compatibility paths include a BTX adapter board for 24‑pin ATX, dual EPS and 12VHPWR, plus GPU solutions using a GC‑HPWR slot and right‑angle or modular adapters for cards without native support.
  • BTF 3.0 extends to layout guidance with a unified rear‑I/O adapter, simplified front‑panel headers, short‑tube AIOs, pre‑routed fan/RGB hubs and case designs that reposition the PSU, with adapters enabling use of conventional ATX PSUs.