At CES 2024, power supplies that support new standards were introduced to put an end to worries about power supply connectors melting.

While they may not be the most spectacular new products at CES 2024, it is nice to see these new PSUs, and both Thermaltake and MSI are offering power supplies that comply with the new standards for connectors, which should end the unfortunate connector melting This should put an end to the unfortunate connector melting tragedy in PC gaming.

They are built to meet two new standards, ATX 3.1 and PCIe 5.1, which were first ratified late last year.

ATX 3.1 and PCIe 5.1 are intended to eliminate the fear that a graphics card's power cable might melt at any moment. For example, the cable plugs (2V-2x6) have a new H++ designation indicating that a pin can supply a specific amperage, and different pin lengths so that certain pins make first/last contact before others.

The different pin lengths are important to ensure that the card does not draw power until a complete and proper connection is made. This should, in fact, eliminate the threat of connector melting, as hwbusters explained when these standards were first announced.

MSI's MAG A1250GL PCIE5 power supply doesn't take any chances; it is PCIe 5.1 and ATX 3.1 compliant and, as MSI pointed out to me, can be partially distinguished by a small "H++" on the connector itself.

Thermaltake's new Toughpower SFX Platinum PSUs also use the new standard, and Mike was particularly excited about these along with the new Dr. Power III. This is a tool that diagnoses the PSU's connectors and lets the user know if there is anything wrong with the PSU. It may be a bit overkill for most users, but if you're the worrisome type, the new PSU standard, connectors, and diagnostic tool should help you sleep at night.

Thermaltake also notes that the new Toughpower SFX PSU is considerably smaller than the previous one, which is scary considering that the 80 Plus Platinum that replaced the 80 Plus Gold is also more efficient.

_____________________________________ PC Gamer's CES 2024 coverage is courtesy of Asus Republic of Gamers.