In recent years, the gaming PC landscape has been invigorated by innovative concepts, one of which is the back-connect motherboard. This design allows for a neater setup by enabling users to connect cables from the back of the motherboard, eliminating the clutter typically seen at the top. A new development in this realm is the proposed BTF 3.0 standard, which aims to revolutionize power supply connections.
Revolutionizing Power Supply Connections
The BTF (Back to the Future) standard, championed by Asus, stands as one of two leading contenders in the back-connect motherboard arena, with MSI backing the rival Project Zero standard. Both approaches promise a tidier cable management solution for the limited motherboards and cases that currently support these standards. However, BTF 3.0 seeks to elevate this concept by eliminating power supply cables altogether.
In a recent YouTube presentation, DIY-APE, the chief architect behind the BTF standard, unveiled the vision for BTF 3.0. This innovative design proposes a PCIe slot-like edge connector integrated into power supplies, which would manage all primary power connections for the motherboard. This means that the traditional 24-pin main cable, auxiliary CPU cable, and additional PCIe power cables would be consolidated into a single connector.
Addressing potential concerns regarding the capacity of this single connector, DIY-APE reassures that standardized server connections operate similarly and are rated to handle over 2000W per connector. This capability should comfortably accommodate the power demands of a 200W CPU and a 600W GPU, especially considering the current inefficiencies of the existing GPU cable system.
Furthermore, the BTF 3.0 design takes into account users who may wish to utilize conventional graphics cards alongside the new power supplies and motherboards. BTF graphics cards will feature an additional edge connector for supplementary PCIe power from the motherboard. Additionally, a new riser card will facilitate compatibility with existing graphics cards, ensuring a seamless transition to this innovative system.
Streamlining Connections and Enhancing Design
Beyond the power supply innovations, DIY-APE has proposed a new standard for headers connecting USB-C, front panel audio, and power/reset buttons from the front of the case to the motherboard. This would streamline the currently scattered connections into a cohesive unit, allowing for a single fitting to manage all these features efficiently.
The vision for BTF 3.0 doesn’t stop there. DIY-APE also suggests two enhancements to the traditional gaming PC design. One idea involves pre-installing fan power and RGB cables routed through cases, minimizing the need for extensive wiring during setup. Alternatively, fans could be equipped with female USB-C ports, allowing cases to integrate USB-C cables for easy connections.
While these latter suggestions may not carry the same weight as the BTF 3.0 power supply concept, they certainly provide intriguing possibilities for future designs.
As for the practicality of BTF 3.0, DIY-APE has demonstrated its feasibility by collaborating with PC parts manufacturer Colorful and case maker Sego to create a working prototype. The prototype showcases a striking design, with the power supply positioned above the graphics card and in front of the motherboard, creating a visually appealing floating effect. The arrangement allows for optimal airflow, with two rows of three fans efficiently circulating air throughout the case.
This innovative approach presents an exciting opportunity for the gaming PC community, offering the potential for aesthetically pleasing and easy-to-assemble systems. While the practicality of widespread adoption remains to be seen, the prospects for cleaner, more streamlined builds are undeniably compelling.
