An innovative concept is finally taking shape: Colorful revolutionizes with a PC that even has a cable-free power supply!
The creator behind the concept BTF (Back To The Future), known as DIY-APEreleased the third version of its rear connector project for motherboards.
Version 3.0 represents a significant step forward in reducing cable clutter visible in modern PC cases.
A presentation on YouTube occurred after a phase of internal meetings with major manufacturers in the sector. Companies like ASUS, MSI e Colorfulwho were already partners in previous versions of the project, participated in these meetings.
Check out the video on DIY-APE’s own channel:
O multi-brand involvement is considered a important factor so that the idea has evolved and left the initial stages.
Before we start with the more detailed explanations, check out athe table with the summary of the new font concept:
| Feature | Description |
|---|---|
| Type of connection to the motherboard | Rear interface “Gold Finger” (we’ll explain what it is later) |
| Traditional connections replaced | 24-pin connector and PCIe plugs |
| Standard font compatibility | Works with ATX 3.0 drives via adapter |
| Positioning in the cabinet | Right side of the motherboard |
| Advantage of positioning | Improves CPU power plan and frees up space for top radiator |
| Connection to components | Do not use direct cables to the motherboard |
| Adapter function | Allows the use of conventional power supplies in the BTF 3.0 system |
How the evolution of the BTF standard works
A first version of BTF focused on relocating the front panel and power connectors to the back of the motherboard. THE second generation introduced contact areas to power the video card with Gold Finger connectioneliminating the need for traditional PCIe cables in compatible configurations.
O BTF 3.0 integrates all power and input/output connections into a single rear system. CPU, GPU e motherboard receive power via a single connector on the back, capable of up to 2.145 W.
The connectors painel frontallike USB-C, audio e power buttonare grouped into one single block which connects to the cabinet using just one cable. The specification also includes inputs to power up to four SATA drives directly from the motherboard.
In any case, before we continue with the news of the new concept, we will explain what is Gold Finger in this context.
What is Gold Finger?
For those who are unfamiliar with the terminologies used in the world of PC hardware, the term Gold Finger classify the gold plated connectors located on the edge of electronic components.
In the specific context of BTF pattern (Back To The Future), this connector leaves its traditional function to become the main aspect of an unusual power system.
It acts as a direct contact metal bridge, replacing the conventional wires that connect the power supply to the motherboard and video card.
The creator’s proposal DIY-APE with the BTF 3.0 is to use the Gold Finger as the centerpiece for a construction with the minimum visible cables. This technology allows energy transmission in an integrated manner and with high capacity.
The single connector located on the back of the motherboard is designed to support a total electrical demand of up to 2.145 Was highlighted above; however, we emphasize that 1,680 W are dedicateds to the processor assembly (CPU) and video card (GPU).
How the Gold Finger connector works in this case
A implementation of Gold Finger technology in the BTF ecosystem includes several components. The power supply (PSU) abandons the cables 24-pin and PCIe to adopt a rear interface which fits directly into the motherboard.
To maintain versatility, the specification allows the use of standard ATX 3.0 sources through a adapter. The positioning of the power supply is also changed, being installed to the right of the motherboard to optimize power distribution and free up space.
The graphics cards follow an intelligent hybrid concept. They preserve conventional side power connectors, ensuring their functionality in common cases.
For use in a BTF systemthe aforementioned adapter with Gold Finger can be attached to the board, converting its connection to the back pattern.
This model guarantees that the same product, such as ROG Matrix RTX 5090 da ASUScan work in any configuration, be it traditional or BTF.
New source and cabinet concept
Returning to the main subject, compatible cases need to support traditional hardware e BTF components — in other words, no reusing your old war cabinet.
They must accommodate short tube liquid cooling and provide an organized path for the few cables leaving the CPU block.
One of the concepts presented provides for the total elimination of fan wirescom power and RGB hubs pre-installed and connectors positioned close to each mounting point.
The aforementioned video card ROG Matrix RTX 5090a high-performance model from ASUSwas created to incorporate this technology. THE ASUS uses interface GC-HPWR in conjunction with conventional power cables to support a TDP up to 800Wdemonstrating the interest of a major manufacturer in the idea of rear connection.
To prove that the BTF 3.0 is a proposal that can be implemented in the real world, far from the world of concepts, DIY-APE displayed a working prototype assembled in collaboration with Colorful ea Segotep.
The complete system includes an experimental Colorful graphics card and a case specific to the new specification.
According to the creator, this prototype is already close to the “no visible cable” that he admires in Mac Pro and Apple. Fan cabling remains the last hurdle to overcome to fully achieve your initial goal.
The future of the BTF 3.0 standard depends on the formation of an alliance between manufacturers. Large-scale adoption will only occur if more companies decide to produce motherboards, video cards, sources, cabinets e refrigeration systems compatible.
And there? What did you think of the idea? Do you think it will become viable or do you believe it will be restricted to the world of technologies that have potential but are not produced on a commercial scale? Share your expectations and continue following Adrenaline!
Fontes: YouTube | VideoCardZ
Source: https://www.adrenaline.com.br/hardware/colorful-revoluciona-com-pc-que-tem-ate-fonte-de-energia-sem-cabos/
