Playing it cool.
Demand for Graphics Cards
Though the RTX 50 series line has just launched, plenty of gamers are still choosing 40 series cards, partially because the former is so difficult to obtain. With increasing power demands for those still rather beefy cards, one company has released a smart adapter that features built-in fans, temperature reading, and power consumption figures, along with a little screen to display this data—though it currently only works on the RTX 40 series of graphics cards.
The product was showcased on the Chinese shopping site TaoBao (via VideoCardz), where company K.A has introduced a 16-pin graphics card adapter priced at 229 RMB, which is about 30 dollars. This device allows users to monitor power consumption and temperature from a distance, actively cooling the wires as well.
This adapter effectively sits at a 180-degree angle to the side of your GPU and includes a screen for displaying temperature and power usage. While it keeps the cables cooler with its fans, it’s also a smart addition to ensure your system is performing optimally.
However, users will need to have a visible setup with a see-through side panel to appreciate the adapter’s monitoring features fully. This product addresses concerns that have arisen around the most power-hungry graphics cards launched in recent years. When the RTX 4090 debuted, reports surfaced about connectors melting, often due to connector design errors combined with user oversights. Some companies, like MSI, have even developed adapter cables with a yellow tint to indicate proper insertion.
Despite many of these issues already addressed, major graphics cards still possess high Thermal Design Power (TDP), necessitating effective heat management. However, it is worth mentioning that purchasing adapters or extensions can be risky, with an expert advising on the dangers of using third-party cables. The best approach when building a robust PC is to select a suitable power supply and use the cables recommended by its manufacturer.
As this is a third-party adapter for the RTX 40 series cards, it won’t revolutionize the market but presents an interesting idea manufacturers can consider as customers increasingly acquire RTX 5090s, RTX 5080s, and start to overclock RTX 5070 Tis. Ideally, this technology can be integrated directly into graphics cards or power supplies.
