True Sense Pin Implementation
True Sense Pin Implementation
MODDIY 12VHPWR and 12V-2X6 cables feature true sense pin implementation, ensuring an end-to-end physical sense wire connection between PSU and GPU, in strict compliance with the official 12VHPWR / 12V-2X6 specifications.
For native 12VHPWR and 12V-2X6 cables (where both ends have 12VHPWR or 12V-2X6 connectors), all 4 sense wires (sideband signal pins) are installed. This ensures compatibility with future generations of PSUs and GPUs, even though the features CARD_PWR_STABLE (S1) and CARD_CBL_PRES# (S2) are not yet in use as of 2024.
For 8-pin to 12VHPWR / 12V-2X6 cables, 2 true sense pins are implemented with end-to-end physical sense wire connections. Note, that CARD_PWR_STABLE (S1) and CARD_CBL_PRES# (S2) are not compatible with 8-pin PCIE ports.
Issues with Other 12VHPWR and 12V-2X6 Cables
Some manufacturers cut corners by offering cables with fake sense pin connections (short-circuited at the GPU connector) instead of proper end-to-end sense wire implementation. These practices violate the sense pin design's purpose and compromise both functionality and safety. Native 12VHPWR and 12V-2X6 cables from such manufacturers often omit 2 sense wires as well, rendering them incompatible with future PSU designs that support CARD_PWR_STABLE (S1) and CARD_CBL_PRES# (S2). The primary motive for these shortcuts is cost-cutting, which is irresponsible and defeats the purpose of the sense pin’s safety features.
What is Fake Sense Pins
Fake Sense Pins refer to a deviation from the original design specifications of 12VHPWR and 12V-2X6 connectors. According to these specifications, sense pins are intended to establish a true physical wire connection between the PSU (Power Supply Unit) and GPU (Graphics Processing Unit). This connection enables the PSU to send signals to the GPU, ensuring proper communication and functionality.
However, fake sense pins bypass this design by short-circuiting the sense pins directly at the GPU connector. This trickery leads the GPU to falsely believe that the sense wire is connected to the PSU, effectively eliminating the physical connection to the PSU altogether.
Risks of Using Fake Sense Pins
Sense wires are designed to enable communication between the PSU and GPU regarding power delivery while acting as a safety mechanism. For example:
If the PSU-side connector becomes loose or if one of the 8-pin ports malfunctions, the PSU would drop the sense wire connection, prompting the GPU to cease operation to protect the system.
With fake sense pins, where the sense pin is short-circuited at the GPU connector, the GPU remains unaware of issues at the PSU side, potentially causing dangerous system failures.
Cables from quality PSU manufacturers also avoid such unsafe practices, as they provide no benefits while compromising safety.
Risks of Excluding All 4 Sense Wires in Native Cables
All native 12VHPWR and 12V-2X6 cables should include all 4 sense wires, adhering to specifications and future-proofing designs. Excluding 2 sense wires results in cables that become unusable when PSUs begin supporting CARD_PWR_STABLE (S1) and CARD_CBL_PRES# (S2). This approach only benefits the manufacturers by cutting costs, offering no advantage to customers.
Examples of Fake Sense Pins
Below are examples of random photos found on the Internet showcasing cables without True Sense Pin Implementation. These cables utilize fake sense pins, where the sense pins are short-circuited at the GPU connector. As a result, there is no physical connection for the sense wires between the PSU and GPU.
MODDIY 12VHPWR and 12V-2X6 cables feature true sense pin implementation, ensuring an end-to-end physical sense wire connection between PSU and GPU, in strict compliance with the official 12VHPWR / 12V-2X6 specifications.
For native 12VHPWR and 12V-2X6 cables (where both ends have 12VHPWR or 12V-2X6 connectors), all 4 sense wires (sideband signal pins) are installed. This ensures compatibility with future generations of PSUs and GPUs, even though the features CARD_PWR_STABLE (S1) and CARD_CBL_PRES# (S2) are not yet in use as of 2024.
For 8-pin to 12VHPWR / 12V-2X6 cables, 2 true sense pins are implemented with end-to-end physical sense wire connections. Note, that CARD_PWR_STABLE (S1) and CARD_CBL_PRES# (S2) are not compatible with 8-pin PCIE ports.
Issues with Other 12VHPWR and 12V-2X6 Cables
Some manufacturers cut corners by offering cables with fake sense pin connections (short-circuited at the GPU connector) instead of proper end-to-end sense wire implementation. These practices violate the sense pin design's purpose and compromise both functionality and safety. Native 12VHPWR and 12V-2X6 cables from such manufacturers often omit 2 sense wires as well, rendering them incompatible with future PSU designs that support CARD_PWR_STABLE (S1) and CARD_CBL_PRES# (S2). The primary motive for these shortcuts is cost-cutting, which is irresponsible and defeats the purpose of the sense pin’s safety features.
What is Fake Sense Pins
Fake Sense Pins refer to a deviation from the original design specifications of 12VHPWR and 12V-2X6 connectors. According to these specifications, sense pins are intended to establish a true physical wire connection between the PSU (Power Supply Unit) and GPU (Graphics Processing Unit). This connection enables the PSU to send signals to the GPU, ensuring proper communication and functionality.
However, fake sense pins bypass this design by short-circuiting the sense pins directly at the GPU connector. This trickery leads the GPU to falsely believe that the sense wire is connected to the PSU, effectively eliminating the physical connection to the PSU altogether.
Risks of Using Fake Sense Pins
Sense wires are designed to enable communication between the PSU and GPU regarding power delivery while acting as a safety mechanism. For example:
If the PSU-side connector becomes loose or if one of the 8-pin ports malfunctions, the PSU would drop the sense wire connection, prompting the GPU to cease operation to protect the system.
With fake sense pins, where the sense pin is short-circuited at the GPU connector, the GPU remains unaware of issues at the PSU side, potentially causing dangerous system failures.
Cables from quality PSU manufacturers also avoid such unsafe practices, as they provide no benefits while compromising safety.
Risks of Excluding All 4 Sense Wires in Native Cables
All native 12VHPWR and 12V-2X6 cables should include all 4 sense wires, adhering to specifications and future-proofing designs. Excluding 2 sense wires results in cables that become unusable when PSUs begin supporting CARD_PWR_STABLE (S1) and CARD_CBL_PRES# (S2). This approach only benefits the manufacturers by cutting costs, offering no advantage to customers.
Examples of Fake Sense Pins
Below are examples of random photos found on the Internet showcasing cables without True Sense Pin Implementation. These cables utilize fake sense pins, where the sense pins are short-circuited at the GPU connector. As a result, there is no physical connection for the sense wires between the PSU and GPU.
Updated on: 26/03/2025
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