(DIY-APE/YouTube)
Don't miss out on our latest stories. Add PCMag as a preferred source on Google.
The invisible cable "Back to the Future" (BTF) design ethos has been evolved a step further by its creator, DIY-APE, to just a single, 50-pin connector powering the motherboard, CPU, and GPU.
As VideoCardz reports, this BTF 3.0 concept was shown off in a new Colorful PC build without any visible cabling. It won't be for everyone, but if you like a clean-looking system, it's a beauty.
There are typically three schools of thought when it comes to PC enthusiasts' approach to cabling, whether it's power to the motherboard or SATA connectors. Some like to route them neatly, making them a feature of the aesthetics, while others prefer to hide them away. The third group doesn't care and leaves it all a spaghetti mess. The BTF concept is designed explicitly for those who want a system that's as wire-free as possible, and the latest rendition has fewer visible cables than ever.
Indeed, fewer cables than ever, period, as the BTF 3.0 concept utilizes a "gold finger" power connector that provides all the power for the motherboard, CPU, and GPU in one. With a maximum capacity of 2,145 watts, 1,680W are reserved for the CPU and GPU, plenty for even the most high-powered hardware. This replaces the standard 24-pin and PCIe connectors, and means the PSU is mounted to the right of the motherboard, rather than underneath or above.
Recommended by Our Editors
Compatible GPUs are fitted with an adapter to make them capable of receiving power from the gold finger interface, but removing the adapter makes it possible to use them in a normal ATX case with standard PCIe power connectors. This was a core part of DIY-APE's collaborative design with partners at Asus, Colorful, and MSI, making it possible to use BTF hardware in other types of PC systems.
Still, combine it all together, and you get a PC that has almost zero visible wiring. There's even a unified adapter for front-panel IO, combining USB-A, USB-C, and audio into a single header. Four-pin headers on the back of the motherboard handle SATA power if such drives are required.
To show off how far the concept has come, DIY-APE built a full BTF 3.0 compliant PC with Colorful hardware, and it's a unique-looking system, particularly the "floating" PSU and its placement.
DIY-APE notes that the design isn't quite finished yet. He still needs to remove fan cabling, but after that, the system will be officially visible wire-free. Some brands are starting to adopt aspects of the standard, so we may see some concepts become more mainstream.