Aqua Cooling has just launched the Ampinel, an adapter that could finally put anxieties of melting 12V-2×6 cables to rest. However, this would-be remedy for Nvidia GeForce and AMD Radeon graphics cards doesn’t come cheap nor, sadly, in readily available quantities.
Like most other 16-pin adapters, the Ampinel plugs directly into your graphics card, creating a buffer between your power supply. However, rather than serve as a passive watcher of watts, the device actively balances current across the six 12V available power lines.
If any part of the 12V-2×6 cable exceed the safe limit of 7.5A, it’ll automatically direct it elsewhere so that final wattage distributes evenly. This should prevent the scorch marks we’ve seen across unfortunate melting graphics cards, as heat from all those watts will remain in check.
Theoretically, the Ampinel should be a set-and-forget accessory but Aqua Computing bundles it with plenty of manual monitoring tools. In addition to a 124×65 OLED screen, the device also features an 85dB warning buzzer, as well as software. There’s realistically little to no room for error, especially with automatic shutdown functionality.
You will need to grab the right type of Ampinel for your system, if you plan to pick one up. Type A models are compatible with graphics cards that place their retention clip at the top of their 12V-2×6 port, while Type B services those with clips at the bottom.
Fantastic as the device sounds, you’ll need to pay just shy of 100 EUR for one, regardless of type. That’s if you manage to grab an Ampinel at all, as Aqua Computing has already sold out of existing stock. There’s no indication as to when more units will arrive, but I’m sure the manufacturer is keen to get more out the door before competing solutions from the likes of Cybenetics and more come to market.
While I applaud the engineering and ingenuity of brands like Aqua Computing, it truly is absurd that we live in a world where we’re reasonably willing to spend cash on additional accessories to stop our graphics cards from combusting. Nevermind the fact that this solution is only compatible with newer 12V-2×6 cards, while those using older 12VHPWR models like the Nvidia GeForce RTX 4090 need to seek alternative respite.
Personally, I’m content to use my own Nvidia GeForce RTX 3080 Ti and our GeForce RTX 5090 sample without an adapter in tow, as I should be. However, I seriously hope this faith doesn’t come to bite me with a fiery vengeance.
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