Could an ASUS prototype PCIe connector spell the end of bulky, unsightly power cables for graphics cards ? As GPUs have become more power-hungry, PSU-to-GPU power cables have become increasingly prominent, often adding bulk and clutter inside the case. ASUS engineers focused on reinforcing the physical power path of the PCIe slot itself, which included widening and thickening the contact pads on the front side of the GPU's PCIe interface, fusing several 12-volt lanes into larger, lower-resistance conductors, and enlarging the corresponding copper area within the slot. To support the increased power output, the setup also integrated an 8-pin power connector directly onto the motherboard. This connector, traditionally located on the graphics card itself, now works in tandem with the reinforced PCIe slot to share the power load.