RTX 5070 Ti: MSI launches Project Zero graphics card with hidden power connector

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Source: MSI

With the Geforce RTX 5070 Ti Ventus 3X PZ, MSI has presented a graphics card that relies on the manufacturer's new Project Zero connector design.

After the new MSI graphics card was already shown at the Tokyo Games Show recently, the manufacturer has now made the design official with the 12V 2×6 power connector housed behind the backplate in the graphics card cooler. The white Geforce RTX 5070 Ti Ventus 3X PZ is fundamentally based on the previous RTX 5070 Ti Ventus 3X, but has the rear power connection design and bears the PZ (Project Zero) in the name. There is a model with standard clock (2.467 MHz, boost: 2.452 MHz) and an OC version (2.497 MHz, boost: 2.482 MHz).

In the Project Zero, which was previously only available on MSI motherboards, cables are not completely removed, but are only laid in the non-openly visible area in order to achieve an undisturbed appearance and better cable management. In the case of the 12V 2×6 power connection, MSI calls this approach "zero-trace Power Path". The design consists in the fact that the connector is laid deeper into the board and is covered with a magnetically attached back plate, which is removable.

RTX 5070 Ti MSI Project Zero: Hidden cables even in the competition

As Shero King reports, the new PZ version could theoretically have a slightly worse heat dissipation due to the new design, despite the same clock speeds and functions as the original model, since MSI saves part of the heatsink to accommodate the new layout. However, MSI has not yet confirmed how much the new PZ models will cost and when exactly they will appear.

There is also no information yet on which motherboards and housings are supported, but according to the report, normal compatibility with modern housings and motherboards should be given, since it is ultimately only a differently routed cable. In addition, it is noted that competitors such as Sapphire, Inno3D and Gigabyte already have similar designs with positioning in the cooler. Meanwhile, Asus also has a completely wireless slot solution in some cases with BTF up its sleeve.