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Asus has released its GPU Tweak III V2.1.8.0 update, introducing an auto-shutdown feature designed to protect graphics cards from damage caused by 12V-2×6 power cables.
Brought to our attention by Videocardz, the new feature automatically powers down a system when it detects persistently high current on supported hardware. According to an Asus ROG forum moderator, you can configure the duration parameters required to trigger the shutdown (from 1 to 5 minutes), but the current threshold is locked at 12.5A. However, if you're using the ROG Equalizer cable, the current threshold increases to 18A.
Compatibility remains limited to select graphics cards with Power Detector+ hardware, including the ROG Astral GeForce RTX 5090, ROG Astral LC GeForce RTX 5090, ROG Astral GeForce RTX 5080, and ROG Matrix GeForce RTX 4090.
Power Detector+ was previously limited to issuing warnings whenever current exceeded safe limits (9.2A for standard cables, 17A with the ROG Equalizer cable). The software update expands this monitoring system by taking active intervention measures rather than relying solely on user alerts.
KitGuru says: Adding active system shutdown functionality to Power Detector+ hardware gives high-end RTX 40 and 50 series owners another practical safeguard against potential power connector failures.
