Thermal Grizzly is preparing a device designed to protect graphics cards from overheating and from connectors melting. The new WIREVIEW PRO II GPU adapter, priced at €120, can monitor current, voltage, temperature and power. If measurements reach critical levels, it can even shut down the computer — provided the supplied cable splitter is connected.
The adapter will be especially useful for owners of high-power cards — for example Nvidia’s 80 and 90 series, where 12VHPWR connectors have been known to fail. The newer 12V-2×6 standard only partly addresses the issue: current can remain unevenly distributed, causing individual pins to overheat. That overheating can deform the plug and result in costly repairs.
The WIREVIEW PRO II GPU draws power from the graphics card, is cooled by a semi-passive fan, and uses an aluminum chassis to help dissipate heat. The unit records parameter and error logs for up to 360 days and is compatible with almost any 12-volt connector.
Thermal Grizzly says the adapter enforces its own safety thresholds — when they are exceeded it issues an audible alarm and displays a warning on the built-in screen. The manufacturer has not disclosed the alarm’s volume.
The €120 price (about $140) may appear high, but the company argues the device can protect not only a $3,000 graphics card but the entire system from short circuits or even fire.
Source: iXBT.games