ASUS BTF Issue: Power Detector+ Disappears When Using GC-HPWR
ASUS is addressing a software issue affecting its BTF graphics cards. On certain ROG Astral models, including the GeForce RTX 5090 BTF OC Edition, the Power Detector+ feature in GPU Tweak III disappears whenever the card is powered via the proprietary GC-HPWR connector on a compatible BTF motherboard instead of the standard 12V-2x6 cable.
Technical Context and the Issue
Power Detector+ is a specialized monitoring feature for high-end ASUS graphics cards. It tracks voltage and current anomalies on individual pins of the 12VHPWR or 12V-2x6 connectors, allowing GPU Tweak III to alert users or trigger an automatic system shutdown in case of critical issues. Recent updates to the software have expanded its utility, such as providing a continuous display of all six pins or allowing user-defined shutdown thresholds.
The bug specifically targets the BTF ecosystem. In the BTF setup, power is delivered through a high-current connector on the motherboard, eliminating the need for visible front-facing cables. Users report that in this configuration, Power Detector+ vanishes from the GPU Tweak III interface. Switching the card back to a traditional 12V-2x6 connection restores the feature immediately. Interestingly, the hardware sensors appear to be functional, as tools like HWiNFO can still read voltage values, though the pin-specific telemetry is lost, suggesting a software or telemetry communication error.
Fix Availability
ASUS has confirmed that the issue has been reproduced and resolved internally. The fix is strictly software-based and does not require hardware modifications. However, users should note that the current GPU Tweak III Beta 2.2.0.1 (released September 30) does not include the fix. ASUS has stated that a subsequent beta version, which will restore Power Detector+ functionality for GC-HPWR mode, is expected to be released within a few days.