We already wrote a bit details about the future PCI-Express 4.0 specification but according to the latest information, it appears that it will not only double the bandwidth but also raise the power delivery specification to 300W, eliminating the need for external power on future graphics cards.

According to earlier information coming from PCI-SIG, PCI-Express 4.0 interface should double the bandwidth of the PCI-Express 3.0 interface, raising it from 8GT/s to 16GT/s. This will allow PCIe 4.0 devices to offer the same bandwidth as the PCIe 3.0 with only half the PCIe lanes or double the bandwidth for high-end devices, like storage or high-end GPUs.

More importantly, the PCIe 4.0 will also offer higher power delivery directly from the slot and while the PCIe 3.0 is still limited to 75W, PCIe 4.0 could raise the maximum power delivery ceiling to 300W, eliminating the need for additional power connector.

This means that both flagship Pascal-based graphics cards from Nvidia, the GTX 1080 and GTX Titan X, could run without external power connectors. Of course, these will still draw power form the same PSU and motherboard manufacturers will have to find a way to provide that additional power to the PCIe slot.

PCI-Express 4.0 specification should be finalized by PCI-SIG later this year, but it is highly unlikely that we will see it on motherboard anytime soon.



Source: via Overclock3D.net.