H+ vs H++ on 12V-2x6 / 12VHPWR cables: What does it mean?

When the PCI-SIG updated the 12VHPWR connector, they made subtle yet important modifications to the connectors located on the graphics cards and power supplies. These included extending the power terminals and shortening the sense pins, enhancing conductivity. With these changes, the connector was rebranded as the “12V-2x6,” and a distinctive “H++” was embossed on the side of the GPU and PSU sockets.

There is no difference when it comes to the cable.

H+ refers to 12VHPWR, and H++ refers to 12V-2x6, and the differences between these two are only present on the GPU or PSU sockets, not the cable or it's connectors.

There is no physical changes between on the cables. They simply began being marked as H++ to match the 12V-2x6 sockets on the GPU / PSU.

The documentation surrounding the new connector left room for interpretation, leading to immediate confusion among end users about its compatibility. Due to the lack of explicit mention of backwards compatibility, many users mistakenly believed that the cable connector also had to be marked with an “H++” to properly connect with the updated graphics card interface and leverage its improvements.

This misunderstanding was not accurate, yet in an effort to reassure users, manufacturers began stamping “H++” on the power cable’s connector as well, regardless of whether any modifications had been implemented or not. Some manufacturers did make slight alterations to the power cable’s connector, such as repositioning the locking latch or using a two-color “doubleshot” material to help users understand if the connector was fully seated or not. However, these changes were neither suggested nor approved by the PCI-SIG.

Our Explorer article provides a detailed explanation of the differences between the 12VHPWR and 12V-2x6 connectors and highlights the advantages of the updates. This document clarifies that the adjustments were made solely to the 12V-2x6 socket on the GPU or PSU side.