ASUS Shows BTF Motherboards with Hidden Power Connectors at CES 2025

[AleksandarK]

ASUS extended its line of motherboards at CES 2025, featuring a design that moves power connectors to the back of the board. The company calls this approach "BTF" (Back To Future), aiming to improve cable management in PC builds. The TUF GAMING B850-BTF WIFI and B860-PLUS WIFI models demonstrate this new design, which can deliver up to 600 watts through the motherboard to support modern graphics cards. The boards include Wi-Fi 7 connectivity, PCIe 5.0 support, and multiple M.2 slots for storage devices. In the high-end segment, ASUS presented the ROG Maximus Z890 HERO BTF, compatible with Intel's LGA1851 processors. This board features DDR5 memory support, dual Thunderbolt 4 ports, and tools like Q-Release for easier graphics card removal.

For professional users, ASUS released the ProArt Z890 CREATOR WIFI, equipped with Thunderbolt 4 ports and specialized cooling systems. The company also showed new gaming-focused models including the ROG Crosshair X870E APEX, for the fastest Ryzen 9000X3D series gaming processors. The motherboards share several technical features across different price points. All models support PCIe 5.0 for graphics cards and storage, while most include Wi-Fi 7 capabilities. ASUS has added tool-free installation mechanisms for M.2 drives across the lineup. ASUS has not yet announced pricing or specific release dates for the new motherboards. The BTF design represents a significant change in motherboard layout, though it will require compatible PC cases and power supplies to function as intended. This marks one of the first major changes to standard motherboard design since the ATX format became common in the 1990s.



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[Frick]

Isn't that just a normal motherboard but with the connectors on the other side?

 

[Wirko]

Isn't that just a normal motherboard but with the connectors on the other side?

We'll get to the point when it becomes easier to put just the CPU socket and PCIe slots on the wrong side, instead of everything else.

 

[LabRat 891]

We'll get to the point when it becomes easier to put just the CPU socket and PCIe slots on the wrong side, instead of everything else.

I do not look forward to the day that I cannot change RAM, M.2, etc. w/o 1st removing the entire motherboard.
(I've put off upgrades and maintenance for ages before, simply because a CPU cooler required the board be removed to uninstall/install.)

 

[Mack4285]

From what I read elsewhere, the TUF B850 BTF will have white as final color... And still no X870 BTF? Asus still taking bribes from Intel.

 

[GodisanAtheist]

You can pry the ATX standard from my cold dead hands....

 

[Knight47]

m.2 slots on the back with case integrated heatpipe cooler when?

 

[piloponth]

Isn't that just a normal motherboard but with the connectors on the other side?

It is not as easy as just soldering connectors on the other side. The manufacturer must redesign the PCB layout as now every connector connection needs to be mirrored for cables to connect in right order of the pins.

 

[Gigaherz]

How tf am I supposed to put that maximus on a benchtable now?? Can the xoc boards please stay in an xoc form factor ffs!?

 

[boomheadshot8]

It is not as easy as just soldering connectors on the other side. The manufacturer must redesign the PCB layout as now every connector connection needs to be mirrored for cables to connect in right order of the pins.

Sure but first remove 2Dimms and it will be easier
who need 4 dimms with ddr5 ?

you can have 2x16go with improved latency/oc with only 2dimms

 

[Gigaherz]

who need 4 dimms with ddr5 ?

We also have 8 dimm ddr5 boards working. 4 dimms are fine.