A missing feature when the RTX 5090 draws power through the motherboard
The report concerns a ROG Astral RTX 5090 BTF paired with a Z890 Hero BTF. In the case relayed by VideoCardz, Power Detector+ becomes unavailable in GPU Tweak III when power is supplied through the motherboard’s BTF interface. Connecting the graphics card conventionally through its 12V-2×6 connector restores the feature.
The purpose of this monitoring is separate from the power supply itself. Operating the graphics card and measuring current on each pin are two different capabilities. The issue described therefore does not mean that the RTX 5090 cannot run on this motherboard.
The ROG forum response: a hardware difference
We consulted the ROG forum discussion directly. Silent_Scone, whose role there is Super Moderator, states after checking that the missing telemetry stems from a difference in hardware implementation between the platforms. This feature was introduced on the newer Crosshair X870E Hero BTF.
“Per-pin current telemetry cannot be enabled on Z890.”
Silent_Scone, ROG forum — editorial translation. The original post is accessible through the link below.
Read Silent_Scone’s original reply on the ROG forum
Why a GPU Tweak III update is not enough
In the discussion, Silent_Scone explains that the two generations do not incorporate the same monitoring hardware. He mentions additional changes to the embedded controller on the X870E. Simply sharing a BTF interface therefore does not provide access to the same measurements.
That is what distinguishes this case from a display issue that a new software version could resolve. The published response does not announce a fix capable of bringing this telemetry to the Z890. The moderator also acknowledges that the distinction between BTF and Power Detector+ could be communicated more clearly.
What to check for your build
Before choosing a platform, check the exact motherboard and graphics card pairing, then the power connection used and the monitoring features advertised for that combination. A shared BTF label is no substitute for these checks.
For an already assembled system, the reported case shows why it is useful to distinguish motherboard power delivery from the conventional 12V-2×6 connection. Any wiring changes must follow the graphics card and power supply manufacturers’ instructions. We do not infer from this limitation either reduced 3D performance or a defect affecting all BTF configurations.
Key takeaways
The Z890 Hero BTF and Crosshair X870E Hero BTF do not offer the same telemetry through BTF. For the Z890, the ROG forum response attributes the lack of per-pin current measurement to the hardware: waiting for a simple GPU Tweak III update is therefore not an announced solution.