- Melting Power Connectors: RTX 5090 Founders Edition GPUs are experiencing power connector failures, with reports of melted plastic and damaged PSUs, similar to RTX 4090 issues.
- Potential Design Flaw: Experts suspect a current distribution problem rather than user error, as both third-party and manufacturer-supplied cables have been affected.
- Nvidia’s Silence & AMD’s Alternative: Nvidia has declined to comment on the issue, while AMD continues to avoid the controversial 12VHPWR standard, sticking with traditional 8-pin PCIe connectors.
Reports of melting power connectors on Nvidia’s new RTX 5090 Founders Edition graphics cards have raised concerns among users, echoing similar issues from the RTX 4090 two years ago. Two owners have documented severe damage to their power supply units (PSUs) and cables, with images resembling the burnt connectors reported in 2022. The problem appears to affect both custom and manufacturer-supplied cables, reigniting debates over the reliability of Nvidia’s 12VHPWR power connector.
One affected user described noticing a burning smell while playing a game before discovering melted plastic at both the GPU and PSU ends of the power cable. The cable in question, manufactured by MODDIY, was reportedly securely fastened. However, another case involved a Spanish YouTuber who used an FSP-manufactured cable and experienced identical damage. The consistency across different cables suggests the issue may not be due to defective third-party accessories but rather an underlying design flaw.
Tech experts have begun analyzing the failures, with one well-known hardware reviewer ruling out user error. Instead, attention has shifted to a potential current distribution problem within the RTX 5090 Founders Edition. The GPU draws up to 575 watts, approaching the 600-watt rating of the 12VHPWR cable, leading to speculation that the design may not adequately handle sustained high-power loads. The updated 12V-2×6 connector, meant to improve safety, still allows for compatibility with older 12VHPWR cables, raising concerns that older connections may be more prone to failure.
Nvidia first introduced the 12VHPWR standard with its RTX 40-series GPUs, alongside power supplies designed to support the new connector. The PCI-SIG standards body has since revised the design to the 12V-2×6 connector, which features shorter sensing pins and longer conductor terminals for improved reliability. PSU manufacturers have also attempted to address the issue by adding visual indicators to ensure proper seating, but incidents like these suggest that problems persist.
Despite the mounting reports, Nvidia has declined to comment on the situation. Meanwhile, competitors like AMD have avoided adopting the 12VHPWR standard, continuing to use traditional 8-pin PCIe power connectors in their upcoming GPUs. This latest controversy adds to the ongoing criticism of the 12VHPWR design, which has already been labeled a “dumpster fire” due to its susceptibility to user error and potential safety hazards. With concerns growing, users and manufacturers alike will be closely monitoring how Nvidia addresses these issues moving forward.
