NVIDIA RTX 5090 Power Connector Melting Issues: An Ongoing Concern
Recent reports have surfaced regarding power connector issues with NVIDIA’s RTX 5090 Founders Edition graphics cards, reminiscent of the problems encountered with the RTX 4090 series. Users have reported instances of melted power connectors and damage to their power supply units (PSUs). In one case, a user detected a burning smell while playing a game, leading to the discovery of burnt plastic at both the PSU end and the GPU connection. This particular incident involved a custom cable from MODDIY.
Further investigations, notably by YouTuber der8auer, have highlighted potential issues with the power delivery system of the RTX 5090 Founders Edition. Tests revealed that certain power cables exhibited uneven current distribution, with some wires carrying significantly more current than others. This imbalance resulted in excessive heat buildup, with temperatures reaching up to 150 degrees Celsius in some instances. Such conditions can lead to the melting of connectors and pose safety risks.
It’s important to note that not all users have experienced these issues. For example, PC integrator Falcon Northwest conducted extensive testing on multiple RTX 5090 Founders Edition builds using various power supplies and cable types. Their tests did not replicate the melting connector problem, and all temperatures and amperages remained within nominal ranges.
The root cause of these issues appears to be multifaceted. While improper seating of the 12VHPWR connector has been identified as a primary cause in earlier cases, recent analyses suggest that design aspects of the RTX 5090 Founders Edition may contribute to the problem. Specifically, the GPU’s power delivery design might not effectively distribute the electrical load across all pins, leading to overheating in certain wires.
In response to previous connector issues, NVIDIA adopted the updated 12V-2×6 connector to enhance reliability. This connector features shorter sensing pins and longer conductor terminals to ensure a more secure connection. However, despite these improvements, the RTX 5090 continues to experience similar problems.
As of now, NVIDIA has not provided an official response to these recent incidents. Users are advised to ensure that power connectors are fully and securely inserted to mitigate potential risks. Additionally, using cables and power supplies that meet the recommended specifications is crucial. Ongoing monitoring of the situation is recommended, and users should stay updated with official communications from NVIDIA and other reputable sources.
Sources:
- Nvidia’s RTX 5090 power connectors are melting
- Surely not again: Worrying analysis shows Nvidia’s RTX 5090 Founders Edition graphics card may be prone to melting power connectors
- RTX 5090 cable melting issues haven’t been replicated — testers assess various power supplies and cable types
