NVIDIA GeForce RTX 5090 Experiences Melted 12-Pin Connector Issues On GPU & Cable, First Incident in RTX 50 Series

Reports have emerged detailing a unique incident involving melted connectors on the NVIDIA GeForce RTX 5090 graphics card, raising concerns among users about the reliability of certain power cables.

User Reports Melting Connectors with NVIDIA GeForce RTX 5090

A Reddit user, known as u/ivan6953, has brought attention to a significant issue where both the GPU and its accompanying power cable suffered melting damage. This situation is alarming, particularly considering the past issues surrounding the older 12VHPWR (12-pin) connector, which had already been criticized for design flaws that led to overheating and connector failures. Although NVIDIA attempted to address these concerns with an upgraded version for the RTX 4090, users remain at risk when using third-party solutions.

The Incident Breakdown

In a recent post on Reddit, the affected user shared that they utilized a third-party 12VHPWR power cable purchased from Moddiy, paired with an ASUS Loki SFX-L power supply. This combination occurred during gameplay of Battlefield V, at a power draw of approximately 500-520W, when they detected a burning smell. Although the user promptly powered down the system, it proved too late, leading to visible damage on both the RTX 5090 and power cable connectors.

RTX 5090 FE Melted connectors — Image Credit: reddit.com

Connector Compatibility Concerns

Interestingly, the user mentioned that the same cable had been used successfully with their previous RTX 4090 card without incident. They believed that the connector was inserted correctly into the NVIDIA GeForce RTX 5090. However, reports suggest that even if the connector clicks into place, it may not always be properly seated. This concern underscores NVIDIA’s decision to replace the 12VHPWR with the 12V-2×6 standard, which has shown marked improvements in connection reliability.

Warranties and Recommendations

Unfortunately, due to the use of a third-party cable, it seems increasingly unlikely that the user will be able to initiate a warranty claim for the damaged components. Hence, it is advisable for users to utilize only cables that are supplied by NVIDIA. Given the risks associated with the 12VHPWR cable, transitioning to the 12V-2×6 standard presents a safer option for those considering future upgrades.

As this situation continues to unfold, concerns remain about whether the melting issues will affect the broader RTX 50 series, especially in light of recent reports of bricked RTX 50 GPUs, which NVIDIA is currently investigating.

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