NVIDIA RTX 5080: User Reports 16-Pin Connector Meltdown on PSU Side

Recent Reports of Melting 16-Pin Connectors in NVIDIA GeForce RTX 5080 Setups

A concerning incident recently surfaced on Reddit, where a user shared images revealing a melted 16-pin power connector from his power supply unit (PSU) while using an NVIDIA GeForce RTX 5080 graphics card. This case marks a notable development in the ongoing discussion about connector failures in high-performance GPUs.

Link to Previous RTX 5090 Connector Issues

Just days earlier, we highlighted a similar problem involving the RTX 5090, where both the GPU and its cable connectors suffered damage due to overheating. However, the occurrence of a melting connector with the RTX 5080 is particularly surprising, given its differences in power requirements compared to its more demanding counterpart, the RTX 5090.

User Experience: Melting Connector and PCI-E Issues

The user, known by the handle @Ambitious_Ladder1320, described his experience on the ASUS subreddit. His setup consisted of the RTX 5080 paired with an ASUS ROG Loki PSU. He noticed a red light flashing on his GPU, signaling a potential issue with the connector seating. Despite rechecking his connections, the problem persisted after rebooting the system.

ROG Loki PSU melted connector — Image Credit: reddit.com

Though the initial error ceased after replugging, the user experienced an automatic downgrade in monitor resolution and refresh rate. Peculiarly, the GPU switched to running in PCI-E x3 mode, which is not typical operation. After thorough investigations, he discovered the melted 12-pin connector on the PSU, although thankfully the GPU itself appeared unharmed.

melted 12VHPWR connector ROG Loki — Image Credit: reddit.com

Rising Instances of Connector Failures

The user also reported witnessing similar melting incidents involving other ROG Loki PSU owners. However, it remains unclear whether these reported cases involved the 12VHPWR connector and whether the users were experiencing issues with an RTX 5090 or an RTX 5080. Nonetheless, this same PSU model was implicated in the earlier RTX 5090 incident.

Evidence presented by well-known tech reviewer Der8auer pointed to overheating as the root issue, asserting that certain wires in the connector were bearing a load exceeding their design specifications, which led to failure.

Community Concerns and Ongoing Discussion

The community continues to express concern over the design of the 12VHPWR connector, with discussions centering on wire quality and connector performance. Many believe the inherent limitations in the connector’s design contribute to overheating, causing rapid failures across various configurations. This phenomenon signifies an urgent need for manufacturers to address the reliability of power connections in high-performance setups.

Conclusion: The Importance of Component Quality

The rising number of connector melting incidents, especially concerning the RTX 5090 and RTX 5080, underscores a pressing issue that enthusiasts and gamers should take seriously. While currently, reports involving the upgraded 12V-2×6 connector remain limited, it is crucial for potential users to remain vigilant regarding PSU quality and compatibility with high-powered GPUs.

For further updates and community discussions, visit the Reddit thread here.

Source: Wccftech