PNY RTX 5070 GPU Capacitor Explodes During Marvel Rivals Gameplay: User Reports

Recent developments with PNY’s RTX 50 series GPUs have raised some concerns, particularly regarding the occurrence of exploding capacitors. With only two reported incidents thus far, it is noteworthy that no other AIBs (Add-In Board partners) have reported similar capacitor failures at this time.

Capacitor Incident on PNY RTX 5070: A Second Explosion Reported in a Week

While capacitor explosions are typically rare overall, the frequency of these incidents occurring within just a few days is alarming. Earlier this week, a user reported a blown capacitor on a PNY RTX 5090 ARGB OC edition, marking it as a potential first for the RTX 50 series. Just days later, another incident was reported, this time involving a PNY GeForce RTX 5070.

The user, known as u/Wujushu, did not specify which model he owned, yet noted that all four variants of the GPU utilize a similar heatsink design. While playing Marvel Rivals, he heard a loud pop, followed by an identifiable burning smell, and discovered that a capacitor had detached from its mount. This case bears similarities to the reported failure of the PNY RTX 5090, although the two GPUs feature different heatsink designs—most notably, the blown capacitor on the RTX 5070 was not visibly in contact with the heatsink.

Unbranded computer hardware inside a case.

The capacitor was positioned approximately 1 cm away from the heatsink, a gap that, while sufficient, raises questions about the quality control measures in place. This capacitor was located near the I/O section of the PCB, close to the chokes and inductors, which are integral to the VRM (Voltage Regulator Module) power delivery system. It appears that this particular capacitor may have been unable to withstand operational loads, leading to its failure.

Interestingly, the GPU continued to function post-incident, indicating that the PCB sustained minimal damage that could disrupt operation. However, the remaining capacitors will now be subjected to a higher load, potentially leading to further issues. The user has initiated a Return Merchandise Authorization (RMA) process, yet concerns about the reliability of capacitors and overall quality assurance persist. These incidents do not seem to stem from overheating, suggesting that similar failures may also affect the PNY RTX 5090. Notably, another user mentioned experiencing a similar issue with a ZOTAC GeForce RTX 4070 Ti Super GPU, although reports related to the RTX 50 series remain scarce.

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