Rare Case: GeForce RTX 3060 Ti With 12VHPWR Connector Melts Dangerously

The introduction of the 12VHPWR connector has even impacted budget-friendly graphics cards, with the GeForce RTX 3060 Ti as a notable example, which typically requires only about 200-250W of power.

ASUS GeForce RTX 3060 Ti ATS/Megaldon GPU Faces Connector Melting Issues

In an unexpected turn of events, a budget-friendly graphics card from NVIDIA’s Ampere line, specifically the GeForce RTX 3060 Ti, has reported instances of connector melting. This concerning issue, often associated with high-end models like the GeForce RTX 4090 or RTX 5090, has now affected a mid-range offering. It’s important to note that ASUS began shipping these models with a 16-pin power connector in 2023, specifically targeting the Chinese market.

RTX 3060 Ti Megalodon melted connector — Image Credit: baidu.com

The specific model in question is the ASUS GeForce RTX 3060 Ti ATX/Megalodon, which is equipped with a 12VHPWR connector. Although the power requirements for the RTX 3060 Ti hover around 200W, ASUS opted for the 16-pin connector design. The real issue arises from the adapter included in the package—a 12-pin to dual 8-pin PCIe connector adapter intended for users with power supply units (PSUs) lacking native 16-pin connectors.

Alarmingly, the adapter did not have the complete 12+4 pin configuration commonly found in standard 12VHPWR connectors. It was missing the crucial 4 sense pins required for establishing a secure connection. Without these pins, there’s no guarantee that the GPU receives power properly, creating a significant risk for failure.

RTX 3060 Ti Megalodon melted connector adapter — Image Credit: baidu.com

This oversight led to severe consequences, showcasing alarming melting on the connector, as depicted in the accompanying images. It’s plausible to attribute part of this to user error. The 12VHPWR connector is designed to handle power outputs between 200W to 300W effectively, and significantly exceeds 400W can lead to issues. Given that the RTX 3060 Ti has an upper power limit of 310W, a loose connection could have been a pivotal factor in this incident.

This incident marks a potential first for connector melting on the RTX 3060 Ti. While one could argue that users should avoid using such adaptors, it is equally ASUS’s responsibility to ensure that their adapters are dependable and safe for consumer use.

For further details, please refer to the original news source: Baidu

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