[Update – Recall Notice Withdrawn] NVIDIA GeForce RTX 5090 Graphics Cards Facing Recall in Europe Due to “Fire Hazard” Concerns; Issues Linked to 12V-2×6 Connector

NVIDIA’s latest graphics card, the GeForce RTX 5090, is currently facing a recall across Europe due to identified fire hazards linked to the new 12V-2×6 power connector.

Recall of NVIDIA GeForce RTX 5090: A Deep Dive into the Concerns

Update [3/7/2025]: Recent developments indicate that the Dutch retailer initially reporting the recall has now retracted the recall claim for the RTX 5090 series. This about-face breeds both confusion and anticipation regarding NVIDIA’s actions moving forward.

The ongoing issues with NVIDIA’s RTX Blackwell series appear far from resolved, as customers have begun to express concerns regarding potential “burning”hazards reminiscent of previous Ada Lovelace models. As highlighted in a report by KitGuru, a Dutch retailer noted that multiple RTX 5090 units have been flagged due to concerns of increased fire hazards:

Nvidia has recalled a large number of video cards due to various safety issues.We currently have five units of this model in stock, but they all have to be returned due to an increased fire hazard. In this situation, we do not give priority to anyone; all customers are treated equally based on the ranking when pre-ordering or ordering the video cards.

– via KitGuru

Interestingly, incidents of actual burning with the RTX 5090 models appear to be sparse, with a few exceptions, such as problems reported with the ASUS ROG Astral version. The potential risk is largely attributed to the new 12V-2×6 power connector, which was designed as an improvement over the earlier, notorious 12VHPWR connector. However, recent discussions suggest that there may be underlying issues with the new connector’s design.

Expert analyses by professionals such as Der8auer have raised alarms concerning the 12V-2×6 connector’s efficiency in power distribution across all wires. Reports indicate that connector temperatures have soared beyond 150°C on the PSU side, a concerning sign for users. Although widespread consumer reports are lacking, the RTX 50 series’s performance may remain under scrutiny until an official statement from NVIDIA clarifies these matters.

This troubling recall not only highlights the challenges of NVIDIA’s RTX Blackwell launch but also serves as a reminder of the consumer expectations tied to such a reputable brand. As NVIDIA navigates through these concerns, users await clear communication and solutions regarding the safety and reliability of their products.

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