The 12VHPWR power connector debacle that plagued some RTX 40-series GPUs is a concern Nvidia aims to put to rest with its upcoming RTX 50 series. During the Nvidia RTX AI Day 2025 event in South Korea, Nvidia representatives confidently stated that the overheating and melting issues associated with the RTX 4090’s 12VHPWR connector have been resolved in the new generation. An Nvidia representative affirmed, “We don’t expect that to happen with the RTX 50 series. We made some changes to the connector to respond to the issue at the time, and we know that it is not happening now, about two years later.”
The 12VHPWR connector, also known as the PCIe 5.0 16-pin power connector, initially launched with the RTX 4090 and RTX 4080. Designed for compactness and high power delivery (up to 600W), it quickly gained notoriety for overheating and melting incidents. Investigations pinpointed improper connector seating as the primary culprit. While Nvidia and its partners subsequently released guidelines for proper usage, user apprehension remained.
A revised 12V-2×6 connector emerged with minor tweaks. Maintaining the same layout and design as the original 12VHPWR, this iteration features shortened sensing pins (by 0.1mm) and extended conducting terminals (by 0.15mm). These modifications aim to improve connection security and ensure reliable power delivery, while remaining backward compatible with existing 12VHPWR cables.
With the RTX 50 series boasting increased TGPs (up to 575W for the RTX 5090), Nvidia asserts it has taken proactive measures to prevent a repeat of the previous issues. While Nvidia’s assurances are promising, using modern PSUs compliant with the ATX 3.1 standard, which natively supports the newer 12V-2×6 connector, is still recommended.
In conclusion, Nvidia’s commitment to addressing the 12VHPWR connector issues appears genuine. The modifications implemented in the 12V-2×6 connector, coupled with Nvidia’s proactive approach for the RTX 50 series, offer reassurance to consumers. However, prioritizing PSUs with native 12V-2×6 support remains a prudent measure for optimal performance and safety.
