The newly released Nvidia RTX 5090 is already facing scrutiny as reports surface of melting 16-pin power connectors, reminiscent of the RTX 4090 connector issues. Two separate incidents have raised concerns about the GPU’s power delivery system, despite Nvidia’s updated 12V-2×6 connector standard designed to mitigate these problems.
The first reported incident, documented on Reddit, involved a user who detected a burning smell while playing Battlefield 5. Upon inspection, they found their power cable melted at both ends – the GPU connection and the power supply unit (PSU) connection. This user was utilizing a third-party cable from Moddiy, not the cable supplied with the RTX 5090. While the manufacturer claims the cable adheres to the 12V-2×6 design, ATX 3.0, and PCIe 5.0 standards, supporting up to 600W, and the user reported using the same cable with an RTX 4090 FE for two years without issue, the incident raises questions about third-party cable compatibility. The user also confirmed the cable was securely connected.
Nvidia’s transition to the 12V-2×6 connector aimed to improve contact and reduce overheating risks. However, backward compatibility with older 12VHPWR cables might be a contributing factor, as some third-party cables may not fully comply with the revised specifications.
A second incident, reported by Spanish YouTuber Toro Tocho, involved similar connector melting on both the GPU and PSU sides with an RTX 5090 Founders Edition. This user was using an FSP Hydro Ti PRO 1000W PSU and the included standard 16-pin PCIe 5.0 cable. This incident suggests potential power draw issues exceeding expected limits.
These incidents highlight ongoing power connector concerns despite Nvidia’s revisions. The first case points to potential compatibility issues with third-party cables, while the second suggests possible excessive power draw. While Nvidia has not released an official statement, users are advised to carefully check their power connections and monitor their hardware for overheating signs. It remains unclear whether these are isolated incidents or indicative of a broader problem. For now, caution is advised for RTX 5090 owners.
