The NVIDIA RTX 5090 was supposed to be a game-changing powerhouse, but it’s making headlines for all the wrong reasons. Reports of power connectors melting have sent shockwaves through the gaming and PC-building communities. With users experiencing literal hardware meltdowns, many are questioning the safety and reliability of this high-end GPU. But what’s happening, and should you be worried? Let’s break it down.
Table of Contents
Nvidia RTX 5090 GPU Power Connectors Problem Details
The Melting Power Connector Problem
Users report that the 12VHPWR power connectors on their RTX 5090 GPUs are overheating and melting, causing severe damage to both the GPU and the power supply. Given the RTX-5090’s massive power draw, this issue raises serious concerns about safety and long-term reliability.
Real-World Incidents and Reports
Reddit User ivan6953’s Experience
A Reddit user named ivan6953 recently upgraded from an RTX 4090 Founders Edition to the RTX 5090 Founders Edition. He paired it with an Asus Loki SFX-L PSU, claiming extensive ExperieexperiencePCs.
While playing Battlefield 5, he noticed a burning smell coming from his system. Upon inspection, he discovered that his 12VHPWR connector had melted—a sight no PC builder ever wants to see.
Spanish YouTuber Toro tocho’s Incident
A well-known Spanish tech reviewer, Toro Tocho, reported a similar issue. His RTX 5090 FE, using an FSP-supplied cable, suffered a connector failure on both ends—damaging the GPU and the PSU’s PCIe 5.0 port.
Potential Causes Behind the Melting Connectors
- High Power Draw: The RTX 5090 pulls an insane 575W peak power, significantly more than its predecessor.
- Connector and Cable Quality: Some PSU cables may not be rated for such extreme power levels.
- Improper Seating: A poorly connected power cable can increase resistance, leading to overheating.
Understanding the 12VHPWR and 12V-2×6 Standards
To combat past issues, PCI-SIG introduced 12V-2×6, a refined version of 12VHPWR with shorter sensing pins and elongated terminals. While NVIDIA integrated it into the RTX 50-series, this melting issue proves that it may still have flaws.
Comparing RTX 5090 to RTX 4090
- RTX 4090: Power draw peaked around 450W-500W
- RTX 5090: Can hit 575W+, increasing risks
- Similar connector failures, but worse on the RTX 5090
Manufacturer Responses and Industry Reactions
- NVIDIA: No official statement yet
- Corsair & MSI: Clarified that 12V-2×6 isn’t a new cable but an improved design
- PCI-SIG: Investigating additional fixes
How to Protect Your RTX 5090 from Melting Issues
- Use certified PSU cables from brands like Corsair or MSI.
- Ensure proper seating of the 12VHPWR connector.
- Monitor temperatures during heavy GPU loads.
Alternatives to the RTX 5090
- AMD Radeon 7900 XTX: A high-end alternative with better efficiency.
- RTX 4090 or 4080 Super: Still powerful, but without the extreme risks.
Community Reactions and Discussion
Gamers and tech enthusiasts flood forums with concerns, memes, and debates. Some even call this the “RTX Meltdown 2.0” after the RTX 4090’s past issues.
Conclusion
The RTX 5090 is undoubtedly powerful, but its melting power connectors are a major red flag. Until NVIDIA officially addresses this, users should be cautious. If you’re considering upgrading, ensure your power supply is fully compatible and rated for extreme power draw.
