NVIDIA RTX 5090 is not melting power cables, but it certainly looks like this

Hong Kong -based technological output, PCM raised alarms after NVIDIA testing RTX 5090D and RTX 5080Where it collides with two melted 16-pin power cables and a 1,200W power supply module (PSU). With the needs of the GPU Power already hot topic, the fingers were quickly directed to NVIDIA graphics cards. However, a more in -depth investigation revealed that the old edition of the founders of RTX 4090 (FE) is actually responsible for the collapse.

Publications in social media from PCM noticed by UNIKO hardwaresuggest that testing it probably involves RTX 4090 Founders edition (Fe) before evaluating the RTX 50 series graphics processors. While NVIDIA has already updated the RTX 4090 FE power connector to the new and more fed up 12V-2 × 6 standardThe device may still have the original, more prone to the failure 12VHPWR connector.

During testing both RTX 50 The graphic processors were pushed to full load when the reviewer noticed the instability of the system, initially suspected SSD damage. However, with a more careful inspection, they found signs of melting a 16-pin GPU power cord, leading to early speculation that the RTX 50-series can still be vulnerable to problems with the power connector.

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PCM adds more details to the most fB post:
After widespread testing of the RTX 5090 D, 5080, 4090, the system has some unstable symptoms and finds both ends of 12VHPWR cables, melted, check the card pins and find a clear burning sign of 4090 Fe. 5090 D and 5080 …

– Uniko hardware (@tunikdery) February 3, 2025

The more current investigation revealed the RTX 4090 FE burning markings, while the RTX 50 graphics processors show no damage. This strongly suggests that the RTX 4090 FE is responsible for the melted cable, not the newer RTX cards.

Since the introduction of RTX 4090, several reports have documented 12VHPWR connectors that are melted due to incorrect seating areas. If the connector is not fully switched on, it can generate excessive heat, which potentially causes damage. Nvidia even acknowledged this risk by advising users to guarantee a company and a full relationship.

NVIDIA’s latest RTX 50 graphics processors actually use a revised 12V-2 × 6 power connector designed to prevent power supply, unless properly positioned. Recently during the NVIDIA RTX AI 2025 event in South Korea, Company representatives are guaranteed that problems with the connector are resolved in the RTX 50-series. This upgraded connector design aims to reduce the risk of overheating, which struck the RTX 4090.

For the further deal with the problems, GPU manufacturers are introducing additional safety measures. Zotac added a safe light feature to its new RTX 50 series graphics processors, which gives an indicator if the connector is not completely seated. MSI, on the other hand, offers 16-pin cables with visible yellow indicators with its graphic processors and PSU to help users confirm a secure connection.

The bottom line is that if you have a RTX 4090, double your power supply, as this incident indicates that improper wiring can still lead to disaster long after installation. Fortunately, NVIDIA’s RTX 50-series seems to be better protected against such problems.