The first case of a melted NVIDIA GeForce RTX 5090 connector has surfaced, raising concerns about power cable compatibility and GPU safety. A Reddit user, u/ivan6953, shared his experience of melted power connectors on both his GPU and cable after using a third-party 12VHPWR connector.
Third-Party 12VHPWR Connector Leads to Meltdown
This incident shows the risks of using older 12VHPWR connectors, which have previously been linked to similar failures on the RTX 4090. While NVIDIA upgraded its power connectors to address these issues, using non-standard cables can still pose significant risks.
According to the user, he was running his GeForce RTX 5090 Founders Edition with an ASUS Loki SFX-L power supply, paired with a third-party 12VHPWR cable from Moddiy. During a gaming session in Battlefield V, his GPU was drawing between 500-520W when he detected a burning smell. Despite quickly shutting down his system, the damage was already done—both the GPU’s power connector and the cable had melted.
Warranty Concerns and NVIDIA’s New 12V-2×6 Standard
One major issue with using third-party connectors is the potential impact on warranty claims. Since the user opted for a non-NVIDIA-supplied cable, it may be difficult to receive official support. NVIDIA strongly recommends using the included 12V-2×6 connector, which has been designed to prevent these failures.
The user mentioned that he had previously used the same cable on an RTX 4090 without issues. However, past reports have shown that even if a 12VHPWR cable clicks into place, it may not always be seated correctly, increasing the risk of overheating and melting.
What This Means for RTX 50-Series GPUs
As NVIDIA investigates reports of bricked RTX 50-series GPUs, this case shows the importance of using certified power connectors. The RTX 5090 is significantly more power-hungry than its predecessor, and improper power connections can lead to catastrophic failures.
To avoid similar incidents, users should always stick to manufacturer-recommended cables and ensure a secure connection. With the RTX 5090 drawing immense power, even minor issues in cable seating or design flaws could result in severe hardware damage.
