News Overview
- A Redditor has reported a new instance of a burned 12VHPWR power connector on an alleged NVIDIA RTX 5090 GPU.
- Images shared by the user appear to show damage to both the GPU’s power connector and the corresponding cable.
- This incident raises concerns about the durability and safety of the 12VHPWR connector on high-end NVIDIA GPUs.
🔗 Read the full article on ExtremeTech
In-Depth Analysis
- The article details a user report on Reddit claiming a burned 12VHPWR connector on what is purported to be an NVIDIA RTX 5090 graphics card. The 12VHPWR (12V High Power) connector is a new standard introduced with the RTX 40 series GPUs to handle higher power demands with a more compact design.
- Images shared by the Redditor allegedly show significant damage, including melting and discoloration, on both the GPU-side connector and the cable plug. This type of damage can lead to system instability, component failure, and potentially pose a fire hazard.
- While the RTX 5090 is not yet officially released, this report, if verified, would be concerning given the previous issues reported with the 12VHPWR connector on some RTX 40 series cards. Those issues were often attributed to improper cable seating or excessive bending near the connector. This new report suggests the problem might persist in newer high-power GPUs.
Commentary
- This reported incident, even on a pre-release card, raises serious questions about the long-term reliability and safety of the 12VHPWR connector, especially on flagship GPUs that draw significant power. If widespread, such issues could damage NVIDIA’s reputation and lead to warranty claims and user dissatisfaction.
- It is crucial for NVIDIA and PSU manufacturers to thoroughly investigate these reports and ensure the robustness of the 12VHPWR connector design and implementation. Clear guidelines on proper cable installation and handling are also essential to mitigate user error.
- The timing of this report, close to the expected launch of the RTX 50 series, puts added pressure on NVIDIA to address any potential design flaws or manufacturing issues related to the power connector. Consumers will be closely watching for official statements and assurances regarding the safety and reliability of these high-end cards.