Users themselves could be responsible for problems with the GeForce RTX 4090 power connector

We briefly recall that shortly after the start of sales of the GeForce RTX 4090 video cards, reports began to appear on the Web about the dissolution of the 12VHPWR power connectors. At first hypotheticalthat the fault lies with the low-quality adapters that NVIDIA and its partners have put into the video card kit. These adapters convert four 8-pin connectors into a new 12 + 4-pin connector. Later it turned out that when connecting a video card without an adapter, that is, directly to a modern power supply with a native 12VHPWR cable, the connector it could melt. So far NVIDIA itself has only announced investigation of the problembut he made no announcements.

And now JonnyGuru has advanced the theory that users may not fully insert the 12 + 4 pin connector into the video card connector, which can cause connection problems and this will lead to increased resistance, temperature rise and connector melting. This theory is not new and has not yet been 100% confirmed. However, JonnyGuru recounted how exactly he arrived at the described version of events.

To begin with, the expert connected the Corsair HX1500i power supply to the GeForce RTX 4090 video card via the aforementioned adapter, but using only three 8-pin connectors, which should have provided higher current and, consequently, stronger heating. To replicate the problem and cause the connector to overheat, JonnyGuru started messing with the connectors, especially trying to break the strength of the solder. After the tests everything remained in place, it was not so easy to break the connector and the temperature did not exceed 53 ° C.

The expert then reviewed all known cases of connector fusion, reviewing each published photograph and comparing the undamaged connections with those that had been fused. Consequently, it was concluded:ANY 12VHPWR connector could potentially burn out because ANY of them could be difficult to insert. <..> VERY DIFFICULT to insert completely“.

The expert noted that in many cases the damaged connector was not fully connected to the video card – there was a small gap, which could cause problems. JonnyGuru advises users concerned about their GeForce RTX 4090 graphics cards to use an electrical contact lubricant, which will ensure better contact between the connector and the connector on the graphics card.

NVIDIA has not yet commented on the situation. Meanwhile, the PCI-SIG organization responsible for certifying everything related to the PCIe standard, including power connectors, has issued a warning hinting at the imminent appearance of a new version of the 12 + 4-pin 12VHPWR connector. The latest specification could be published as early as December 6, 2022.