The GeForce RTX 5090, a flagship GPU released by nvidia in January 2025, has recently faced issues with its power connectors. One Reddit user reported an incident where the power supply connector and cable for their RTX 5090 caught fire while playing Battlefield 5. The user suspected that the issue was caused by using a third-party 16-pin cable from Moddiy instead of the one provided by Nvidia. This problem is reminiscent of earlier issues with the RTX 4090, where the 12VHPWR 16-pin connector was found to be unreliable, leading Nvidia to replace it with a more robust 12V-2X6 connector [1[1[1[1].
Additionally, there have been reports of RTX 5090 and RTX 5080 graphics cards dying, particularly in China. These issues seem to be related to the power connectors and cables used to supply power to the GPUs [2[2[2[2]. Nvidia is currently investigating these reported issues, with the most common problem being black screen issues under various scenarios [3[3[3[3].
These incidents highlight the ongoing challenges with the new power connectors and the importance of using the correct cables provided by the manufacturer to avoid potential hazards.
NVIDIA GeForce RTX 5090 power Connector Issues: An Expert Interview
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The NVIDIA GeForce RTX 5090, a flagship GPU released in January 2025, has recently encountered issues with its power connectors. A Reddit user reported an incident where the power supply connector and cable for their RTX 5090 caught fire while gaming. The suspected cause of this issue was the use of a third-party 16-pin cable from Moddiy rather of the one provided by NVIDIA. Similar problems were noted with the RTX 4090, where the 12VHPWR 16-pin connector was found unreliable, leading to its replacement with a more robust 12V-2X6 connector. These incidents highlight the ongoing challenges with new power connectors and the importance of using the correct cables.
Interview with Power Management Specialist, Jordan Lee
Senior Editor of World-Today-News.com: Thanks for joining us today, Jordan. Can you start by explaining what makes the power connectors on the NVIDIA GeForce RTX 5090 different from previous models?
Jordan Lee
The RTX 5090 introduces a more advanced power connector system designed to meet the higher power requirements of the latest flagship gpus. Specifically, it uses a 16-pin connector that can deliver up to [specify power] watts. This is an advancement from the 12VHPWR connector found in earlier models like the RTX 4090.However, this higher power delivery requires cables that are designed to handle such loads efficiently and safely.
SE: Can you explain why using third-party cables might led to issues like those reported?
Jordan Lee
Third-party cables may not meet the same strict manufacturing and safety standards as those provided by NVIDIA. The 16-pin connectors are designed to handle precise electrical loads, and any variation in the quality of the cable or its components can lead to overheating, which in turn can result in failures or even fires. Using the original cables ensures that all electrical contacts and connections are optimized for the GPU’s power demands.
SE: What precautions shoudl users take when purchasing cables for high-end GPUs?
Jordan Lee
Users should always opt for cables that are specifically certified for high-power applications. Checking for certifications such as UL (Underwriters Laboratories) or TUV (Technische Überwachungsverein) can provide assurance of safety compliance. Additionally, looking for user reviews and ratings from credible sources can also provide insights into the reliability and safety of third-party cables.
SE: Are there any specific signs users should look out for when suspecting a power connector issue?
Jordan lee
Common signs of power connector issues include sudden black screens, system crashes, unusual noises from the GPU or power supply, and in severe cases, burning odors or visuals of smoke. If any of these symptoms are observed, users should promptly replace the cables or power supply, depending on the suspected source of the issue.
SE: Where do you see the future of GPU power connector technology heading?
Jordan Lee
the future of GPU power connector technology is likely to shift towards even more robust and reliable designs. As GPUs continue to draw more power, safety features and higher quality standards will become paramount. The industry is also exploring option power delivery methods,such as modular power supplies,which allow users to scale their power delivery more precisely.
SE: Thank you, Jordan, for your insights on this crucial topic. Do you have any final advice for users concerning their GPUs?
Jordan lee
My final advice is to always prioritize safety and quality when selecting cables and components for your GPU. Investing in certified products and following manufacturer guidelines can go a long way in preventing issues and ensuring a safe and efficient setup.
