# **Nvidia RTX 5090 Power Connector Melting Concerns: A Recurring Issue?**
## **Overview**
Nvidia’s new flagship graphics card, the **GeForce RTX 5090**, has just launched, and initial users are already highlighting a troubling issue: **melting power connectors**. This situation mirrors previous problems with the **RTX 4090 power connectors**, which led to overheating, melting, and even fire risks. Reports from **YouTube** and **Reddit** indicate that the **12V-2×6 power connectors** utilized in the RTX 5090 might be encountering similar failures.
At this point, it remains uncertain whether these cases are **isolated events** or suggest a **larger systemic concern**. Let’s delve into the background of Nvidia’s power connector issues, the possible causes, and the implications for consumers.
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## **Historical Context: The RTX 4090 Power Connector Problem**
Upon the release of the **RTX 4090**, users quickly noted that its **12VHPWR power connectors** were susceptible to **melting and igniting**. Following thorough testing, both Nvidia and independent analysts determined that the **primary factor** was improper cable connection. If the connector was not **securely seated** or was **angled excessively**, it could result in **overheating and malfunction**.
To mitigate these risks, the **PCI-SIG (Peripheral Component Interconnect Special Interest Group)** introduced an **updated standard** named **12V-2×6**, intended to enhance safety by ensuring power delivery only when the connector is **properly connected**. The **RTX 50-series**, including the RTX 5090, now features this **new connector**.
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## **RTX 5090: A New GPU, A Recurring Concern?**
Even with the **12V-2×6 connector** designed to rectify past issues, reports of **melting power connectors** have emerged for the RTX 5090. To date, at least two incidents have been documented:
– **A YouTube user** posted a video displaying a **charred power connector** on their RTX 5090.
– **A Reddit user** shared photos of a **melted 12V-2×6 connector**, raising alarms about the new GPUs’ safety.
Both occurrences involved **third-party power cables** instead of the **official Nvidia adapter**. The cables in question were from:
1. **MODDIY** – A custom PC components manufacturer.
2. **FSP** – A prominent power supply producer.
This brings up the question: **Are third-party cables the culprit, or is there a more profound issue with the 12V-2×6 connector itself?**
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## **Examining the 12V-2×6 Connector**
The **12V-2×6 power connector** was created to **efficiently deliver high power** while minimizing cable clutter within a PC case. Rather than relying on **multiple 8-pin connectors**, the **12V-2×6** allows GPUs to harness up to **600W of power** through a **single cable**.
However, Nvidia is currently the **only prominent GPU manufacturer** extensively employing this power connector. **AMD and Intel** have continued to utilize **traditional 8-pin connectors**, which have not faced widespread failures. Even some of Nvidia’s **own partners** have preferred **8-pin connectors** for lower-powered GPUs such as the **RTX 4060 and 4070 series**.
This raises issues regarding whether the **12V-2×6 standard** is genuinely **reliable** or if Nvidia is **stretching the boundaries** of power delivery at the expense of **safety and longevity**.
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## **Possible Explanations for the Melting Problem**
While investigations continue, several potential reasons could account for the **RTX 5090 power connector failures**:
1. **User Error (Incorrect Cable Connection)**
– If the **12V-2×6 connector** is not **completely inserted**, it may generate **high resistance**, resulting in **overheating and melting**.
– This was the **main factor** behind the RTX 4090’s power connector failures.
2. **Quality of Third-Party Cables**
– The two reported RTX 5090 incidents involved **non-Nvidia cables**.
– Inferior materials or **incorrect pin configurations** may lead to **overheating**.
3. **Design Limitations of the 12V-2×6 Connector**
– Despite advancements over the **12VHPWR standard**, the **12V-2×6** could still possess **fundamental flaws**.
– If the connector is **overly sensitive to**
