Hong Kong -based technology output PCM increased alarms after trying Nvidia RTX 5090D and RTX 5080where it found two power cables of 16 melted pins and a 1,200 W failed supply unit (PSU). With GPU energy demands it is already a hot topic, the fingers quickly pointed to the newest graphics cards in NVIDIA. However, a deeper investigation revealed that an old edition of founders of RTX 4090 (FE) was really responsible for collapse.
Publications on PCM social networks, seen by Uniko hardwaresuggests that their evidence probably involved a RTX 4090 Founders Edition (FE) before evaluating the 50 RTX series GPUs. While NVIDIA has already updated the RTX 4090 Fe feeding connector to the new and safer 12V-2 Ă— 6 standardIt is possible that the unit still had the most prone 12VHPWR connector to original failures.
During the test, both RTX 50 The GPUs were pushed at full load when the reviewer noticed the instability of the system, initially suspecting a SSD failure. However, after a closer inspection, they discovered signs of merger in the 16 -pin GPU feeding cable, which leads to the early speculation that the RTX 50 series could be vulnerable to the problems of the power connector.
Get your weekly disassembly of technology behind PC Gaming
PCM adds more details in the last FB publication:
After testing widely RTX 5090 D, 5080, 4090, the system has some unstable symptoms and discovered both ends of the 12 VHPWR melted cable, we check the pins in the cards and discover a traffic burns mark in 4090 Fe. 5090 D and 5080 …– Uniko Hardware 🌏 (@unikoshardware) February 3, 2025
The additional investigation revealed the burns marks in the RTX 4090 Fe, while the RTX 50 GPUs showed no damage. This strongly suggested that the RTX 4090 Fe was responsible for the melted cable, not the new RTX 50 series cards.
From the introduction of RTX 4090, Several reports They have documented the 12 VHPWR melted connectors due to inappropriate seats. If the connector is not completely plugged in, it can generate excessive heat, which can cause damage. Nvidia even recognized this risk, advising users to guarantee a firm and complete connection.
The latest NVIDIA RTX 50 series GPUs really use a 12V-2 Ă— 6 reviewed supply connector, designed to avoid energy delivery unless they are correctly settled. Recently during the Nvidia RTX AI Day 2025 event in South Korea, Insured company representatives that the problems with the connector have been solved in the RTX 50 series. This improved connector design is intended to reduce the risk of overheating that affected the RTX 4090.
To address further concerns, GPU manufacturers are introducing additional security measures. Zotac has added a security light function for its new 50 RTX series GPU, which provides an indicator if the connector is not completely sitting. MSI, on the other hand, offers 16 -pin cables with visible yellow indicators with their GPU and PSU to help users confirm a safe connection.
The conclusion is that, if you have an RTX 4090, verify its power connection, since this incident shows that inappropriate wiring can still lead to disaster, even long after installation. Fortunately, Nvidia’s RTX 50 series seems to be better protected against such issues.
