Two owners of Nvidia’s new RTX 5090 Founders Edition GPUs have reported damaged power connectors, including melted power cables and burn marks on the PSU end. The issues are similar to those experienced with RTX 4090 models two years ago, where users reported melted power cables.
Nvidia initially blamed user error for not properly plugging in the 12VHPWR power connection fully. However, experts have disputed this claim, citing design oversights that make it easy for users to misconnect the cable.
Spanish YouTuber Toro Tocho experienced a similar issue with a PSU manufacturer-supplied cable, while der8auer has examined equipment and ruled out user error. The current distribution problem may be related to RTX 5090 Founders Edition models.
In response to these issues, Corsair updated its 12V-2×6 connector standard, which has shorter sensing pins and longer conductor terminals for improved reliability. Nvidia uses this new standard on its RTX 50-series GPUs.
The use of existing 12VHPWR cables is still an option, but PSU manufacturers like Corsair have adopted colored pins to indicate proper connection. Despite the updates, some experts consider the 12VHPWR connector a “dumpster fire” due to its design oversights.
Nvidia has refused to comment on these reports, leaving users to navigate the complex issue of power connector compatibility and safety.
Source: https://www.theverge.com/news/609207/nvidia-rtx-5090-power-connector-melting-burning-issues