Reports are surfacing of melting 12VHPWR power connectors on Nvidia's RTX 4090 graphics cards, causing concern among users. While the exact cause remains unclear, Nvidia is actively investigating the issue. Some speculation points towards insufficiently seated connectors or potential manufacturing defects with the adapter or the card itself. Gamers experiencing this problem are encouraged to contact Nvidia support.
Reports are emerging of a concerning issue affecting Nvidia's recently released flagship graphics card, the GeForce RTX 5090: the 12VHPWR power connector, a new standard introduced with this generation of GPUs, appears to be prone to overheating and melting in certain circumstances. This 16-pin connector, designed to deliver up to 600 watts of power to the energy-hungry card, is suspected of being the culprit in a number of incidents where users have observed melting or burning at the connection point between the cable and the graphics card. This damage not only renders the power adapter unusable but also poses a potential fire hazard and risks damaging the expensive graphics card itself.
While the exact cause of the issue remains under investigation by Nvidia, several theories are circulating. One prominent hypothesis suggests that users may not be fully inserting the connector into the graphics card's socket, leading to a poor connection with increased resistance. This increased resistance, in turn, generates excessive heat at the point of contact, ultimately causing the plastic housing and surrounding components to melt. Another theory posits that the connector itself may be inherently flawed, perhaps due to manufacturing tolerances or design inadequacies. The issue doesn't appear to be universally affecting all RTX 5090 cards, suggesting that specific batches or manufacturing variations might be involved.
Nvidia has acknowledged the problem and is actively collecting affected adapter and graphics cards for analysis to determine the root cause. In the meantime, users are advised to ensure the 12VHPWR connector is firmly and completely seated in the graphics card's socket, listening for a distinct click to confirm proper insertion. Furthermore, caution is advised against bending or stressing the cable near the connector. Until the issue is fully understood and a solution implemented, the melting connectors are causing significant concern among RTX 5090 owners, casting a shadow over the launch of what is otherwise a highly anticipated and powerful graphics processing unit. The potential for widespread failure and the safety implications of overheating components underscore the seriousness of this problem and the urgency with which Nvidia is working to address it.
Summary of Comments ( 333 )
https://news.ycombinator.com/item?id=43008879
Hacker News users discuss potential causes for the melting 12VHPWR connectors on Nvidia's RTX 5090 GPUs. Several commenters suggest improper connector seating as the primary culprit, pointing to the ease with which the connector can appear fully plugged in when it's not. Some highlight Gamers Nexus' investigation, which indicated insufficient contact points due to partially inserted connectors can lead to overheating and melting. Others express skepticism about manufacturing defects being solely responsible, arguing that the high power draw combined with a less robust connector design makes it susceptible to user error. A few commenters also mention the possibility of cable quality issues and the need for more rigorous testing standards for these high-wattage connectors. Some users share personal anecdotes of experiencing the issue or successfully using the card without problems, suggesting individual experiences are varied.
The Hacker News comments section for the Verge article about the RTX 5090 power connector issues contains a lively discussion with several compelling threads. Many commenters focus on the 12VHPWR connector itself, expressing skepticism about its design and robustness. Several suggest that the connector's small size and high current capacity make it prone to issues, especially if not fully and correctly seated. Some recount personal experiences or link to images and videos showcasing melted connectors, bolstering the claim of a widespread problem.
A recurring theme is the potential for user error in the melting incidents. Commenters debate whether the issue stems from a fundamental design flaw in the connector or improper insertion by users. Some argue that the connector's design makes it too easy to partially insert, leading to overheating and melting. Others maintain that users are forcing the connectors or using damaged cables, shifting the blame away from Nvidia and the connector's design.
Several commenters discuss the potential legal and financial ramifications for Nvidia. Some speculate about the possibility of recalls, lawsuits, and damage to Nvidia's reputation. Others point out the potential cost of replacing damaged GPUs and other components, raising concerns about who will bear the financial burden.
The discussion also delves into technical details, such as the connector's specifications, the role of the PCI-SIG standards body, and potential solutions to the problem. Some commenters suggest using adapters or alternative power supply configurations, while others advocate for a redesigned connector. There's also discussion about the adequacy of testing procedures and the responsibility of manufacturers to ensure the safety and reliability of their products.
Some commenters express frustration with the current state of PC hardware, citing increasing complexity, power consumption, and cost. They lament the perceived decline in quality control and the prevalence of issues like the melting connectors. Others offer more optimistic perspectives, suggesting that the problem is likely to be resolved and that the benefits of the new hardware outweigh the risks.
Finally, a few commenters express skepticism about the Verge article itself, questioning its objectivity and accuracy. They point to the article's focus on Nvidia and suggest that other manufacturers using the same connector may also be experiencing similar issues. They encourage readers to consider multiple sources and perspectives before drawing conclusions.