Add MobilityArena as a preferred source on Google
It seems that PC gamers might be revisiting a familiar nightmare where melting power cables are on high-end Nvidia graphics cards. Some early adopters of the Nvidia RTX 5090 are reporting that their power connectors are overheating and melting, potentially causing serious damage to their expensive hardware. In late 2022, the RTX 4090 launched with similar issues, dubbed “cablegate”. Users reported their 12VHPWR power connectors overheating and turning into unusable globs of plastic. Nvidia initially blamed bent cables and insecure hookups. Now, it seems history is repeating itself with the RTX 5090, leaving many wondering, “What’s going on?”
The Culprits
- The RTX 5090 FE (Founders Edition): Most reports involve the RTX 5090 Founders Edition cards.
- The 12VHPWR Connector (Again): This connector, designed to handle the high power demands of modern GPUs, is once again under scrutiny. Nvidia introduced the 12VHPWR power connector with its RTX 40-series GPUs to handle higher power demands 5 . Following initial reports of RTX 4090 connectors melting, the connector was updated to the 12V-2×6 version.
- Third-Party Cables: While it’s not a universal factor, some cases involve the use of third-party power cables. One Reddit user was employing a third-party MODDIY cable for their RTX 5090.
- High Power Draw: The RTX 5090 can draw up to 575 watts through a cable rated for up to 600 watts, leaving little headroom.
Burnt Plastic and Burning Smells
The symptoms are eerily similar to the RTX 4090 debacle:
- Burning Smell: Users report detecting a burning smell while gaming.
- Melted Connectors: Upon inspection, they find melted plastic on both the PSU and GPU ends of the power connector.
- Damaged Hardware: In some cases, the melting extends to the PSU, potentially causing further damage.
One Reddit user, ivan6953, who upgraded from an RTX 4090 to an RTX 5090 FE, noticed a “burning smell” while playing Battlefield 5 and discovered damage to the power connector, with burnt plastic visible at both the PSU end and the connection to the GPU.
Blame Game: Who’s At Fault?
So, who’s to blame for this recurring GPU nightmare?
- Nvidia: While Nvidia hasn’t officially commented on the RTX 5090 issues, the company faced criticism during the RTX 4090 “cablegate” for initially attributing the problem to user error.
- PCI-SIG: The organization overseeing the 12VHPWR connector has been under pressure to improve the design and safety of the standard.
- Power Supply Manufacturers: Some reports point to potential issues with certain power supply models. One user noticed that they were using an Asus ROG Loki PSU — the same power supply reportedly being used by some other users who were affected by melting cables with their RTX 5090s.
- Third-Party Cable Manufacturers: While not always the cause, some incidents involve third-party cables, raising questions about their quality and compliance with safety standards.
What Can You Do?
If you’re a lucky (or unlucky) owner of an RTX 5090, here are some steps you can take:
- Check Your Connections: Ensure your power cable is fully seated and properly connected to both the GPU and PSU.
- Monitor Temperatures: Keep an eye on your GPU temperatures while gaming.
- Consider a Higher Wattage PSU: If you’re pushing your RTX 5090 to its limits, a higher wattage PSU might provide more headroom.
- Wait for More Information: It’s still early days, so stay tuned for official statements from Nvidia and further investigations from hardware experts like der8auer.
Conclusion
The RTX 5090 melting power cable issue is a concerning reminder of the challenges involved in pushing the boundaries of GPU performance. Whether it’s a design flaw, manufacturing defect, or simply a case of insufficient power delivery, it’s crucial for Nvidia and other hardware manufacturers to address these issues promptly to ensure the safety and satisfaction of their customers. In the meantime, gamers should exercise caution, monitor their hardware, and perhaps consider investing in a fire extinguisher… just in case.
Author:Ifeoluwa Adeleke
Add MobilityArena as a preferred source on Google
The Nvidia RTX 5090 has made a grand entrance into the market, and it looks like the supply is set to skyrocket. After months of frustration, with scalpers snatching up stock faster than you can say “ray tracing,” gamers might finally catch a break. But what does this mean for you, the eager gamer? The RTX 5090 launched with an overwhelming demand that left many empty-handed. Reports indicated that these coveted cards sold out within minutes, leaving hopeful buyers scrambling and resorting to overpriced listings from scalpers. The situation was so dire that some retailers were reporting stock levels in the single digits! But fear not! According to recent leaks from reputable sources like MEGAsizeGPU, we can expect a “stupidly high” influx of RTX 5090 cards in just a month. Nvidia is ramping up production, and it seems the stars are aligning for gamers everywhere. So, what’s causing this sudden surge in availability? It appears that Nvidia has some leftover GB200 data center chips that weren’t flying off the shelves as expected. Instead of letting those chips gather dust, Nvidia is repurposing them into consumer-grade GB202 chips for the RTX 5090. This means more cards hitting the market and potentially lower prices. While gamers rejoice at the thought of improved availability, scalpers are likely sweating bullets. With more stock hitting shelves, their days of marking up prices and cashing in on desperate buyers could soon be numbered.
What Should You Do?
If you’ve been itching to upgrade but have been holding off due to scarcity and inflated prices, now might be the time to start preparing:
- Stay Informed: Keep an eye on announcements from Nvidia and major retailers about restocks.
- Be Ready: When stock drops, be prepared to act fast. Set alerts on your favorite retail sites and have your payment info ready.
- Consider Alternatives: If you’re looking for something slightly less powerful (and less expensive), keep an eye out for the upcoming RTX 5080 or even AMD’s RX 9070 series.
Conclusion
The impending supply surge of the Nvidia RTX 5090 is fantastic news for gamers who have faced months of frustration and disappointment. With increased availability on the horizon and potential price stabilization, it looks like we’re finally turning a corner in this GPU saga. So gear up, keep your eyes peeled for those restock notifications, and prepare to dive headfirst into gaming bliss with your new RTX 5090!
