A shocking discovery during the testing of the Inno3D RTX 5090 Frostbite graphics card has raised concerns about power cable safety. Andreas Schilling of HardwareLuxx recorded temperatures as high as 150°C on the 12V-2×6 power cable connected to the GPU. While no damage or melting occurred, this alarming temperature highlights potential risks for high-end PC builds.
The RTX 5090 Frostbite: A High-End Beast
The Inno3D RTX 5090 Frostbite is a premium graphics card designed for extreme performance. Unlike traditional GPUs, it features a water block instead of an active cooler, requiring integration into a custom water-cooling loop. While the GPU and memory temperatures remained stable during testing, the focus shifted to the power supply cable, which reached scorching temperatures.
How Hot is Too Hot?
During testing, thermal imaging revealed the power cable hitting 117.1°C at the time of measurement, with peaks reportedly reaching 150°C. Surprisingly, the cable showed no signs of deformation or melting, even at these extreme temperatures. The power supply used in the test was the BeQuiet Dark Power 13, a modern ATX 3.1 PSU with full support for the latest 12V-2×6 cables.
While the cable endured the heat, such temperatures are far from normal and could pose safety risks. For context, most power cables are not designed to withstand temperatures above 105°C. This raises questions about whether NVIDIA and PSU manufacturers consider 150°C safe for prolonged use.
While doing some thermal imaging of a graphics card and reviewing the images, I noticed, that the camera picked up a hotspot at the PSU. The 12V-2×6 cable was cooking at 150+ degrees. This is no joke and will forever remain a weak point of this generation(s). pic.twitter.com/qTMfgTwUr0
— Andreas Schilling 🇺🇦 🇮🇱 (@aschilling) March 7, 2025
What Does This Mean for Gamers?
This incident serves as a wake-up call for PC enthusiasts, especially those building high-performance systems. Here are some key takeaways:
- Monitor Your System: If you notice any cable deformation, unusual smells, or excessive heat, immediately power down your system and consult your GPU or PSU vendor.
- Use Native Cables: Always use the power cables supplied by your PSU manufacturer. Avoid third-party adapters or extensions, as they may not meet safety standards.
- Invest in Proper Cooling: High-end GPUs like the RTX 5090 Frostbite require robust cooling solutions. Ensure your system has adequate airflow or liquid cooling to handle the heat generated.
Is 150°C Safe?
While the cable in this test survived the extreme heat, such temperatures are not ideal. Prolonged exposure to high temperatures can degrade materials over time, potentially leading to failures or safety hazards. NVIDIA and PSU manufacturers may need to revisit their design and safety standards to address these concerns.
Also, Read
- GeForce RTX 4060 Takes the Crown as Steam’s Most Popular GPU
- AMD Announces Ryzen 9000/7000 and Radeon 7000 “Monster Hunter Wilds” Game Bundle
- ASUS ROG Astral RTX 5090 Catches Fire After Power Stage Failure
The Inno3D RTX 5090 Frostbite is a powerhouse GPU, but its power cable heating issue highlights the importance of proper system configuration and monitoring. As high-end GPUs push the boundaries of performance, ensuring safety and reliability becomes even more critical.
If you’re planning to build or upgrade your PC, always prioritize safety and use certified components. Stay informed, stay safe, and game on!