AMD’s Power Connector Crisis Begins? First RX 9070 XT Reports Melting Issue
A Reddit user has reported the first documented case of a melted power connector on AMD’s new Radeon RX 9070 XT GPU – specifically on the ASRock Taichi model. While the card itself appears undamaged, the 12V-2×6 adapter cable suffered melting near the connector pin, raising concerns about power delivery safety even on mid-range GPUs.
Key Details of the Incident
| Aspect | Details |
|---|---|
| GPU Model | ASRock Radeon RX 9070 XT Taichi |
| Power Draw | 340W (vs. 300W reference) |
| Connector Type | 12V-2×6 (adapter, not native) |
| PSU Setup | 850W non-ATX 3.1 + 3x 8-pin to 12V-2×6 adapter |
| Damage Location | Adapter side (GPU connector safe) |
Why This Is Surprising
- Lower Power: RX 9070 XT draws 340W max – far below NVIDIA’s 450W+ melt-prone cards
- AMD’s Official Design: Most RX 9000 cards use 8-pin connectors; ASRock opted for 12V-2×6
- Adapter Blame: Melting occurred on the adapter cable, not the GPU’s built-in connector
User’s Setup & Controversy
The owner acknowledged using a budget 850W PSU without native 12V-2×6 support but argued:
“The connector is rated for 600W and it melted at 340W […] I still think this would have happened with a good PSU.”
However, investigators noted two red flags:
- Daisy-Chained Cables: Only two PCIe cables used (one split into two connectors)
- Non-ATX 3.1 PSU: Lacks native 12V-2×6 support, relying on adapter
Industry Context
- NVIDIA’s Precedent: RTX 4090 suffered widespread melting due to connector design/insertion issues
- AMD’s Avoidance: Most partners stuck with 8-pin connectors to bypass risks
- ASRock’s Gamble: Taichi model adopted 12V-2×6 for aesthetics/convenience
What This Means for Owners
- GPU Likely Safe: Damage limited to adapter cable
- Check Your Setup: Use native ATX 3.1 PSU or three separate PCIe cables
- Monitor Adapters: Discoloration/pre-melting signs appear before failure
Also, Read
- After RTX 4090 Melts, Gamer Gets Shocking Upgrade Offer – “5080 + $300 Refund
- RTX 5090D “BBQ Club” – Melted Power Connectors Reported on Gigabyte & Gainward Cards
- RTX 5090 Catches Fire Mid-Game – ZOTAC Card Burns During Battlefield 6 Beta
The Bottom Line
This appears isolated – not a design flaw like NVIDIA’s 4090. Instead, it highlights the risks of mixing high-power GPUs with non-native adapters and daisy-chained cables. For RX 9000 owners, stick to manufacturer-recommended PSUs and avoid adapter setups.
Source: Reddit