New-Gen GPUs, Old Problems
NVIDIA’s China-exclusive RTX 5090D is facing reports of melted 16-pin power connectors, echoing the infamous RTX 4090 crisis. Two cases emerged on Chinese forums within 24 hours, involving high-end Gigabyte and Gainward models.
Though fewer incidents than the 4090 era, the persistence of this issue—despite NVIDIA’s switch to the updated 12V-2×6 connector standard—raises serious safety concerns.
The Affected GPUs & Systems
Case 1: Gigabyte AORUS Master ICE
- PSU: Segotep KL-1250G (3-year-old ATX 3.0 unit)
- Damage: Full connector melt, burn marks on cable
- Context: Already known for thermal gel leakage issues
Case 2: Gainward RTX 5090D
- PSU: ASUS Loki ATX 3.0
- Damage: Burnt power pin, overheating on both cable and GPU connector
Both cards feature a 575W TDP—higher than the RTX 4090’s 450W—and failed under sustained high load (e.g., stress tests).
Why Is This Still Happening?
NVIDIA’s 12V-2×6 connector (shorter pins for better seating) hasn’t solved the core issues:
- Extreme Power Draw: 575W TDP pushes electrical limits
- No Active Safety: Unlike ASUS (uneven power detection) or ZOTAC (seating indicators), NVIDIA relies solely on connector redesign
- Legacy PSU Risks: Older ATX 3.0 units may struggle with transient spikes
User Impact & Recommendations
- Check Connections Monthly: Ensure cables are fully seated
- Avoid Sustained 100% Load: Especially with mining/stress tests
- Upgrade PSUs: Use ATX 3.0-compliant units ≤2 years old
- China Buyers Beware: RTX 5090D is region-exclusive; global 5090 may face similar risks
The Bigger Picture
While incidents are down 90% vs. RTX 4090, NVIDIA’s refusal to implement active safety measures feels like a missed opportunity. As one Baidu user lamented:
“Two years later, we’re still playing ‘connector roulette’ with $1,600 GPUs.”
Also, Read
- My RTX 3080 Survived 2 Years on a Cheap PSU – Then It Melted
- GeForce RTX 5090 Founders Edition Suffers Melted Connector Due to Third-Party Cable
- PC Building Newbie’s SSD Mistake Goes Viral – Here’s What Went Wrong
The RTX 5090D incidents highlight an uncomfortable truth: raw performance gains shouldn’t compromise safety. Until NVIDIA mandates active protection measures, users must remain vigilant with high-wattage GPUs.
Have you experienced connector issues? Share your story in the comments.
Source: UNIKO’s Hardware