The Mysterious Case of the Melting RTX 5090 Connectors: A Wake-Up Call for Gamers and Enthusiasts

Imagine dropping a small fortune on a high-end graphics card, only to have it rendered useless due to a mysterious malfunction. Unfortunately, this is exactly what happened to a Redditor named Roachard, who recently reported a shocking incident involving his brand-new MSI RTX 5090 Gaming Trio OC. The card, which cost a whopping $3,000, suffered from melted connectors and a damaged power supply unit (PSU). But what’s even more alarming is that this is not an isolated incident.

The Incident

Roachard’s story begins with a purchase from Best Buy, where he picked up the RTX 5090 Gaming Trio OC and paired it with a Corsair SF1000L PSU on an Asus Strix B650E-I motherboard. The PSU, an 80 Plus Platinum model, is a high-quality unit that sells for $230 on Amazon. Despite being a premium setup, the combination still resulted in melted connectors and damage to both the GPU and PSU.

The culprit, it seems, was the 12VHPWR cable, which was plugged directly into the PSU. No extensions were used, and Roachard wasn’t overclocking the card. The damage was extensive, with both the cable and card connectors showing signs of burn damage. But what’s even more concerning is that the PSU end of the cable also suffered from a worrying bulge, indicating melted plastic.

A Pattern Emerges

This incident is not an isolated case. There have been several reports of RTX 5090 cables and connectors melting, with at least one involving an RTX 5080. While the number of incidents is still relatively small, it’s clear that there’s a problem that needs to be addressed.

The issue is not limited to third-party cables, as Roachard used the original 12VHPWR cable that came with the PSU. This raises questions about the design and quality of these cables, as well as the potential for uneven power distribution.

The Science Behind the Melting

Overclocker Der8auer recently replicated the setup of one of these melting incidents using a Corsair 12VHPWR cable. The results were alarming, with the cable’s connectors reaching temperatures of up to 150°C on the PSU side and 90°C on the GPU side. The problem, it seems, is an uneven distribution of power, with some wires carrying more than 20 amps each, while others carried as little as 2 amps.

What Can You Do?

So, what can you do to avoid falling victim to this issue? Here are a few actionable tips:

• Use the original 12VHPWR cable that comes with your PSU, rather than a third-party option.
• Avoid overclocking your graphics card, as this can put additional stress on the power delivery system.
• Keep an eye on your system’s temperatures, as high temperatures can indicate a problem with the power delivery system.
• Consider using a high-quality PSU with a good reputation for reliability and power delivery.

Conclusion

The recent incidents involving melted RTX 5090 connectors and PSUs are a wake-up call for gamers and enthusiasts. While the number of incidents is still relatively small, it’s clear that there’s a problem that needs to be addressed. By being aware of the potential issues and taking steps to mitigate them, you can help ensure that your high-end graphics card remains safe and functional.

Summary

• A Redditor reported a shocking incident involving a melted RTX 5090 graphics card and PSU.
• The issue is not limited to third-party cables, as the original 12VHPWR cable was used.
• Uneven power distribution and high temperatures may be contributing factors to the melting.
• To avoid falling victim to this issue, use the original 12VHPWR cable, avoid overclocking, and keep an eye on your system’s temperatures.