It feels like déjà vu, but the NVIDIA 12VHPWR power connectors are melting… again. This time, users have reported melting cables on the new RTX 5090 Founder’s Edition GPU, with multiple reports claiming that the cable has been frying on both ends.
The issue is similar to the RTX 40-Series cables that caused controversy back in the day. NVIDIA refused to take blame, saying that the melting cables are a result of users not plugging in the connector properly.
One user on Reddit says they upgraded from the RTX 4090 to the RTX 5090 and picked up on a burning smell when playing Battlefield 5. Upon switching the PC off, they discovered a fried 12VHPWR cable with both ends melted and damaged. The cable was from MODDIY, who manufactures custom cables, but these cables are usually reliable and seldom have faults.
Another user who owns the Spanish YouTube account, Toro Tocho, has gone through a similar ordeal. He was using a cable from FSP and described finding his GPU melted and seeing a similar melting incident on the power supply end too.
While the original 40-Series 12VHPWR melting issues were found only on the GPU, it seems these new RTX 50-Series GPUs are melting on both ends. It isn’t clear where the issue stems from, however.
The new NVIDIA RTX 5090 GPU can draw up to 575W of power in comparison to the RTX 4090 at 450W. The 12VHPWR cable is capable of drawing 600W of power. The company behind the cable, PCI-SIG, recently updated the included cable in the box with a new 12V-2×6 connector.
This new connector has shorter sensing pins and longer conductor terminals, which supposedly improve reliability. However, the company says even with the updated connectors, users can still make use of the older, original cable from the 40-Series. The new connectors simply ensure that the power cable has been properly connected to the PSU.
At the moment, NVIDIA hasn’t said anything about these melted cables. The issues also seem to be fewer and far between. Both incidents are also related to custom 12VHPWR connectors rather than seeing the included NVIDIA cable in the box melting. This might be the scapegoat NVIDIA uses to point blame at another brand. The Reddit user has expressed concern over the incident, saying they are worried a warranty claim will be shut down due to a “3rd party cable” excuse.
Still, it is quite concerning to see this happen, especially considering that the cables are now melting on both ends. I think we can officially call the 12VHPWR connector one of the worst inventions of all time. Here’s Toro Tocho’s experience with the connector below:
