Nvidia Assures RTX 5090 Won’t Face Power Cable Melting Issues Despite Higher Power Consumption

2025-01-23

Nvidia has confidently stated that its upcoming RTX 5090 GPU will not suffer from the power cable melting issues that plagued its predecessor, the RTX 4090. Despite the RTX 5090’s higher power consumption of 575W, the company claims that design improvements to the 16-pin power connector will prevent overheating problems. However, a California-based repair shop, NorthridgeFix, reports that it still fixes melted RTX 4090 connectors on a daily basis, raising questions about whether the issue has truly been resolved.

A Brief History of the RTX 4090’s Power Cable Issues

When the RTX 4090 launched, it quickly became infamous for its 16-pin power connector (12VHPWR) overheating and melting. The problem was traced back to improper seating of the connector, which caused excessive heat buildup. In some cases, the connector would melt if it was bent at a sharp angle due to space constraints inside PC cases. Nvidia initially attributed the issue to user error, claiming that the connector wasn’t being plugged in fully. However, the company later introduced a revised 16-pin connector design (12V-2×6) to address the problem.

The updated design featured shorter “sense” pins, which would cut power to the GPU if the connector wasn’t fully seated or became loose. This safety mechanism was intended to prevent overheating and melting. While Nvidia claims the issue has been resolved, reports from repair shops like NorthridgeFix suggest that RTX 4090 melting incidents are still occurring as recently as January 2025.

Nvidia’s Confidence in the RTX 5090

During Nvidia’s recent “RTX AI” day in South Korea, a company representative addressed concerns about the RTX 5090’s power connector. When asked if the melting issues had been resolved, the representative stated, “It is expected that such issues will not occur with the RTX 50 series.” The spokesperson emphasized that changes to the connector design, implemented over the past two years, have effectively mitigated the problem.

However, the wording of Nvidia’s response leaves room for interpretation. The use of “expected” rather than a definitive guarantee suggests that the company is confident but not entirely certain. Additionally, the RTX 5090’s increased power consumption—575W compared to the RTX 4090’s 450W—raises concerns about whether the new connector can handle the additional load without overheating.

What Undercode Say:

The RTX 5090’s power connector issue is a critical topic for both Nvidia and its customers. While the company has taken steps to address the problem, the lingering reports of RTX 4090 melting incidents indicate that the issue may not be fully resolved. Here’s a deeper analysis of the situation:

1. Design Improvements vs. Real-World Performance: Nvidia’s revised 16-pin connector design is a step in the right direction, but real-world performance will be the ultimate test. The shorter sense pins are a clever solution to prevent overheating, but the increased power consumption of the RTX 5090 could push the connector to its limits. Users will need to ensure that the connector is properly seated and not bent at sharp angles to avoid potential issues.

2. User Responsibility: Nvidia’s initial response to the RTX 4090 melting issue placed the blame on users for not plugging in the connector correctly. While the revised design reduces the risk of user error, it doesn’t eliminate it entirely. Proper installation and cable management will remain crucial for preventing overheating.

3. Repair Shop Reports: The ongoing reports from NorthridgeFix highlight a disconnect between Nvidia’s claims and real-world experiences. If RTX 4090 melting incidents are still occurring, it raises questions about whether the revised connector design is as effective as Nvidia claims. It also suggests that the issue may be more complex than just improper seating of the connector.

4. Power Consumption Concerns: The RTX 5090’s 575W power consumption is significantly higher than the RTX 4090’s 450W. This increase puts additional strain on the power connector and raises concerns about whether the revised design can handle the extra load. If the connector fails under the increased power demand, it could lead to more widespread issues.

5. Market Competition: Nvidia’s confidence in the RTX 5090 comes at a time when competition in the GPU market is heating up. AMD’s upcoming RX 9070 GPUs are expected to challenge Nvidia’s dominance, and any issues with the RTX 5090 could give AMD an edge. Nvidia will need to ensure that the RTX 5090 delivers on its promises to maintain its position as the market leader.

Conclusion

Nvidia’s assurances about the RTX 5090’s power connector are encouraging, but the lingering issues with the RTX 4090 suggest that caution is warranted. The revised connector design is a step forward, but the increased power consumption of the RTX 5090 introduces new challenges. Until the GPU is released and tested by users, it’s impossible to say for certain whether the melting issues have been fully resolved. For now, potential buyers should keep an eye on early reviews and user feedback to gauge the RTX 5090’s performance and reliability.

In the meantime, Nvidia’s competitors, particularly AMD, are poised to capitalize on any missteps. The GPU market is more competitive than ever, and Nvidia will need to deliver a flawless product to maintain its dominance. Whether the RTX 5090 lives up to the hype remains to be seen, but one thing is clear: the stakes are higher than ever.