Linus Tech Tips creates RTX 5090 GPU with XT120 power connector
Linus Media Group are testing a custom RTX 5090 GPU with an XT120 power connector
The 16-pin power connectors on Nvidia’s high-performance RTX graphics cards are controversial. Nvidia’s RTX 40 and RTX 50 series GPUs have reports of “melted” power connectors, and analysts have criticised the standard’s “non-existent safety factor.” Now, Linus Media Group are testing a solution to Nvidia’s 16-pin woes. Yes, Linus has upgraded an RTX 5090 with an XT120 power connector.
What is XT120? XT120 is a high-current power connector commonly used to charge drones, RC cars, and similar devices. It is rated at 60 amps and can handle sustained power draws of 720W. When complaints about Nvidia’s 16-pin power connector emerged, many wondered why Nvidia didn’t use a variant of the tried and true XT120 connector.
Soon, Linus Tech Tips will release a video showcasing this graphics card in action. It will prove once and for all whether XT-series power connectors are suitable for graphics cards.
Will XT-series power cables prove to be suitable for graphics cards? We will find out soon. While the connector may be chunky, it does have its advantages. Safety factor is less of a concern, and I am sure gamers would be happy with chunkier cables if they delivered peace of mind.
You can join the discussion on Linus Tech Tips’ custom XT120-powered RTX 5090 graphics card on the OC3D Forums.
