RTX 5090 user reports two GPU failures with melted power connectors
Two MSI RTX 5090 users report melted power connectors
This week, two MSI RTX 5090 users have reported that the power cables on their graphics cards have melted. Both of these GPUs were RTX 5090 Gaming Trio models, and both used MSI’s yellow-coloured 12V-2×6 cable splitters.
The first of these incidents involved a user who noticed that their PC had started crashing and was experiencing backscreen issues. After unplugging their GPUs’ power connectors, they noticed that it was noticeably burned (see the picture above). Below is what the user had to say about their experience on Reddit.
My pc started crashing under load the last few days. Troubleshot everything including swapping to a different PSU and still kept happening with black screens on reboot.
Gpu: Msi rtx 5090 gaming trio
Unplugged the connector to see it was visibly burned which explains the crashes.
It’s so frustrating that this much power is being funneled through this tiny connector.
Had to order a new GPU in the mean time as the RMA could take up to 4 weeks.
Hopefully not an issue caused by my rm1000i psu but doesnt seem like it.
– Reddit user jamyjet
(Nvidia RTX 5090 Gaming Trio)
RTX 5090 user suffers a second RTX 5090 cable melting incident
After getting their first RTX 5090 GPU replaced in August, another MSI RTX 5090 Gaming Trio user had their replacement GPU’s power connector melt. This user used MSI’s 12V-2×6 power adapter and ensured that it was fully inserted. Despite this, the GPU’s power cable melted. Now this user hopes to get a refund, which they will use to replace their graphics card with a less power-hungry RTX 5080.
It was in all the way, I have the MSI gaming trio so I made sure the yellow tip wasn’t showing. I’m thinking maybe the PSU just doesn’t like it. I’m using the Corsair sf1000. But I installed it the same way I did with the first GPU.. all the way in, nice cooling, no pressure on the cable, and I even undervolted this time :)z so I really just think I’m unlucky .
Reddit user Deja__
(Reddit user reports second RTX 5090 GPU failure)
If these incidents show us anything, it’s that the 12V-2×6 power standard has problems. This is the reason why products like the Aqua Computer AMPINEL exist. Furthermore, it highlights the need for stricter power standards for graphics cards. If active current balancing can prevent cable failures, why isn’t this feature part of all high-power graphics cards? Furthermore, why does the 12V-2×6 power cable (and its predecessors) have so little safety margin?
You can join the discussion on these new reports of melted RTX 5090 graphics cards on the OC3D Forums.
