A Burnt RTX 5090 Power Connector On Christmas Eve
An early real world story about the RTX 5090 is already making the rounds and it is not about frame rates. A user reported that their RTX 5090 power connector completely melted and partially burned, even though they were using a native 12V 2x6 cable on an ATX 3.1 certified power supply.
The situation was serious enough that they actually smelled fire, saw visible signs of burning, and thankfully managed to catch it in time. It all happened on Christmas eve, turning what should have been a relaxed gaming session into a hardware horror story.
While details are still limited, this is one of the first notable melt incidents tied to Nvidia next generation flagship card and its updated power connector standard.
Why The 12V 2x6 And ATX 3.1 Matter
The 12V 2x6 connector and ATX 3.1 power supplies were supposed to improve on the previous 12VHPWR situation that plagued some RTX 4090 users with melted connectors and damaged cards. The idea is simple. A single compact connector can deliver a lot of power cleanly and safely to high end GPUs.
ATX 3.1 compliant power supplies and native 12V 2x6 cables are designed so you do not have to rely on bulky adapters. In theory this should reduce the chance of poor connections and high resistance spots that can lead to heat buildup.
That is why this case is raising eyebrows. The setup appears to follow the current best practice. No third party adapter. A modern PSU that officially supports the latest spec. Yet the connector still overheated and melted into itself.
What This Could Mean For PC Builders
One incident does not automatically mean a widespread design flaw but if you are planning a new build around a high end GPU there are a few practical takeaways.
Always double check the connector seating. Even with improved designs, a partially seated plug can arc and overheat. Make sure the connector is pushed in firmly and evenly until it is fully locked.
Avoid unnecessary adapters when possible. Native cables that come from an ATX 3.1 PSU directly to the GPU are still the recommended option for power hungry cards.
Keep cables relaxed and straight. Tight bends right at the plug or forced angles from side panel pressure can loosen the connection over time or stress the plastic housing.
Monitor for heat and smell. If your case suddenly smells like hot plastic or you notice unusual heat coming from the GPU area shut down immediately and inspect cables and connectors.
Do not ignore early warning signs. Random shutdowns under load or visible discoloration on the connector are reasons to stop using the system and check for damage.
Even if this RTX 5090 case turns out to be rare it is a reminder that large power draw hardware has very little tolerance for poor contact or bad cable management.
Looking Ahead For Next Gen GPUs
High end GPUs like the RTX 5090 push power and performance harder than ever which means the margin for error on power delivery keeps shrinking. The move to standards like 12V 2x6 and ATX 3.1 is meant to keep things safe and consistent but real world reports like this will be watched closely by both gamers and hardware makers.
If similar incidents start to appear manufacturers will likely respond with updated guidance, possible revisions to connectors, or even board design changes. Until more data is available the best move for enthusiasts is to treat GPU power connections with extra care especially on new or freshly upgraded systems.
For now this Christmas eve near fire is a cautionary tale. When you install a next generation graphics card do not just think about FPS and benchmarks. Take an extra minute to make sure every power connector is rock solid before you boot up your favorite game.
Original article and image: https://www.tomshardware.com/pc-components/gpus/nvidia-rtx-5090-power-wire-reportedly-caught-fire-despite-using-the-original-cable
