GPU repair shop shows a box of 200 melted RTX 4090 connectors from one month alone

According to NorthridgeFix, RTX 4090 continues to show up with melted connectors.

RTX 4090 power connectors and adapters continue to melt. The story about RTX 4090’s new high-power connectors melting and burning are still a problem, even a year after the card was released. NVIDIA has eventually upgraded the connector to a newer 12V-2×6 standard, but the issue has resurfaced with the release of CableMod new adapters.

Eventually, CableMod company has canceled the angled adapter and offered refunds to its customers. Even before the recall, the company was actively refunding the cost of damaged GPUs. As cases mounted and board partners pointed fingers at cable and adapter suppliers, it was no longer feasible to support the product.

NorthridgeFix claims that CableMod actually made a good product, but it was built on a broken foundation: the new 12VHPWR standard, also known as 12+4 or 16-pin connector. NVIDIA is now shipping a revised edition of this connector on all RTX 40 models. These revised connectors feature shorter sense pins, ensuring the GPU only receives additional power when the power cable is fully inserted. However, even to this day, the repair shop continues to receive damaged GPUs with melted connectors, now amassing to 200 connectors being replaced in a single month alone (a box containing these connectors was shown). It was not stated whether newer cases are based on the newer or older standard, though.

Two variants of 16-pin power connectors (new), Source: NorthridgeFix

Currently, it is recommended to stick to the official NVIDIA power adapters or native cables provided by power supply makers. Any adapters not made by either company pose some risk of overheating and melting, especially when the connector is not correctly inserted. Users, particularly those owning RTX 4090, as some models can reach 600W when overclocked, should pay attention to the power connector on their GPUs.

Later in the video, NorthridgeFix demonstrates the process of connector replacement, which might not appear as complicated as swapping out GPUs or memory modules. Nevertheless, it remains a major concern that deserves attention. It is hoped that NVIDIA will focus on this matter when developing the upcoming generation of GeForce GPUs. Currently, neither AMD nor Intel have shown any interest in adopting the 12VHPWR or 12V-6X2 standards for their next-gen gaming GPUs.

Source: NorthridgeFix , El Chapuzas Informatico