Less than a month after its launch, Nvidia’s highly anticipated RTX 5070 graphics card has come under scrutiny following multiple user complaints of melted 12VHPWR power connectors and damaged cables. The issue, which echoes past controversies with Nvidia’s high-end GPUs, has ignited debates over the durability of the Blackwell architecture’s power delivery design.
The problem gained traction when a user shared images on X (formerly Twitter) of their RTX 5070’s charred power connector, accompanied by a caption stating, “The card runs hot, but I didn’t expect this.” The post, which has since gone viral, shows clear signs of overheating near the 16-pin adapter. Tech outlet Videocardz later corroborated the claims, reporting at least three independent cases of similar damage linked to the RTX 5070.
Nvidia has acknowledged the reports, telling media outlets it is “actively investigating” the incidents. In a statement, the company urged users to “ensure the power cable is fully seated and free of obstructions,” while avoiding third-party adapters. However, frustrated owners argue the problem persists even with proper installation. “I followed the manual exactly, but after a few gaming sessions, the connector started warping,” one Reddit user wrote.
This isn’t the first time Nvidia has faced such issues. The RTX 4090 made headlines in 2022 for identical cable-melting problems, later attributed to user error and connector design flaws. While the RTX 5070’s updated Blackwell connector was marketed as a “reinforced solution,” critics suggest the higher power draw—reportedly up to 320W under load—may be outpacing the hardware’s thermal limits.
The timing couldn’t be worse for Nvidia, which recently unveiled its flagship RTX 5090 at CES 2025 to widespread acclaim. The company’s showcase emphasized cutting-edge efficiency, leaving many to question why the mid-tier RTX 5070 is struggling with a seemingly resolved issue.
Industry analysts warn that repeated power-related failures could tarnish the Blackwell lineup’s reputation. “Nvidia needs to act fast—whether it’s a recall, a redesign, or clearer guidelines,” said TechLab’s hardware lead, Maria Chen. “Otherwise, trust in their engineering will erode.”
For now, RTX 5070 owners are advised to monitor their systems for unusual heat or flickering, with Nvidia expected to release an official update in the coming days. As the situation unfolds, the pressure mounts for Team Green to prove its next-gen GPUs can deliver power and reliability.
