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| MSI RTX 5090 32G Ventus 3X OC GPU with burned power connector |
For many PC enthusiasts, the sheer power of NVIDIA's flagship GPUs comes with a side of anxiety. Despite numerous design revisions and repeated assurances, the nightmare scenario of a melting power connector has haunted high-end graphics cards for generations. Now, a shocking new report suggests the problem may be far from solved, even with the latest RTX 5090.
A recent and severe incident shared by Reddit user nmp14fayl has reignited concerns within the community. The user documented how his high-end MSI RTX 5090—after nine months of seemingly normal operation—suddenly saw its 16-pin power connector erupt in flames.
The Aftermath of a Fiery Failure
According to the detailed post, the event was dramatic. Flames engulfed the 12V-2x6 power cable, melting through its protective coating and leaving the wires exposed. The damage wasn't limited to the cable; the GPU's own connection point was also left charred and compromised. In a testament to the ferocity of the short-circuit, the user hasn't yet attempted to disconnect the melted cable from the card.
You can see the startling visual evidence and follow the ongoing community investigation in the original Reddit thread: 5090 12V-6x2 Shenanigans.
Fortunately, the fire was contained near the GPU. Other critical components, like the motherboard and its integrated graphics, reportedly still function. The owner also has a protection plan through Micro Center, which may cover the costly damage. But the question remains: what caused this expensive piece of hardware to turn into a fire hazard?
5090 12V-6x2 shenanigans
byu/nmp14fayl inpcmasterrace
The Endless Debate: Cable, PSU, or Inherent Flaw?
In the comments, the PC master race community is deep in forensic analysis. The user stated he was using the native power supply cable that came with his Cooler Master MWE Gold 1050 V2 unit, which immediately raised two red flags for experts.
First, while 1050 watts meets NVIDIA's baseline recommendation, it's considered borderline for many RTX 5090 builds, especially those with other power-hungry components. Under peak transient loads—those microsecond power spikes GPUs are known for—a borderline PSU can be pushed to its limits.
Second, the specific PSU model isn't top-tier in its class. High-quality power supplies are designed with stringent protective circuits (OPP, OCP) that should, in theory, cut power long before a cable reaches combustion temperatures. The fact that this didn't happen points to either a PSU failure or a fault that happened too quickly for safeguards to react.
This incident underscores a critical piece of advice for any high-end build: Choosing the correct PSU for the RTX 5090 is non-negotiable. Experts consistently recommend going well above the wattage minimum with a unit from a reputable brand known for clean power delivery and robust protection features.
A Problem That Refuses to Die
The uncomfortable truth is that this overheating issue is a stubborn legacy. It first gained widespread notoriety with the RTX 4090's 12VHPWR connector. NVIDIA's response was to introduce the updated 12V-2x6 standard with the RTX 50-series, touting its improved safety and tolerance.
Yet, melting incidents persist. NVIDIA's typical explanation points to user error—specifically, an improperly seated cable. However, nmp14fayl insists his connection was fully secure. This claim challenges the narrative and suggests deeper issues, whether in connector quality, thermal cycling fatigue, or the extreme power demands of modern cards.
AIB partners have tried to innovate. MSI and others have modified connector shrouds to improve alignment, while ASUS has gone further, embedding sensors into its Blackwell cards to monitor the status of individual power pins for early warning signs.
The Bottom Line for Gamers
This latest fiery failure is a stark reminder. If you own or are planning to buy an RTX 5090:
- Invest Heavily in Your PSU: Don't skimp. Get a high-quality, ATX 3.1-compliant unit with significant headroom (1200W or more is often advised).
- Check and Re-check Your Connection: Ensure the power cable is perfectly seated, with no gaps, and is not bent sharply immediately at the connector.
- Monitor Your System: Keep an eye on GPU power readings and be alert to any unusual smells or sounds.
- Consider Your Cable: While the included adapter is often used, many recommend a dedicated, high-quality 12V-2x6 cable from your PSU manufacturer.
For now, the community watches and waits, hoping for a definitive solution. But as this report shows, for some, the dream of ultimate performance can still literally go up in flames.