A restore store reveals the RTX 4090 melting connector downside stays worryingly widespread

Stories of melting 12VHPWR energy connectors surfaced nearly instantly following the launch of the RTX 4090 again in October 2022. The difficulty was presupposed to have been put to relaxation after Nvidia investigated the difficulty and launched revised fashions that includes the up to date 12V-2×6 connector, but it surely’s nonetheless rearing its ugly melted head within the yr and a half because it launched.

NorthridgeFix, a Los Angeles based mostly electronics restore firm estimated it obtained round 200 playing cards and adapters with melted connectors over a interval of only one month. NorthridgeFix would not state whether or not the issue playing cards characteristic the older or newer connectors.

Not too long ago, CableMod issued a recall of its authentic V1.0 and up to date V1.1 angled 12VHPWR adapters because of the threat of a fireplace hazard. Nonetheless, the video above factors out that the CableMod adapter are literally “an incredible product” and that even adapters with the very best high quality supplies can fail if the muse they’re constructed on is defective.

The precise explanation for the failures was laborious to determine as failures have been tough to copy. Early investigations pointed in the direction of Astron made connectors being extra vulnerable to failure, whereas different experiences instructed the connectors weren’t totally inserted, or the cables themselves have been bent. 

Personally, I will not be making an attempt to copy something with my RTX 4090, thanks very a lot.

The obvious randomness of the failures would add weight to NorthridgeFix’s declare that early revisions of the RTX 4090 connector design itself is responsible. I’ve an RTX 4090 Founders Version, and I ceaselessly swap it out and in of my primary take a look at rig. Nonetheless, I do depart the 12VHPWR adapter put in, and unplug it from the 4 8-pin energy connectors from my energy provide. The cardboard has by no means had a difficulty—I hope I did not simply jinx it.

The revised 12V-2×6 connector has shorter sensing pins whereas the conductor terminals are longer. This helps to make sure the cable has been correctly inserted. It is also again suitable with current 12VHPWR connectors and cables. Energy provides and cables with the 12V-2×6 connector are already showing out there. No less than some RTX-40 sequence playing cards have additionally included the brand new connector.

Nvidia is actually paying consideration. Let’s hope that upcoming RTX 50-series playing cards keep away from this downside altogether. Curiously, AMD and Intel have proven little interest in adopting the 12VHPWR normal up to now. Will their next-gen providing make the transfer to 12V-2×6, although?