Reports of an RTX 5080 and RTX 5090D melting a power connector have caused frightening flashbacks of bricked RTX 4090 GPUs. Hong Kong tech site PCM initially posted images of two cables with damaged 600-watt 12VHPWR connectors. However, PCM later explained that an RTX 4090 FE tested earlier was at fault.
Not long after the RTX 4090 debuted, some buyers and benchmarkers spread the word about burnt power connectors. At the time, the RTX 4090 was one of the most power-hungry graphics cards, consuming at least 450 watts. Even a recommended 850-watt or higher PSU did not prevent the expensive GPUs from premature deaths. Nvidia initially downplayed the incidents, explaining that improperly seated connectors could have caused the issues. Eventually, the company embraced a revised 12V-2x6 power connector design with shorter sensing pins.
Unfortunately, for PCM, it appears that older cables with the 12VHPWR connector were being used. The incident also resulted in frying a beefy 1200-watt power supply. Still, as it turned out, the newly acquired RTX 5080 and RTX 5090D GPUs weren't to blame. After further investigation, burn marks were discovered on the RTX 4090, while the newer cards were undamaged. What caused the melted power connectors is unknown, but, likely, the cables weren't installed properly.
The RTX 5090 draws 575 watts of power, putting even more strain on PSUs. Gamers have been on edge, wondering if the latest 12V-2x6 connectors are up to the challenge. Before the RTX 50 series launched, Nvidia reaffirmed its confidence in the wiring. Manufacturers like MSI have also color-coded cables to limit the possibility of user error. So far, there haven't been similar stories from other RTX 50 series owners. For now, it appears that the PCM incident was a false alarm.