Is the Nvidia RTX 5090 prone to cable melting?

The buzz around Nvidia’s powerful new RTX 5090 graphics card is growing – but so are concerns from customers who have heard about previous issues with overheating or melting power cables. It’s true; Nvidia has a history with its graphics cards – including instances where overheating posed a fire hazard – but what is the truth?

When Nvidia launched their new RTX 4090, users reported melting or overheating of the 16-pin power connectors on their latest graphics cards. These issues included connectors not being sealed properly, adapters being bent too close to the plug, and high wattage being drawn on poorly ventilated systems.

This has now caused concern by customers who are asking whether the RTX 5090 might suffer the same fate, although the numbers reporting issues to date are extremely small.

Here we take a look at the facts behind the reports, explore why the power connector could be melting, and offer advice on how to avoid it.

What we know about the RTX 5090

Despite changes being made to Nvidia’s 600W 12V-2×6 power connector since the RTX 4090 launched three years ago, concerns remain. Users have reported issues with the newer RTX 5090, 5080, and even 5070 Ti cards, including cases of power cables melting or becoming damaged during normal use.

So far, it is not clear whether this issue has been caused by the cable, the connector or user error, and there is no direct evidence even to say that the RTX 5090 is prone to melting.

Although user error has been blamed on these kinds of problems before, it’s becoming increasingly clear that this may not be the main factor – especially when those using specialised adapters are running into the same issue.

Why is the RTX 5090 power connector melting?

There are several possible reasons for the power connectors melting.

These include:

1. Poor Connections: If the power connector is not properly connected, it can create resistance, leading to overheating, which could, potentially, melt the connector. For this reason, some have a yellow connector as a visual confirmation that the connection is secure.
2. Inadequate Power Supply: The RXT 5090 is one of the more power-hungry consumer GPUS ever released. Using a power supply unit that does not meet the required wattage or quality standards can lead to overheating and even connector failure.
3. Low-Quality Cables: Using subpar or damaged cables can also contribute to overheating issues. It’s essential to use high-quality, compatible cables that are designed for high power loads.
4. Overclocking: Overclocking the GPU (i.e./ pushing it to run faster than normal) can increase power draw. This extra pressure can make any existing issues with power delivery and connectors worse.
5. Design Flaws: The physical size of the connectors remains very compact in relation to the amount of current they carry. In some cases, there may be design flaws in the connectors or the GPU itself that can lead to overheating.

What are the RTX 5090 PSU requirements?

The Nvidia RTX 5090 is an ultra-high-performance graphics card with significant power needs.

To run it safely and reliably, your power supply unit (PSU) should meet the following specifications:

• Wattage – Minimum 1000W PSU (higher if overclocking or running high-end components).
• Connector Type – The RTX 5090 uses a new type of power connector called 12V-2×6. The latest 12v-2×6 socket was designed with shorter connection detection pins to ensure that power was only supplied when the connector was fully bedded in the socket. This should prevent overheating and damage. If your power supply doesn’t have this connector, you can still use it with an adapter that connects to 4x 8-pin PCIe connectors.
• Certification – 80 PLUS Gold or higher rating for energy efficiency.
• Compliance Standards – Built to meet the latest standards, the RTX 5090 supports PCIe 5.1 for stable power delivery and ATX 3.1 to ensure compatibility with future-generation GPUs.

How to calculate the right PSU for your system

Calculating the right power supply unit helps your system to run smoothly, safely, and have enough power for all your components, now and in the future. Here’s how you can calculate it for yourself.

1. Sum up the power consumption of all system components (CPU, GPU, motherboard, fans, etc.), using the table below as a guide.

2. Add at least 20-30% extra wattage for stability and future upgrades.
3. Select a PSU with a higher wattage rating than your total calculated power needs.

If this sounds too complicated, why not use an online PSU calculator to do the hard work for you? It’s an easy way to ensure you get the right power for your system!

Key factors contributing to the melting issue

Melting cables were a problem with previous Nvidia cards, particularly with the RTX 4090’s 12VHPWR connectors, which caused overheating, cables to melt and posed serious fire risks.

While reports of similar issues with the RTX 5090 are currently few in number, the rare cases that have been confirmed appear to have involved incompatible third-party power cables, improper cable insertion, cable strain and inadequate ventilation.

The RTX 5090 is very new, and only time will tell if these problems are real or simply “user errors”.

How to prevent the RTX 5090 cable from melting

At Lee Harvey Computing, we’ve seen firsthand what overheating cables can do – from melted connectors to complete system failures.

This is why selecting the right PSU is essential for ensuring system stability, efficiency, and longevity, as well as for accommodating future upgrades. It’s worth investing in a reputable brand and model that meets your system’s power requirements and quality standards.

Obviously, Nvidia, as the leading global manufacturer of high-end graphics processing units, is a reputable brand, but if you’re upgrading to a high-end GPU like the RTX 5090, we recommend choosing a PSU based on:

A High-Quality Power Supply Unit (PSU)

Ensure your PSU is from a recognisable brand and has sufficient wattage to support the RTX 5090. Look for a PSU with an 80 PLUS certification for efficiency and reliability. Make sure the PSU has the appropriate connectors for the RTX 5090, such as the 12VHPWR connector if applicable.

Secure Connections

Ensure that all power connectors are securely plugged in. Loose connections can create resistance, leading to overheating and potential melting. Regularly check the connections to ensure they remain tight and secure.

Power Draw

Be cautious with overclocking. While it can enhance performance, it also increases power draw, which can lead to overheating if the PSU or cables are not rated for the increased load. Voltage fluctuations can cause system instability, crashes, or even permanent damage to hardware.

Adequate Cooling

Make sure your PC case has good airflow to help dissipate heat. Proper cooling can prevent overheating of components, including power connectors. Consider adding additional case fans or improving cable management to enhance airflow.

Cable Bending

Avoid sharp bends or kinks in the power cables, as this can damage the wires and insulation, leading to increased resistance and heat generation. Route cables neatly to minimise stress on connectors.

Regular Maintenance

Periodically check the condition of your cables and connectors for any signs of wear, damage, or overheating. Replace any damaged components immediately. Clean dust from your PC, especially around the PSU and GPU, to maintain optimal cooling.

Certified cables

Every RTX 5090 series graphics card includes a 4x-8-pin-to-16-pin adapter cable. Remember to use only the one bundled with the graphics card, which has been rated and tested to work safely with the 5090.

If using third-party cables, ensure they are high-quality, compatible with your GPU and PSU, and made from appropriate materials (e.g., oxygen-free copper). Avoid using low-quality or generic cables that may not handle the power requirements safely.

Double-check your connections and power supply

As mentioned above, connections must be secure to ensure a stable power supply, and a single pin on a connector can cause temperatures to rise. If there is a single pin showing damage, you need to replace the cable.

Monitor temperatures

Ideally, you would have a thermal camera to monitor the temperatures in your computer, but that is unlikely, so be aware of any burning smell.

Good PSUs come with built-in safety features, such as over-voltage protection, under-voltage protection, short-circuit protection, and over-current protection. These features help safeguard your components from electrical issues.

Contact Nvidia support

Nvidia, in common with many companies nowadays, would prefer you to chat to a robot. However, if you want to speak to a real human being, here’s the number:- 0800 4047747.

Struggling with melting power cables? Get in touch

If you’re concerned about your RTX 5090 setup, experiencing power-related or cable issues, or just want expert advice on the right PSU and cable configuration, we’re here to help. At Lee Harvey Computing, we offer friendly, expert support for all your computing needs.

Contact us today on 07709 410 870 or email support@leeharveycomputing.co.uk