16-Pin Power Connector Failure with RTX 4090 Running 75% power

Published 2024-05-02 08:36 by Hilbert Hagedoorn

In a recent incident reported on the Korean Quasar Zone forums, an owner of an MSI GeForce RTX 4090 Suprim X 24G graphics card experienced a simultaneous meltdown of the 16-pin power connector on both the graphics card and power supply sides. This event is noteworthy because it occurred even though the power draw was intentionally limited to 75%, suggesting that power restrictions might not reliably prevent such failures. The 16-pin power connector, also known as the 12VHPWR connector, has been a focal point for issues since the RTX 4090's release in October 2022. Numerous users worldwide have reported meltdowns, prompting investigations into the causes, which range from connector design to material quality and the physical configuration of the power cable. Despite a revised connector design introduced by the PCI-SIG, confidence in the modifications remains low among many users.

The graphics card in question was powered by an FSP Hydro power supply, the capacity of which was not specified. This scenario underscores a broader trend where even under reduced power settings, the integrity of the 16-pin connector can be compromised. This raises questions about the overall reliability of the power delivery system in high-performance graphics setups. Further complicating the issue, incidents of connector failures are not limited to the cables supplied by the manufacturer. Many users have sought alternatives from third-party manufacturers. For instance, Cablemod, a well-known provider of aftermarket power solutions, was compelled to recall its line of 16-pin adapters after identifying fire hazards.

As of now, there has been no definitive resolution to the problems associated with the 12VHPWR connector. Despite Nvidia's commitment to investigating the failures, users continue to face risks associated with these components. The situation is exacerbated by the fact that some affected users may seek resolutions outside of public forums and manufacturer support channels. This underreporting could mask the true extent of the issue.

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