RTX 5090 Power Adapter Meltdown: A Fiery Dilemma for Gamers One Year On

NVIDIA’s GeForce RTX 5090 has experienced significant challenges related to overheating and burning incidents, a persistent issue that has carried over from previous models.

NVIDIA’s RTX 5090: Unexpected Burning Issues Continue

It’s well known among gamers that NVIDIA’s power connectors have been susceptible to burning out in various incidents over the years. This issue is still present in high-demand models like the GeForce RTX 5090. Initially, the blame was placed on the 12VHPWR power connector. However, even with the updated 12V-2×6 connector in the flagship Blackwell gaming GPU, incidents continue to occur. Recently, a Reddit user shared an extraordinary burning incident that caught the attention of the gaming community.

According to reports from Reddit, a user’s Windows system unexpectedly stopped recognizing the GPU during normal activities. Upon inspection, the user discovered burn marks on the power adapter of MSI’s GeForce RTX 5090. The burning was so severe that the GPU connector appeared to be fused to the socket, resisting removal despite careful attempts. This has led to advice from fellow Redditors to avoid forcibly removing the connector to prevent further damage.

Close-up of an MSI graphics card power connector with green arrows pointing to suspicious areas, possibly indicating damage or defects.
Image Credits: Reddit

Facing Repeated Challenges with RTX 5090

This incident marks the second time the Reddit user has encountered issues with NVIDIA’s RTX 5090, the first being an artifact problem. The user plans to seek MSI’s RMA services for assistance, though uncertainty looms over whether the incident falls under warranty coverage due to the lack of regulations for such cases. Notably, the affected cable is an MSI stock version, eliminating any third-party involvement.

While such GPU burning incidents may seem random, there are preventive measures gamers can take. Ensuring that cables are properly seated and using native 12V-2×6 power supplies can help reduce the risk. However, with models like the GeForce RTX 5090, the potential for these incidents remains notably high.