RTX 5090 power cable catches fire: Risk from the 12V-2x6 connection standard.
The RTX 5090 power cable catching fire incident raises questions about the power handling capabilities of the 12V-2x6 standard and the impact of poor-quality computer power supplies.
The latest incident involving the high-end Nvidia RTX 5090 graphics card has just been reported, with the device's power cable unexpectedly catching fire during use. This is a worrying warning for Nvidia's latest Blackwell architecture GPU line, which is highly sought after by gamers and the global tech community.
Details of the fire incident on the MSI RTX 5090
According to a user report, the MSI RTX 5090 32G Ventus 3X OC experienced a serious problem at the power connector. Images show the connector and wires severely deformed due to high temperatures, even showing signs of burning. This incident adds to the growing list of technical issues related to the power handling capabilities of current top-of-the-line graphics cards.
Technical causes and questions
Experts and critics are focusing their analysis on two main causes of this situation:
- Limitations of the 12V-2x6 standard:Although designed to overcome the shortcomings of the older 12VHPWR standard, the 12V-2x6 connector still seems to struggle to handle the enormous power consumption of the Blackwell architecture. The excessive current flowing through it for extended periods can cause uncontrolled heat buildup.
- The role of the power supply unit (PSU):Besides faulty connector design, substandard computer power supplies (PSUs) are also considered a potential culprit. Unstable power supply can quickly lead to components overheating.
Challenges for the Blackwell GPU line
While the Nvidia Blackwell RTX 5000 series offers superior performance, it also comes with operational risks. This incident with the RTX 5090 highlights the urgent need for users to have a standard power supply system and extremely careful cable installation procedures. Currently, Nvidia and MSI have not issued an official response to this specific case, but it is certainly a negative point in the reliability record of the new graphics card line.
| Component information | Incident details |
|---|---|
| GPU Model | MSI RTX 5090 32G Ventus 3X OC |
| Architecture | Nvidia Blackwell |
| Connection standard | 12V-2x6 connector |
| Status | The power cable caught fire and became deformed. |
For those planning to upgrade to the RTX 5090, experts recommend carefully checking power supply compatibility and ensuring that the connectors are securely plugged into the ports to minimize the risk of electrical sparks or overheating.
