The Nvidia RTX 4090 swiftly stirred controversy soon after its launch due to incidents of melting cables. While one might have hoped this issue was resolved, recent reports indicate that the problem is far from history.
In a concerning development, a Reddit user, Byogore (as discovered by Tom’s Hardware), has reported that their Asus model of the Nvidia Lovelace flagship, an RTX 4090 purchased nearly a year ago, suffered from a melted cable, complete with photographic evidence of the scorched connector.
This report reignites a problem that had seemingly faded from the spotlight. The issue was originally associated with the melting of the 16-pin power connector, but the fact that this incident happened to an older RTX 4090 model suggests that the problem may persist and affect graphics cards further down the line.
Contrary to earlier expectations, this puts an end to the notion that cable melting crises would only occur within the first six months of usage. Understandably, this revelation has left RTX 4090 owners on Reddit feeling quite distressed.
While this incident is just one report, its significance cannot be ignored, considering the severity of the issue. The frustration of experiencing a melting incident with a high-priced, top-performing graphics card that you invested in is quite disheartening.
For those seeking more details, the Redditor states that they were using Nvidia’s own power connector, not a third-party modified cable. They were also using a Corsair HX1000i power supply (rated at 1000W and 80+ platinum).
Newer RTX 4090 models have taken steps to address this problem. Changes have been implemented, such as the repositioning of the 16-pin power connector to ensure a better connection. An improperly seated connector had been identified by Nvidia as a potential cause of cable melting.
Additionally, a redesigned specification featuring a 12V-2×6 power connector, instead of the original 12VHPWR, has been introduced to circumvent connection issues. This updated specification now appears in new RTX 4090 graphics cards, successfully avoiding connector-related problems.
However, if you own an older RTX 4090 with the 12VHPWR connector, your options include using a modified cable (as this incident happened with Nvidia’s included connector) or periodically checking to ensure the connector is securely seated. The latter option is less than ideal, particularly considering that there is a theoretical maximum number of times the connector can be unplugged and reconnected (30 times) before potential issues may arise.
The resurgence of the melting cable problem is certainly disappointing. Those who still possess an affected RTX 4090 model under warranty may find some solace, but the situation is far less equitable for those whose cards are out of warranty, especially given that newer cards come equipped with a redesigned power connector to prevent this issue. It’s a significant investment that no one wishes to see go up in smoke.
