[RTX 5090 Connector Concerns: Melting and Power Imbalance]

High-Power Draw Raises Red Flags for RTX 5090

Key Points:

* YouTube channel der8auer reveals potential safety issues with the RTX 5090 Founder Edition's power connector design.
* Excessive heat and melting were observed on the power connector, cable, and PSU.
* The problem appears specific to the RTX 5090 FE, potentially due to the unbalanced distribution of power through a single pin.
* der8auer recommends using an AIB RTX 5090 with per-pin power sensing or waiting for Nvidia's response.

Investigation Findings:

der8auer's investigation focused on an RTX 5090 FE subjected to Furmark stress testing. Using a thermal camera, he detected excessive heat buildup on specific wires in the 12VHPWR cable.

Further examination revealed a temperature exceeding 140°C on the PSU side of the power connector, significantly higher than the GPU side (90°C).

Power Imbalance:

Worrisomely, der8auer's analysis indicated a significant power imbalance among the 12 wires in the cable. One wire carried over 22 amps, more than double the intended load capacity of six to eight amps per wire.

This unbalanced distribution results in excessive power being concentrated on a single pin in the GPU's power socket, leading to overheating and potential damage.

Nvidia's Design Concerns:

der8auer theorizes that Nvidia's FE design combines all six live pins into a single power source, unlike some AIB models with per-pin power sensing.

This design flaw allows the unbalanced power distribution to occur, potentially exceeding the connectors' and cables' safety limits.

Headroom Limitations:

While the 12VHPWR connectors are certified for 660 W, Nvidia's RTX 5090 is rated at 575 W, leaving a 15% headroom. However, der8auer argues that this headroom is insufficient when most of the power is concentrated on a single wire.

Safety Implications:

der8auer emphasizes that these issues are not due to user error but rather stem from the inherent design limitations. Using a Founders Edition RTX 5090 without proper precautions may pose safety risks.

Recommendations:

* Consider purchasing an AIB RTX 5090 with per-pin power sensing.
* If using an RTX 5090 FE, monitor the cable and connectors for excessive heat or damage.
* Avoid heavy workloads that could exacerbate the power imbalance.