Repair shop highlights how bad Nvidia RTX 4090 power connector melting problem still is

The Nvidia RTX 4090 has been available in the global markets for over a year, but it’s still susceptible to the 12VHPWR connector melting issue. According to a repair shop named NorthridgeFix, it continues to replace hundreds of these power connectors from GPUs sent by customers. To be specific, it has fixed about 200 units in just a month.

If you’re not caught up, the 12VHPWR found in RTX 4090 GPUs can reach high temperatures of around 150 degrees Celsius (302 degrees Fahrenheit). This generally happens when the contact on the load side isn’t correct, which eventually makes the connector melt.

Nvidia and its partners did move to a new 12V-2x6 standard with the launch of the GeForce RTX 40 Super series, but a good chunk of the old GPUs are still using the troublesome 12VHPWR connector. CableMod tried to offer a fix with its angled adapter, which appeared to be a proper solution to the issue. But, as NorthridgeFix comments, the adapter’s foundation was on a broken standard.

Eventually, CableMod had to stop offering its angled adapter and start offering refunds to its customers. At the current stage, all the new Nvidia RTX 40 series graphics cards come with a revised power connector. It has shorter sense pins, which ensures that the GPU can only receive additional power when the cable is inserted correctly.

As shown by NorthridgeFix (video attached below), the replacement of power connectors isn’t a complicated GPU fix. However, you should still use official Nvidia power adapters or original cables provided with the graphics card to avoid this issue. Also, if you’re rocking an RTX 4090 in your rig (GIGABYTE GV-N4090AERO OC curr. $1,849.99 on Amazon), especially if it’s using the 12VHPWR connector, you should pay attention to whether the cable is connected fully or not.