The Burning Controversy: RTX 5090 Power Cable Incident
Summary:
- Recent reports reveal a concerning incident involving RTX 5090 graphics cards and their power cables.
- A netizen’s RTX 5090 caught fire, damaging both the card and nearby components.
- The incident has sparked discussions in online communities, raising questions about power supply safety.
On December 28, reports emerged from Kuai Technology highlighting a troubling trend: the 12VHPWR/12V-2×6 16-pin power cords associated with RTX 5090 graphics cards have been prone to dangerous failures. One shocking case shared by a Reddit user has drawn attention due to its severity and potential implications for users.
The user described their RTX 5090, which had been functioning flawlessly for nine months, suddenly experiencing a catastrophic failure just before Christmas. According to their account, the power cord ignited, leading to visible flames and dramatic damage. Observers noted that it was as if the cord was "fully on fire," with flames shooting high into the air.
Visual Evidence of Failure
Photos shared online depict the aftermath of this incident. The graphics card’s power interface, along with the power cord, is shown in a state of complete destruction, melting into a shapeless mass. Alarmingly, even the cold pipe of the CPU water-cooling radiator beside the graphics card was scorched, leaving two significant burn marks. These images underscore the severity of the situation and raise serious questions regarding the safety of such power supplies.
Furthermore, the user reported that upon seeking assistance from NVIDIA’s official forum, their post was swiftly removed, prompting them to turn to Reddit as an alternative platform for discussion. This censorship has added a layer of frustration for users hoping to warn others about possible risks.
Power Supply Concerns
The affected user recounted that the power supply in question was the PowerSpec PS 1050 GFM, which had been newly purchased specifically for the RTX 5090. This unit is compliant with the ATX 3.1 standard and uses a 12V-2×6 power cable, which had never been utilized with any other graphics card. Such details are crucial, as they highlight the risks associated with specific power supply configurations and their compatibility.
Despite the burned graphics card not being from ASUS, the company has stepped in to address the situation by providing the user with a replacement: an RTX 5090 Night God Edition. This action illustrates the brand’s commitment to customer service, especially in light of serious safety concerns.
To further mitigate any risks, the user opted to purchase an alternative power supply—a Haiyun 1500W platinum model—along with a replacement water-cooling system. This decision illustrates the ongoing anxiety felt among consumers in response to the incident, as many may reconsider their current hardware setups.
Broader Implications
This incident serves as a wake-up call for both manufacturers and consumers regarding the importance of power supply safety. As PCs become exponentially more powerful, the components that drive them must also adapt to handle increased demands. The unfortunate event surrounding the RTX 5090 emphasizes the risks inherent to hardware that relies on high-wattage power cables.
Users are urged to remain vigilant about their power supply choices, ensuring they use certified products that meet or exceed industry standards. Monitoring the latest discussions in online tech communities can also provide valuable insights into the reliability of various components.
Conclusion
The alarming case of the burning RTX 5090 power cord reflects a larger issue within the tech community regarding power supply safety. While manufacturers like ASUS take steps to rectify the situation for affected users, it is crucial for consumers to remain informed and proactive about their hardware choices. As technology continues to evolve, prioritizing safety in power supply designs must become a fundamental consideration for both developers and end-users.
As we move forward, ongoing discussions on platforms like Reddit can help shed light on these vital safety issues, cultivating a more informed community of tech enthusiasts and gamers alike.
