Nvidia has looked at some cases of scorched or even burnt power connectors on the GeForce RTX 4090. The manufacturer concludes that the most common problem with the 12VHPWR connector is when it is not fully seated.
According to a support post, Nvidia is 50 cases worldwide known from scorched power plugs on the GeForce RTX 4090. In all of the cases examined, the 12VHPWR adapters used showed markings that occur when the connector is not 100 percent correctly seated: The part inside the graphics card connection gets hotter, so that a line forms on the plastic at the edge.
The 12VHPWR connector does not produce as loud a click when it clicks into place as the previous 8- and 6-pin connectors. In addition, full insertion requires more force than before. Nvidia recommends plugging the cable or adapter into the case before installing the graphics card. This makes it easier to ensure that the connector is properly seated.
Changes to the 12VHPWR connector possible
Nvidia now wants to check if there are better ways to ensure that cables or adapters are properly seated. However, possible changes, such as the locking mechanism, require a revised specification from the PCI-SIG group of companies.
Regardless of the RTX 4000 graphics card used and the adapter or cable used, those affected should receive “speedy RMA processes” for repairs or replacement graphics cards. Nvidia confirmed this to Gamersnexusthat this also applies to graphics cards where the connector has been proven to be incorrectly seated.
(mma)