Nvidia update on RTX 4090 GPU melting adapter reveals likely cause
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Nvidia has issued a statement regarding the RTX 4090 GPU and its ongoing investigation into power adapter meltdown incidents.
Team Green notes that a common problem with reported 12VHPWR adapters melting is that they are not connected properly, and the company estimates there have been about 50 cases of this worldwide.
Nvidia wrote (opens in new tab): “We are actively investigating the reports. We are aware of about 50 cases worldwide. Our findings so far suggest that a common problem is that connectors are not completely connected to the graphics card.
“To ensure the connector is secure, we recommend inserting the power dongle into the graphics card first to ensure it is firmly and evenly connected before plugging the graphics card into the motherboard.”
Nvidia concludes that: “We are exploring additional ways to ensure the connector is secure before enabling the graphics card.”
Team Green also provided some images to illustrate where the adapter is properly seated and another where it is not fully connected.
Analysis: scope of the problem
Those affected by the melting adapter issue will benefit from “an expedited RMA process, regardless of the cable or card used,” so replacement RTX 4090 cards will soon be issued to all affected users.
That’s good to hear, as user error is being suggested here, in terms of the adapter not being fully connected – but even if it is, Nvidia will replace the damaged graphics card in question, because Gamers Nexus (GN) clarified (opens in new tab). Nvidia told GN: “Anyone who has a problem [with the melting adapter] will be taken care of. We will expedite an RMA.”
GN also received an estimate of the number of RTX 4090 units sold to date (from board partners) and estimates it to be around 125,000 units, which means if 50 of the graphics cards are found to have the issue according to Nvidia’s official figure, this 0.04% of RTX means 4090 users are affected (add your own spice, but this gives you an idea that the problem is far from widespread).
Nevertheless, it remains a concerning situation, and we’re curious what Nvidia would advise in terms of citing “additional ways” to secure the connector for the power adapter.
Since we hear about the adapter mis-seating as a possible cause of these melting cables, the obvious concern is that even if the thing is plugged in properly to begin with, it’s under some sort of tension – and bent to fit, for example in a PC case against the side panel – there is a danger that it will eventually loosen and possibly cause a problem.
Hopefully Nvidia will have that further advice to hand soon.
Through Tom’s hardware (opens in new tab)