Exclusive RTX 5090D Suffers From Melting 16-Pin Connector Issues Despite New Generation Improvements

Melting Connector Problem Returns with NVIDIA's Exclusive RTX 5090D

Once again, the notorious issue of melting 16-pin (12VHPWR) connectors has resurfaced in the graphics card world, this time affecting NVIDIA’s flagship RTX 5090D. Designed specifically for the Chinese market, this high-performance GPU joins a growing list of premium graphics cards—such as the RTX 4090 series—that have fallen victim to overheating and connector failures.

Case Studies: Multiple Power Supplies, Similar Failure

Reports from tech communities like Baidu Tieba reveal that users continue to experience this issue, even after the release of the updated 12V-2x6 connectors. In one recent instance, a user’s Aorus RTX 5090D Master Ice suffered a melted connector just two months after purchase. According to Tomshardware, the user was powering the card with the Segotep KL-1250G, a reputable 1250W power supply unit (PSU) featuring the modern ATX 3.0 standard. Despite the PSU's credentials, some in the tech community questioned its quality amidst these failures.

Another similar report involved a Gainward RTX 5090D partnered with an ASUS ROG Loki PSU, both considered top-tier brands. Notably, both ends of the 16-pin connector sustained damage, suggesting that even high-end components are not immune. The reliability of ASUS’s premium PSU model means the cause is unlikely to be a simple power supply issue alone.

Product Features, Comparisons, and Underlying Causes

The RTX 5090D, like other NVIDIA Blackwell and Ada Lovelace series GPUs, boasts state-of-the-art architecture, efficiency, and leading gaming performance. However, experts trace the melting connector problem to the revised circuit board design. Unlike the previous Ampere generation—exemplified by the RTX 3090 Ti, which managed high power draw without issues—the new architecture reportedly lacks intelligent power detection and distribution features. This omission may increase the risk of hardware failures, making even the most advanced models susceptible to physical damage.

Market Impact and User Considerations

For gamers and power users eager to upgrade to next-generation GPUs, these incidents underscore the importance of ongoing vigilance around power delivery and thermal management in high-end PC builds. The RTX 5090D remains technically impressive, but potential buyers should be aware of compatibility and safety concerns with 16-pin connectors, regardless of PSU brand or wattage.
As markets push for ever-higher performance graphics cards, manufacturers and users alike must prioritize safe, stable connections to prevent damaging and costly hardware mishaps.