MSI RTX 5090 Suffers Catastrophic Failure Due to 12VHPWR Connector Meltdown—Design Flaws Persist Across GPU and PSU Sides

The long-standing issue with NVIDIA's 12VHPWR connectors continues to rear its head as yet another high-end GPU—the MSI RTX 5090 Gaming TRIO OC—has been severely damaged due to connector failure. This time, both the GPU and PSU sides of the 12VHPWR power cable suffered from melting and deformation, prompting fresh concerns about the power delivery standards used in next-gen graphics hardware.

The incident was reported by Reddit user u/Roachard, who shared detailed images of the damage. Despite not enabling any overclocking and using a premium Corsair SF1000L SFX power supply with its stock 12VHPWR cable, the GPU's power connector melted under peak loads. A closer look revealed significant heat damage—at least four of the cable's pins were badly compromised, with bulging and melted plastic indicating temperatures exceeding 150°C.

A Recurring and Dangerous Pattern

This case reflects a broader pattern: improper contact between connector pins often causes some wires to bear disproportionate load, resulting in localized overheating. Over time—or even within a single high-load session—this imbalance can lead to complete failure of the cable and connected hardware.

The RTX 5090, with its peak consumption nearing 600W, is particularly susceptible to this design flaw. While NVIDIA's updated 12V-2x6 standard aims to improve contact reliability, it fails to address the root issue—an inherent structural weakness that allows full power draw through only partially engaged pins.

The financial and operational impact of such failures is substantial. The affected MSI RTX 5090 card costs approximately $2,900, a significant investment even for high-end gaming or workstation users. While the component may be eligible for replacement under RMA policies, the underlying reliability concern remains unresolved.

A Call for Industry-Wide Design Reassessment

The continued appearance of these catastrophic failures—despite awareness and incremental improvements—highlights the need for a more substantial redesign of the GPU power delivery standard. As performance and power demands grow with each generation, so too must the resilience and safety of the hardware that supports it.

Until the 12VHPWR design is fundamentally reworked, high-end GPU users must remain vigilant: ensure flawless cable seating, avoid excessive cable bending near connectors, and monitor thermals if possible.

Have you experienced similar power connector issues with RTX 40 or 50 series cards? Join the conversation and let us know your thoughts or experiences in the comments below.