VIDEO 12VHPWR on RTX 5090 is Extremely Concerning

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The video "12VHPWR on RTX 5090 is Extremely Concerning" discusses issues surrounding the power connector on the RTX 5090 graphics card. It seems there is significant concern regarding the 12VHPWR connector, which is used to deliver power to the card. The video examines cases of cable and plug damage, including melted and burned components, attributed to potential defects or design issues with the connectors or cables.
Here's a brief overview of the key points:

1. Damaged Hardware: The video investigates reported damages to the RTX 5090, including burnt GPU sockets, damaged cables, and power supplies, as shared by a user on Reddit.
2. Potential Causes: The discussion touches on whether these problems are due to user errors, low-quality third-party cables, or inherent design flaws in the connectors themselves.
3. Technical Analysis: Using thermal imaging and other investigative methods, the presenter identifies uneven current distribution among cables, leading to overheating.
4. Material Considerations: The video also delves into the materials used in cable construction, noting that mixing metals such as gold and tin can lead to issues, according to a source from Molex.
5. Safety and Reliability: Concerns are raised about the reduced headroom for power delivery in newer models compared to the earlier RTX 4090s, suggesting design limits might be pressed too closely, leading to failures.

The discussion stresses the need to ensure cables are properly seated and seeks a more reliable design or standard for these high-power connectors to prevent similar issues in wider DIY applications.
If you're considering using or upgrading to a 5090 GPU, it's essential to be aware of these potential issues and ensure proper installation and use of high-quality certified components.