The 16-pin power connector saga is far from over. It seems to be getting weirder. Reports initially focused on the power-hungry RTX 5090, but now there are worrying signs that the RTX 5080 is also affected. The issue is not limited to high-end, extreme-powered GPUs.
Reddit User Reports PSU Connection Melt Down with RTX 5080
A Reddit user u/Ambitious_Ladder1320 shared an alarming photo on the ASUS subreddit. They describe the melting of a 16-pin power connector. The unusual part is that it burned on the PSU side in a system using an NVIDIA GeForce RTX 5080. This was considered unlikely, especially with a card of lower TDP than top-tier parts like the RTX 5090.
The user stated that the problems began with a flashing red light on the RTX 5080. This likely indicated a connection issue. Resitting the power cables appeared to resolve the red light, but further issues arose. These included degraded monitoring resolution and refresh rate, and the GPU operating in PCI-E x3 mode, slower than expected. Investigation revealed the problem: a melted 16-pin connector. It was not on the graphics card itself, but on their ASUS ROG Loki power supply.
Déjà Vu? ROG Loki and Previous RTX 5090 Case
The PSU in question is an ASUS ROG Loki. This is the same model cited in a previous report of a melted connector with an RTX 5090. While it is still early, this could suggest a pattern. It at least places the ROG Loki series under scrutiny regarding these events.
Experts, including Der8auer, have suggested the core problem may be the 12VHPWR connector design itself. Poor quality wires could also contribute. Der8auer's analysis indicated that in several cases, a few wires bore a disproportionately high load. This led to overheating and melting at both the GPU and PSU level.
Is the 12VHPWR Connector the Real Culprit?
The 12VHPWR connector is designed for extremely high-power delivery. With melting connector reports now including the RTX 5080, questions about its sturdiness and suitability grow. This is especially relevant for current GPUs with high power draw. The newer 12V-2x6 connector is intended as an improvement. However, its ability to fully resolve these problems remains to be seen.
Gamers Nexus to Investigate
Gamers Nexus, known for detailed hardware analyses, contacted the Reddit user. They have requested to purchase the damaged parts: the PSU, cable, and RTX 5080. This suggests a detailed, professional investigation is forthcoming. The investigation into this RTX 5080 melting connector case could yield broader insights into the 12VHPWR issue.
Lower Power RTX 5080 Also Falls Victim - Why?
The RTX 5080 draws 35 watts less than the 5090, yet it is experiencing the same melting connector problem. This indicates that extreme power draw may not be the only cause. Other factors might include manufacturing tolerances, connector quality control, or subtle design flaws in cards or PSUs.
AMD and Intel GPUs, with different power delivery designs, are not widely affected by melted connectors. This reinforces the focus on the 12VHPWR connector and its implementation with NVIDIA's latest GPUs.
This story is developing. Updates will follow, especially regarding Gamers Nexus' findings. For now, owners of RTX 5080 or RTX 5090 cards with 12VHPWR connectors should regularly check connections for melting or damage. Stay informed.
Source: r/ASUS on Reddit
