Nexus gamers dive deep into melting 12VHPWR connectors

With PCI Express 5.0, the new 12VHPWR standard was also introduced, in which the previous 8-pin graphics card power connectors could be replaced with a 16-pin variant that made it possible to deliver up to 600 watts per connector. Among those investing heavily are Nvidia with the Geforce RTX 4000 series and, more recently, Intel as well. Xe graphics for data centers.

In connection with the launch of the Nvidia RTX 4090, the new connector standard ended up in hot air as a result of users reporting that the 16-pin graphics card connector was starting to smoke and melt. Early opinions differed on the causes of the problem and both standard and adapters and user error were on the agenda. Currently Gamers Nexus YouTube profile Dig into the problem again and delve deeper into the causes of transformer melting.

To run the tests, Gamers Nexus first collected a batch of Switches through channel viewers. Samples collected complete and broken down, from both manufacturers used by Nvidia. They have since been tested in many different scenarios that have been blamed for causing the problem and with previous theories in mind. The only thing that resulted in a melted connector was that the connector was not properly connected all the way, while the wires were bent or stretched too badly in such a way that they angled the connector. This can be reproduced with adapters from both manufacturers, and neither is said to be significantly more secure.

The testing process took several weeks and involved sending transformers to an outside laboratory that specialized in fault analysis, which examined both materials and wear using X-rays, among other things. Some adapters appeared to be of lower quality, including corrosion on the tin and nickel plated contact surfaces, but this substandard soldering was not a problem either on the entire adapters examined or on Gamers Nexus that managed to melt.

However, the tester was able to confirm that there was a problem with debris getting stuck in the connector, either during the manufacturing process or if users mishandled the connectors. It can cause corrosion on the contact surfaces when the plug is inserted and removed and it is possible, although rare, that this contributes to cases that end in melting.

With the help of our audience who submitted a few failed cables, we’ve been able to come to 3 surefire (or, really, 2+1) conclusions as to why these adapter cables fail (and unmodified cables too). Of course, there could be more reasons, but we think these three are the primary ones. Between foreign object debris in manufacturing (it sounds uncommon, but it’s a cause) and user error, we managed to melt a few cables. On the UI front, remember one major thing: even if your system doesn’t start completely and is only partially unpacked, it can make its way over time if you move cables around, do some cleaning, move the system, etc. – Nexus for the player

Despite this, Gamers Nexus is going down although the most likely explanation is user error and cables not being properly connected. The conclusion is not entirely different from the conclusion presented in John’s “Johnny Guru” article has now been deleted for Jero – When a connector is not fully connected and then bent, the connector pins end up in a position that allows room for errors and uncontrolled heat development. Like the Corsair director, Nexus Gamers agree that the connectors aren’t always easy to fit, and that they can loosen and slide over time or, say, if the computer is moved physically.

It is also pointed out that there is a fine line between user error and design error. While users are responsible for handling their products properly according to the instructions provided, a high failure rate may indicate that the design is defective. Currently, data collected by Gamers Nexus indicates that the failure rate is low, with only about 0.1 percent experiencing the problem.

Constantly checking wires can increase the risk of a melting connection. Frequently reconnecting the adapter to avoid failure instead can introduce debris and wear and tear which in some cases contribute to the problem. In addition, the early recommendation not to bend the cables too hard was repeated. If this recommendation is followed and the cable is connected properly and carefully checked to see that the connector is actually connected all the way, then users have nothing to worry about.