Users may be to blame for problems with GeForce RTX 4090 power connector

Users themselves may be the source of problems with 12+4-pin 12VHPWR power connectors on GeForce RTX 4090 graphics cards.
Corsair power supply expert with a nickname JonnyGuru believes that users incorrectly connect adapters or cables to the video card power connector, which causes the melting of connectors.To recap, shortly after the launch of GeForce RTX 4090 graphics cards in the web began to appear reports of melting power connectors 12VHPWR.
Initially it was assumed that the reason for this are low-quality adapters, which NVIDIA and its partners put in the set of video cards.
These adapters turn four 8-pin connectors into one new 12+4-pin connector.
Later on it turned out that even when connecting a video card without an adapter, i.e.
directly to a modern power adapter with a native 12VHPWR cable, the connector can melt.
Now JonnyGuru came up with the theory that users might not fully plug the 12+4 pin connector into the graphics card slot, which could lead to connection problems and lead to increased resistance, higher temperatures and melting of the connectors.
This theory is not new and has not yet been 100% confirmed.
Nevertheless, JonnyGuru told us how exactly he came to this version of events.
Firstly, the expert connected Corsair HX1500i power adapter to GeForce RTX 4090 video card, but using only three 8-pin connectors, which should provide higher current and thus higher heating.
To replicate the problem and cause the connector to overheat, JonnyGuru started messing with the connectors, especially trying to break the solder strength.
After the tests everything remained in its place, it was not so easy to break the connector, and the temperature did not exceed 53 °C.Then the expert investigated all known cases of connector melting, looking through every published photo and comparing undamaged connections with the ones which faced melting.
The conclusion was, \"ANY 12VHPWR connector has the potential to melt because ANY of them can be difficult to insert.
\u003C...> VERY HARD to fully insert\".The expert noted that in many cases the damaged connector was not fully, fully plugged into the video card - there was a small gap that could lead to problems.
JonnyGuru recommends users who are worried about their GeForce RTX 4090 graphics cards to use an electrical contact lubricant which will ensure better contact between the connector and the video card connector.NVIDIA has not yet given any comment on the situation.
Meanwhile, PCI-SIG, which is in charge of certifying everything related to the PCIe standard, including power connectors, has distributed a notice that hints at the upcoming version of the 12+4-pin 12VHPWR connector.
A fresh specification could be published by December 6, 2022.