When Nvidia released the RTX 30 Series GPUs, the firm also unveiled the 16-pin GPU power connection. But shortly after, it was discovered that 12VHPWR had problems. A few individuals discovered that the power wires for their RTX 4090 GPU were liquefied! This story has been ongoing for a while. The modified 12V-2X6 standard was issued in mid-2023 by the PCI-SIG organization, which is now responsible for developing new PCI standards, including connection designs.
The Founders Edition RTX 40 Super from Nvidia seems to be utilizing the safer and more dependable 12V-2X6 standard. The new Founders edition won't melt, for that reason. Nvidia has already begun using the new 12V-2X6 connection on their GPUs, as IgorsLab revealed. Thus, it follows that 12V-2X6 should already be included in the new RTX 40 Super series Founders Edition version GPUs. But well, what do you know?
There Are Still Some RTX 40 Super GPUs That Use 12VHPWR
It turns out that under the rebranded RTX 40 Super lineup, certain new GPUs produced by companies (like MSI) include: The RTX 4070 Super, RTX 4080 Super, and RTX 4070 Ti Super continue to implement the 16-pin GPU power connection utilizing the outdated 12VHPWR standard!
This has been brought to light by the X (formerly Twitter) user @wxnod, who has previously given trustworthy information on PC hardware. His most recent article reveals that certain recently introduced RTX 40 Super AIB cards (the brands are not specified) regrettably do not use the new 12V-2X6 standard!
16-Pin GPU Power Connector: 12V-2X6 Safety vs 12VHPWR
By the end of 2023, most people thought that the issues with the 16-pin GPU power connection based on 12VHPWR had been resolved. However, Byogore, a Reddit user, said that he had encountered the same 12VHPWR problem with his $1599 ASUS RTX 4090, in which the connector cable melted. The customer apparently had zero issues with the graphics card prior to this, which occurred precisely one year later.Furthermore, NorthRidgeFix, a PC hardware repair firm, has claimed that they have received several RTX 4090s that have the same issue. There is a widely held belief that the 16-pin GPU power connection cable is dangerous to use if it is not fully inserted.Even still, a lot of folks who swear that their cable was inserted completely had problems. Some even complained it was difficult to determine whether it was put all the way through.To put it simply, the new 12V-2X6 power connection standard is more dependable and safer. HardwareBusters tested it, and their results show that at suitable temperatures, the new standard can withstand 640W of power.How to Use a 16-Pin GPU Power Connector Safely
This raises a crucial question. How do people who construct PCs, like you and me, know what configuration to use? Which cords are secure? How can you make sure a GPU you want to purchase is as far away from problems like these as possible?Recently, I intended to purchase a power supply that has a 16-pin connection. According to what I've researched, there is a "safer" way to incorporate the new standard into your PC build while guaranteeing at least some reliability and safety if you plan to purchase a graphics card or power supply that specifically uses the 16-pin GPU Power Connector for power.
It is safe to utilize 12VHPWR when implemented correctly.- Ensure the power supply has the correct implementation of 12VHPWR.
- If you can’t get 12V-2X6, repeatedly check to ensure that your cables are plugged in all the way.
- Request the brand’s GPU & Power Supply support team for information regarding which 16-pin power connector standard is being used on a product you’re interested in buying.
- Try to get PC components based on the newer standard. If you simply cannot, then deeply research to ensure that the power supply has the correct implementation.
- For example, the BeQuiet Dark Power Pro mentioned by Igorslab employs the use of thick 16AWG wires for every single pin of the GPU power connector.
- Igorslab has documented the correct way to implement 12VHPWR here.
How to Handle a Melting 16-Pin GPU Power Cable
Even so, report any problems you may be experiencing with the 16-Pin GPU power connection by getting in touch with your GPU manufacturer right away. A lengthy three to five year warranty is included with graphics cards.If you require a new GPU, you should be able to utilize the warranty to start an RMA. I will nevertheless, as I already said, strongly avoid anything that uses the 12VHPWR standard in my PC setups. I would only take into account components that make use of the more recent, secure, and dependable 12V-2X6 implementation.Is the 12VHPWR being used by the RTX 40 Super still the case?
According to reports, Nvidia discussed the problem with its board partners during a meeting last year. They allegedly received GPUs to look into the problem. There's no denying that Nvidia and its board partners have had formal talks.In light of this, I would like to think that the latest RTX 40 Super GPUs are probably safe to utilize, even if they use 12VHPWR rather than 12V-2X66. Compared to the earlier implementations, they could have some kind of mitigation.
