NVIDIA RTX 4090 graphics cards’ new power supply – 12VHPWR adapters are potentially dangerous.
PCI-SIG is a standards body that draws up specifications for basic PC system connections, including PCIe. Last year, he ratified a new standard that supports high power consumption of high-performance graphics processors – a 12VHPWR socket for PCIe 5.0 devices.
The 12VHPWR outputs have already replaced some of the 8-pin Molex connectors on the latest power supplies. They deliver up to 600W of current across 12 rails, four times the power of an 8-pin connector. The physical connector is about the same size as the 8-pin predecessor. The new power connection will be used in the upcoming NVIDIA RTX 4090 graphics cards.
PCI-SIG has no complaints about the 12VHPWR standard – it works well. However, there is the problem of cheap adapters from 8-pin to 12VHPWR, which some manufacturers include with power supplies. Last week, the organization sent out the following message to its members.
NVIDIA RTX 4090 Graphics Cards’ New Power Supply
“Be aware that PCI-SIG has become aware that some implementations of 12VHPWR connectors and assemblies have exhibited thermal dispersion, which can lead to security issues under certain conditions. While the PCI-SIG specifications provide the necessary information for interoperability, they do not attempt to cover all aspects of good design, relying on many of the industry’s most recognized standard design practices. Since the PCI-SIG Working Groups include many knowledgeable connector and system design experts, they will study available information about this industry issue and provide assistance as needed to resolve it.
NVIDIA RTX 4090 Graphics Cards’ New Power Supply
As new details become available, PCI-SIG may provide additional updates. In the meantime, we encourage members to work closely with connector vendors and exercise due diligence when using high power connections, especially where security concerns may exist.”
In a veiled form, this means that some components can melt or catch fire under full load in adverse conditions, such as in a hot case.
During the experiment, Wccftech connected two 8-pin connectors to one 12VHPWR connector using an adapter and placed a 600W load on them. The PSU put out 600W easily, delivering just over 300W to the 8-pin connector, even though they are only rated for 150W each.
NVIDIA RTX 4090 Graphics Cards’ New Power Supply
If you plan to build a system with the flagship RTX 4000 graphics card, it is highly advisable to purchase a new power supply with a 12VHPWR connector to avoid the use of adapters. According to preliminary data, the NVIDIA RTX 4090 may have a TDP of 450W and maximum consumption of up to 800W.
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