An owner of an RTX 40 series graphics card? Then it's crucial to be aware of the potential melting issues that can occur with the card's 12VHPWR 600W power connector. Nvidia attributes this problem to user error, specifically improper insertion of the 16-pin power connector. However, there is a solution to protect your graphics card from this potential damage.
The Custom Monitoring Program
Reddit user 'shiny_guy' has developed a custom monitoring program that safeguards RTX 4090 and other 12VHPWR-equipped graphics cards from melting. This program utilizes a 10k sensor which can be purchased for as little as $8 to $10 on Amazon. The sensor is then connected to a compatible motherboard header. The program reads the sensor data and can be programmed to initiate a fail-safe command once the connector temperature reaches a specific level.
The program author mentions that they connected the sensor to their Corsair iCUE commander pro. Other fail-safe commands include reducing the GPU power limit, closing an application or game, or shutting down the computer. While this system may not completely solve the melting issues with the 16-pin graphics card, it provides a warning to prevent damage.
It's important to note that the melting issues are likely not the user's fault. PCI SIG is currently working on a revised version of the connector known as the 12V-2x6 connector to address this problem. Nvidia has already integrated some of the modifications from the 12V-2x6 connector into the RTX 4070. In the meantime, this safety application offers peace of mind and allows users to continue enjoying the performance of the RTX 4090 and other 12VHPWR-equipped graphics cards.
