The reports of melting 16-pin power connectors haven't stopped yet, and it's likely going to continue. However, users can use ASRock's latest 12V-2x6 L-Type connector cable to mitigate the issue.
ASRock Debuts 12V-2x6 L-Type Connector Cable With Built-in NTC Sensor to Protect the Connector From Melting
Almost every week, we hear about a burnt/melted 16-pin power connector, particularly on high-end RTX 50 series GPUs. However, there has been no permanent solution since the connector retains its inherent flaw of drawing all power through a single pin. Surely, the latest 12V-2x6 standard has mitigated the issue to an extent, but it isn't enough, and we continue to see horribly melted connectors on both GPUs and PSUs.
Maybe ASRock's latest 12V-2x6 L-Type connector cable can solve this issue, as it comes with a built-in NTC Sensor to detect resistance changes. With such a sensor, the cable offers Over-Temperature Protection, which ensures safe operation. However, this cable will only be compatible with ASRock PSUs. ASRock clearly mentions that only its Taichi and Phantom Gaming series power supplies will be able to support the new feature. So, users who want to mitigate the issue as much as possible can opt for an ASRock-12V-2x6 L-Type cable combo.
The L-Type cable also has a dual-color design, ensuring users can know if they have fully inserted the plug inside the connector. This is something that MSI did much earlier but it doesn't necessarily eliminate the risk of melting as seen from some cases. Nonetheless, considering that ASRock's 16-pin cable is currently the most advanced among all, it should provide a hassle-free operation, but the downside is that you have to change your PSU.
ASRock has listed its recommendations for using its 12V-2x6 power cable, suggesting that users must ensure that their connectors are properly Inserted, Click-Locked, and Seated. Moreover, they shouldn't bend the cable in any direction once the connection has been established. This also applies to the cable near the connector, since most connector melting happened due to insufficient clearance for the bend. Thankfully, the L-Type connector eliminates such risk, but one should still avoid pushing or applying any force near the bend to be on the safe side.
ASRock 12V-2x6 L-Type cable will ship with a 2-year limited warranty, and according to some reports, the cable will cost $40. So, quite expensive, but could be a good one-time investment to save your $1000+ GPU.
News Sources: Videocardz, ASRock
About the author: Sarfraz Khan is a hardware reporter with a focus on PC components and the builder community. With years of experience writing about PC hardware and laptops, his work has been featured on several reputable technology publications. Sarfraz's hands-on experience is demonstrated through his first-person accounts of using and comparing different hardware configurations, providing practical and relatable insights for everyday users. His technical analysis is respected by peers in the enthusiast community and has been cited by specialized hardware sites such as Germany's Igor's Lab.
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