CableMod's custom 12VHPWR connector for GeForce RTX 40 GPUs has melted despite being connected properly, as one Reddit user has stated.
Properly Inserted 12VHPWR Connector From CableMod Melts, Company Responds & Is Investigating The Issue
You might remember the fiasco when NVIDIA introduced their 12VHPWR power connectors with the release of the GeForce RTX 40 series GPUs. Several users encountered burning issues leading to a new debate on the new connectors. NVIDIA declared the problem a "user error" claiming that the connectors weren't seated properly, leading to power delivery disruptions.
My CableMod adapter melted my 4090 power connector and I can’t even unplug it
byu/Darewelll inpcmasterrace
CableMod came to the rescue and offered a 90-degree angled connector which ensured no cable bending, and extended the cable adapter to allow much easier wire management. As expected, the connectors sold like hotcakes, and according to JayzTwoCents, the company sold around 40,000 units which is a huge figure considering the significance of the product. However, things didn't stay well for long, as several users reported melting incidents in the CableMod adapter.
Reddit user u/Darewelll brought the issue to light claiming that his adapter suddenly burned and melted in such a way that the plastic soldered itself together and cannot be removed from either of the plugs. The affected user also shared a video of the adapter on YouTube, where the burnt marks are evident. Well, if we debug into the problem, things may seem more complex. The problem could persist due consumer's negligence in seating the adapter into the GPU, but that may not be the case for every incident. The user error specifically states that his connector was inserted as per the guidelines.
In an analysis by JayzTwoCents on the problem, he did highlight a significant factor behind the CableMod connector burning issue. The 90-degree adapters are reportedly prone to a wiggling issue, making users doubt whether the connector is completely seated. This has something to do with the length of the 90-degree adapter, which is causing the wiggle as you can see below:
Moreover, most incidents occur at the GPU connector rather than at the end where the PSU cable is connected. This may lead to the conclusion that the weight disparity due to the attached cable is causing the Cablemod adapter not to be fully seated. The company has also stated that 70% of the burning incidents are reportedly from a single card manufacturer.
One aspect to consider is how long CableMod will offer replacement to users facing the issue. The company has promised to replace the affected GPUs with new ones. Still, based on the number of adapter units CableMod has sold, it appears that if the issue spreads widely, it might pose severe problems for both the company and its customers.
終わりました。 pic.twitter.com/7YH0017RyM
— Death (@death_1125) July 2, 2023
https://twitter.com/nissyan_daze/status/1675821074645417985
For now, we recommend that consumers proceed cautiously when using CableMod adapters. You should ensure that the adapter is fully seated and there is no bending in the power cable. Cablemod has yet to issue an official statement regarding the burning incidents, and if they do, we will surely update you guys. This is also one of the several reasons why a new 12V-2x6 specification is being worked on by PCI-SIG.
About the author: Muhammad Zuhair is a hardware and technology reporter for Wccftech, specializing in the semiconductor industry and the complex interplay between technology, manufacturing, and geopolitics. His coverage focuses on the corporate strategies and technological roadmaps of industry giants like TSMC, NVIDIA, Samsung, and Intel. Zuhair's expertise lies in deconstructing complex topics such as fabrication nodes (e.g., 2nm process), the economic impact of policies like the CHIPS Act, and the strategic development of AI infrastructure from NVIDIA, AMD and Intel.
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