Nvidia Unveils Game-Changing RTX 4090 FE: Enhanced Design for Safer and Better Performance, Stopping Melting Cables
Nvidia's latest move: Updated 12-pin connector design in their RTX 4090 FE cards to prevent cable melting, as reported
Nvidia appears to be developing an improved version of their powerful gaming GPU, the GeForce RTX 4090. This new iteration features a modified 12VHPWR connector, which was initially seen in the GeForce RTX 4070 FE. By implementing this updated design in the RTX 4090 FE cards, the risk of cable melting may have been diminished.
Towards the end of last year, a number of users reported instances of power cables melting on Nvidia RTX 4090 cards. In response, Nvidia acknowledged that the issue may have been caused by connectors not being securely attached to the graphics card. After examining returned cable adapters, the company discovered signs of wear damage, indicating inadequate connection. This potentially resulted in high temperatures that caused the cables to melt.
Redditor 'prackprackprack' recently shared an image of a brand-new Founders Edition Nvidia RTX 4090 graphics card with a modified 12VHPWR connector design. Unlike the original Nvidia RTX 4090 and Nvidia RTX 4080 models, the sense pins on this card were noticeably shorter. While this may appear to be a small adjustment, it could potentially prevent the cables of the Nvidia RTX 4090 from overheating and melting. The recessed sense pins ensure that if the cables are not securely connected, the card will not receive power, thereby avoiding the risk of high power flowing through loose cables.
What is interesting to note is that Nvidia seems to have started implementing this connector change with the GeForce RTX 4070 cards. According to a recent report by Igor Labs, the Founders Edition RTX 4070 also features a 12VHPWR connector with smaller or recessed sense pins. Strangely, the company did not make any official announcements regarding this alteration when the RTX 4070 was released. Now, it seems that the same modification is being applied to the RTX 4090 FE model.
Along with the Founders Edition, below are some of our best RTX 4090 picks.
NVIDIA GeForce RTX 4090 Founders Edition
$2070 - $2400 Save $330 The GeForce RTX 4090 Founders Edition by NVIDIA boasts 16,384 CUDA Cores, enabling seamless ray tracing gameplay and supporting up to 8K gaming. With its exceptional cooling, VRMs, and value for money, the founder's edition card is a top-notch GPU variant.
Available at:
- Amazon: $2070
- Newegg: $2300
The ASUS ROG Strix GeForce RTX 4090 OC Edition stands as one of the largest GPUs ever produced by ASUS. Its remarkable patented design not only enhances its appearance but also enables remarkable overclocking capabilities compared to its counterparts. Sporting a vapor chamber, this impressive GPU is available in both black and white, delivering both style and power. With its unrivaled performance, it easily surpasses all other 4090s on the market, boasting a stable clock speed of 3120 Mhz in our own comprehensive tests.
$1968 at Amazon $2000 at Newegg
MSI Suprim Liquid X GeForce RTX 4090
The MSI Suprim Liquid X GeForce RTX 4090, with its unique and advanced cooling design, stands out as the leading choice for ray tracing graphics cards. With its dual cooling system, it effortlessly maintains a high base speed of over 2640 MHz. In certain instances, it can even be boosted to as much as 3000 MHz or higher. Available for $2100 at Newegg and $1750 at Amazon.
Presenting the GIGABYTE AORUS GeForce RTX 4090, an extraordinary advancement in graphics card technology. The Xtreme WATERFORCE variant of this legendary series stands out as the ultimate choice, showcasing unmatched water-cooling capabilities. It’s worth mentioning that, although sleeker in design compared to the Founders Edition and ASUS ROG Strix models, this remarkable card necessitates three fan slots in your PC Case.
The prices are $2,369.9 at Amazon and $1,909.99 at Newegg.
Please note that this change does not fully implement the upcoming 12V2x6 design for the 12VHPWR connector. Nvidia announced the new connector design soon after the melting cable issues were initially reported. This new design adheres to the CEM 5.1 specifications proposed by PCI SIG for the ATX 3.1 specs. The new design will have various specifications with adjusted sustained power metrics. Since the headers remain the same, the cables should be compatible.
It is currently unclear if the updated connector design will be included in all new RTX 4090 FE cards. Nvidia has not provided any information regarding this change, leaving uncertainty surrounding when board partner cards will be updated, likely after depleting current stock.
Nvidia opted for the 12VHPWR connector in their power-hungry GeForce RTX 4090 cards, as it can supply up to 600W of power to the GPU through a single cable. In contrast, AMD chose to continue using the older but reliable PCIe 8-pin connectors for their Radeon RX 7000 series graphics cards. Following issues arising with the 12VHPWR connectors in Nvidia cards, AMD's General Manager Scott Herkelman stated on Twitter that the forthcoming RDNA 3 GPUs will not feature this new connector. The Radeon RX 7900 XTX, Radeon RX 7900 XT, and the Radeon RX 7600 all come equipped with the standard 8-pin, 6-pin, or a combination connector. AMD enthusiasts can be reassured that their GPU cables will not melt or cause malfunctions during typical usage.
The Sapphire Nitro+ Radeon RX 7900 XTX stands out as a high-end GPU capable of delivering exceptional performance in any game, ensuring smooth gameplay at high detail settings and impressive frame rates. What sets it apart is the innovative Fan Quick Connect system, which eliminates the need to return the entire card in the event of a fan problem. Additionally, this graphics card boasts a stylish Dual ARGB Light Bar, incorporating ARGB LEDs that not only enhance its visual appeal but also contribute to its overall aesthetic charm.
The MSI Radeon RX 7900 XT Gaming Trio Classic 20G is the ultimate choice for intense 4K gaming, offering unparalleled value. Boasting a boost clock speed of 2400 MHz and an impressive 20 GB of GDDR6 memory, this graphics card from MSI outperforms its competitors. Thanks to the innovative Torx 4.0 fan with its unique ring-shaped construction, airflow is directed efficiently towards the heatsinks, ensuring optimal cooling performance. In addition, the robust brushed aluminum backplate of the MSI Radeon RX 7900 XT Gaming Trio Classic 20G guarantees durability against prolonged exposure to heat and the rigors of gaming.
