News Overview
- MSI’s yellow 12V-2x6 connector cable, bundled with high-wattage PSUs, appears to be discoloring (turning black) when reportedly used with a simulated RTX 5090 power draw (600W).
- The incident raises concerns about the safety and reliability of the new 12V-2x6 connector, especially at high power levels anticipated for next-generation GPUs.
🔗 Original article link: MSI Yellow 12V-2x6 Cable Turns Black When Used With RTX 5090
In-Depth Analysis
The article discusses a concerning issue reported by multiple sources regarding MSI’s yellow-colored 12V-2x6 connector cable. This cable is designed to deliver high wattage (up to 600W) to modern GPUs. The reports indicate that when the cable is used to supply power to a simulated RTX 5090 load (600W draw), the connector starts to discolor, turning black, indicating potential overheating and/or melting of the plastic.
Key aspects to note:
- 12V-2x6 Connector: This is a newer power connector standard designed for high-wattage GPUs like the RTX 40 series and presumably the upcoming RTX 50 series. It is meant to replace multiple 8-pin PCIe power connectors with a single, more compact solution.
- Reported Scenario: The issues are occurring with MSI’s specific yellow cable used in conjunction with PSU’s providing the wattage. A simulated RTX 5090 load was applied (600W).
- Discoloration: The color change to black suggests that the connector material is overheating and possibly starting to melt. This is a significant safety hazard as it could potentially lead to system instability, damage to components, or even a fire.
- RTX 5090 Speculation: While the RTX 5090 is not officially released, the simulated power draw used in the tests suggests expectations for its power consumption. The RTX 4090 already requires significant power and the next generation may push the connector’s limits.
- No Root Cause Yet: The article doesn’t provide a definitive explanation for the discoloration. Potential causes could include poor manufacturing quality of the cable, inadequate thermal design of the connector, or exceeding the specified power limits.
Commentary
This report is alarming for several reasons. First, it casts doubt on the reliability of the 12V-2x6 connector, particularly at the higher power levels expected for next-generation GPUs. If widespread, this could damage confidence in the new standard. Second, it highlights potential quality control issues with MSI’s cable. The discoloration indicates a serious problem that needs to be investigated and addressed promptly.
The implications are significant. If the 12V-2x6 connector is prone to overheating, it could limit the performance and power envelope of future GPUs. This would negatively impact the market for high-end graphics cards and possibly affect the competitive landscape between AMD and Nvidia.
Moving forward, it’s crucial for PSU and GPU manufacturers to thoroughly test and validate their products to ensure the 12V-2x6 connector is safe and reliable. A proper investigation to the root cause is needed to identify possible risks and make the proper changes in design and manufacturing. Transparency and customer reassurance are also essential to prevent any user apprehension.