Problems with NVIDIA’s GPU power connector do not seem to be going away, as more veteran hardware reviewers continue to experience them. While not everyone may encounter a meltdown, it is becoming more evident that even those with years of professional hardware testing are gathering credible evidence that the 12VHPWR/12V-2×6 connector, or more specifically its cables, may not be the best solution for power-hungry GPUs.
Uneven power distribution/load balancing issues
Mark Campbell, hardware reviewer over at OC3D who has probably tested hundreds of graphics cards over his extensive career, documented on how during a review of an ASUS ROG Astral RTX 5090 LC graphics card that the manufacturer’s software identified a load balancing issue with two of its pins. This particular issue had recently been identified by well-known GPU overclocker, PC hardware tester, and co-owner of Thermal Grizzly, Der8auer, who used thermal imaging to capture moments when a cable connector reached unusually high temperatures during testing of a user’s GPU, which used a 3rd party cable, had a meltdown. A day after this, cable manufacturer Falcon Northwest said it had not experienced anything in its testing but recommended that users do not use old cables. A day after that, Campbell provided a video of his experience while attempting to review the flagship ASUS graphics card.
So here we have two individuals who probably have more hours testing PC hardware combined than an average user will in their lifetime but wait, there’s more! Andreas Schilling of Hardware Luxx has also posted thermal images of a 12V-2×6 connector heating to over 150°C which converts to 302°F. It doesn’t take extensive research to realize that a prolonged event such as this will eventually result in damage to the connector.
After a closer inspection, the cable and plug are still in order. But you can see that they have been subjected to thermal stress. I have zero trust in that solution of any kind.
— Andreas Schilling 🇺🇦 🇮🇱 (@aschilling) March 7, 2025
Users should probably not be using older cables
Like a bad TV infomercial, but wait, there’s still more. Hardware tester JayTwoCents put in research by testing both ATX 3.0 and ATX 3.1 cables, including a low-cost 3rd party $15 product from Amazon. His testing was specifically focused on wear and tear from repeated insertions as it has been mentioned that the 12VHPWR/12V-2×6 connector could be limited by up to 30 insertions/withdrawals.
Per Corsair:
“It is quite common for terminals of this type to boast a mating cycle life of 30 cycles. Not only do the 12V-2×6 connectors have this lifespan, but the standard Mini-Fit Jr. connectors and terminals, which are frequently employed in a multitude of computer connections, share this durability as well.”
JayTwoCents testing showed the low-cost ATX 3.1 cable holding up but the older 3.0 cable began to show signs of damage on its plastic holding clips. This of course could easily lead to improper contact and possibly a connector meltdown scenario. Jay’s recommendation is for users who have the older type cable to upgrade to a new 3.1 cable by sourcing from a reputable seller or the PSU manufacturer. This recommendation does mostly seem to be a consensus among hardware testers, who often upon switching cables no longer see the aforementioned issues occur. However, despite this advice, there is a growing dislike among reviewers for the connector with its low safety margin as compared to the previous 8-pin standard.