Multiple RTX 4090 GPU Fires Reported Within Two Weeks of Launch: Causes and Mitigation

Since the RTX 4090 was officially released, at least five incidents of the graphics card catching fire have been reported, each occurring at the 16‑pin power connector or its adapter cable. Users observed melted terminals and a strong burnt smell during high‑load benchmark testing.

Investigations reveal that the original NVIDIA‑branded 12VHPWR adapter cables suffer from poor mechanical design: thin metal bridges and tightly bundled 14 AWG wires cannot reliably handle the high current, especially when the cable is sharply bent near the connector.

Independent testing by overclocking enthusiasts shows that a loosely connected adapter can reach temperatures up to 100 °C under a 1530 W load, while a securely seated connection stays around 60‑70 °C. PCI‑SIG specifications indicate that excessive bending within 35‑40 mm of the connector can cause loosening and potential fire hazards.

Hardware manufacturers such as Cablemod and Haiyue have introduced 90‑degree angled 12VHPWR cables to reduce stress, and NVIDIA is collaborating with AIC partners for a formal response.

Tests with native 16‑pin ATX 3.0 power‑supply cables show minimal temperature rise even after 100 plug‑unplug cycles, staying well below the 105 °C safety limit, suggesting that using a true ATX 3.0 PSU with the native 16‑pin cable is the safest solution.

Overall, the consensus is that the issue stems from the high power draw of the RTX 4090 combined with inadequate adapter cable design; users are advised to upgrade to ATX 3.0 power supplies and employ native 16‑pin cables to mitigate fire risk.