Home / Technology / RTX 5090 Explodes: GPU Sag Suspected Cause
RTX 5090 Explodes: GPU Sag Suspected Cause
14 Jul
Summary
- A Zotac GeForce RTX 5090 GPU reportedly exploded during gameplay.
- The power connector was undamaged, but the PCB gold finger showed a burn mark.
- GPU sag is speculated as a potential cause for the explosion due to short-circuiting.
A Zotac GeForce RTX 5090 graphics processing unit allegedly exploded five minutes into gameplay, sparking fresh concerns for owners of Nvidia's flagship card. The incident reportedly occurred while playing Assassin's Creed Black Flag Resynced.
Unlike previous issues with melting power connectors, the 16-pin connector on this RTX 5090 was reportedly undamaged. Instead, the user described a loud pop and smoke, with a visible burn mark found on the PCB gold finger, the component that connects to the motherboard's PCIe slot.
Speculation among users points to GPU sag as a potential cause. It's theorized that a crack in the circuit board, possibly exacerbated by the weight of the card, could have led to a short circuit. This raises a broader concern for heavy, high-powered GPUs.
This event adds to the ongoing controversy surrounding the RTX 5090, especially given its high price point and significant power draw. TechRadar has reached out to Nvidia for a statement regarding this incident.
