NVIDIA AIB Partner “Manli” Denies RTX 4090 RMA for Melted Power Connector Citing “User Error”

Another reason to steer clear of NVIDIA’s RTX 4090 and avoid buying graphics cards from dodgy, low-quality AIB vendors.

It’s widely acknowledged that NVIDIA’s flagship GeForce RTX 4090 poses a significant danger to consumers thanks to its hazardous 12VHPWR power connector, which has been prone to catching on fire or outright melting.

This issue has persisted for nearly two years, even after a supposed “revision” to the power connector itself.

The absence of a class action lawsuit against NVIDIA underscores consumers’ apparent willingness to tolerate their $1500+ graphics cards self-destructing. The narrative of “user error,” perpetuated by tech influencers and media outlets, conveniently absolves NVIDIA of responsibility for their graphics cards catching fire.

Despite thousands of reported cases, the blame is often shifted to users for improper installation or using allegedly “dangerous” power cables.

We previously covered NorthridgeFix, a repair shop that shared on YouTube how they were fixing around a hundred RTX 4090s with burnt connectors monthly in November 2023. Shockingly, just five months later, this figure doubled to 200.

In addition to the safety concerns of burnt connectors arising from the RTX 4090’s significantly increased power draw compared to other GeForce graphics cards using the 12VHPWR connector, the connector itself is alarmingly brittle and fragile.

It appears to have a lifetime guarantee of only around 30 mating cycles, referring to the act of plugging and disconnecting the connector.

Despite the unlikelihood of users frequently plugging and unplugging power cables from their graphics cards, the inherent danger of the connector persists. In contrast to the traditional PCIe 8-pin power connector, a long-standing staple in high-performance graphics cards, the 12VHPWR connector is designed to manage significantly higher wattage through a much narrower contact area on its pins. This lack of safety redundancy is a notable concern.

In contrast, the PCIe 8-pin connector has a maximum power capacity of 150 watts each. To achieve similar results, NVIDIA would likely need to triple up on these connectors for the RTX 4090. However, the EPS 8-pin power connector is quite overengineered, capable of handling higher wattage than officially rated due to its improved contact with the pins.

In contrast, the 12VHPWR connector appears to be prone to bursting into flames thanks to high transient spikes.

Thanks to the 12VHPWR connector, NVIDIA can achieve a more uniform and compact design. By requiring fewer connectors to pull even more power, the trillion-dollar company can reduce production costs through compact PCB layouts. This approach wouldn’t be possible if the graphics cards continued to rely on the old standard.

Even with multiple revisions to the 12VHPWR connector, it’s evident that the fault lies with the connector itself, regardless of which cables or adapters are used. Contrary to suggestions by paid tech journalists, there’s no scenario where the end user is at fault because the fragile and hazardous connector hasn’t been “properly plugged in.” Monthly reports of hundreds of RTX 4090s melting their connectors underscore the persistent and ongoing issue since the release of the RTX 4090, which shows no signs of abating.

CableMods’ once stellar reputation has been tarnished by this entire debacle, with outlets like igorsLab publicly criticizing them. Meanwhile, AIB vendors are distancing themselves from any accountability or obligation for refunds or repairs. CableMods themselves canceled their angled adapters, labeling them as “faulty.”

Despite NorthridgeFix seemingly absolving them of any blame, CableMods have been footing the bill for damaged hardware caused by GeForce RTX 4090 GPUs catching fire while using their adapters or cables. Whether stock or aftermarket, it appears inevitable that anything related to the RTX 4090 will eventually lead to melted power connectors.

Imagine my surprise when a Quasarzone forum user shared their experience of purchasing a GeForce RTX 4090 from the obscure AIB vendor “Manli,” known for catering primarily to Southeast Asian markets similar to PNY, Inno3D, Palit, and other brands offering budget aftermarket GeForce solutions.

The forum user recounted how they were instructed by Manli to use only the included power connectors, with no other cables permitted, or else warranty services would be void. Despite following these instructions, the user noticed a decline in the expected performance of their RTX 4090.

During gameplay, their display frequently blacked out. Upon contacting Manli for support, they were outright ignored by the AIB vendor, only to later be informed that their GPU’s connector had burnt out. Despite adhering strictly to Manli’s instructions, their RMA request was summarily denied.

Ironically, the forum user notes that repairs would have been more cost-effective if handled privately, rather than relying on Manli to fulfill their obligation of replacing or refunding NVIDIA’s faulty product. Nevertheless, they decided to send their RTX 4090 off for repair by a qualified professional. The entire ordeal has been frustrating for the user, as it marks the first instance where they’ve personally witnessed an AIB vendor refuse RMA service, citing user error.

As we stand on the brink of AMD and NVIDIA announcing their next generation of hardware, NVIDIA has already initiated the process of clearing its excess silicon following the discovery of new variants of existing RTX 4000 series GPUs.

These variants feature cutdown cores of a higher caliber, such as the RTX 4070 spotted with an AD103 core instead of the usual AD104 core.

This usually signals the conclusion of a generation for NVIDIA as they’re making an effort to offload unsalvageable defective dies or offload excess inventory.

It’s also plausible that NVIDIA has influenced AIB vendors to cease accepting RMAs for burnt RTX 4090s, considering how the company has deflecting the issue for nearly two years at this point NVIDIA would rather prioritize of sales for AD102-based products in the AI sector, it wouldn’t be surprising if AIB vendors have begun refusing such RMA claims due to limited available inventory as the dawn of the next generation is upon us.

Effectively, what Manli is telling customers is that it’s their own fault for purchasing an RTX 4090. In every sense, this assertion is true. It’s quite ironic that the only noteworthy graphics card from NVIDIA in its RTX 4000 series has been plagued by the longstanding issue of spontaneous combustion.

Despite the fact that the melting of 12VHPWR connectors has persisted for almost two years, consumers still choose to buy such a GPU, which ultimately results in a “user error” as the consumers themselves lack any actual foresight.