Another 16-Pin Connector Failure Hits Sapphire RX 9070 XT, Users Report Melting Adapter
The controversial 16-pin power connector is once again under scrutiny after a new incident involving the Sapphire RX 9070 XT graphics card.
A user reported that the 16-pin connector melted while using a 3×8-pin adapter. This incident has revived concerns about the reliability of this power system in high-end GPUs.
Another Burned 16-Pin Connector Case
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This is the second documented case involving the RX 9070 XT, following a similar problem with another model in the same series. This time, the issue occurred with the Sapphire Nitro+ version. The use of an adapter combining three 8-pin connectors into one 16-pin plug may have caused an uneven power load, leading to excessive heat buildup at the contact points.
Although the RX 9070 XT is not an extreme power-hungry card, it still has a TDP between 300 and 350 W. In this case, the user had increased the power limit by 10%, reaching around 360 W. However, this alone does not justify the failure, which likely points to a design flaw or a poor-quality adapter.
These types of incidents are not new. Since the introduction of the 16-pin connector, several overheating and damage cases have been reported, especially with high-end Nvidia GPUs. The common causes include poorly fitted connections, low-quality materials, or the use of uncertified adapters.
The new case involving the Sapphire RX 9070 XT highlights that the 16-pin connector continues to be a weak point. Experts recommend using traditional 8-pin connectors and avoiding adapters whenever possible, prioritizing long-term safety and stability.
