This summary of the video was created by an AI. It might contain some inaccuracies.
00:00:00 – 00:20:38
The video addresses the recurring issue of connector failures in Nvidia's RTX 4090 GPUs, focusing on the risks of using certain types of power cables and connectors which can lead to overheating and potentially melting connectors. The speaker highlights several instances where connectors have failed and discusses why AMD might avoid these problematic connectors, isolating Nvidia in dealing with this issue. To investigate, the speaker conducts various tests using tools like FLIR cameras to monitor the temperatures of different power cables under load.
The video emphasizes the benefits of using high-quality, custom-made cables from brands like CableMod, which offer better handling of connections and reduced risk of failure. CableMod’s Type 4 PCI Express power cables and 90-degree or 180-degree adapters are mentioned for their superior design, which helps in managing cable bends and improving the reliability of the setup, especially useful in tight PC cases.
Throughout the tests, which include altering voltage limits and bending cables to extreme conditions, the speaker strives to diagnose under what specific conditions the connectors fail. Despite rigorous testing, immediate failures are not observed, suggesting a robust internal construction of some cables, though the speaker emphasizes continuing to explore different scenarios and stresses the importance of detailed failure reports from users to fully understand and mitigate the problem.
The conclusion drawn is that while failures remain a concern, careful selection of components and adherence to best practices in cable management can prevent damage. The ongoing challenge is to identify a common failure condition, though current evidence points to the quality and configuration of connectors and cables as critical factors.
00:00:00
In this segment of the video, the speaker revisits concerns about a specific type of connector burning up in GPUs, specifically the RTX 4090. Despite previous reluctance to recreate the issue due to potential damage, the decision is made to attempt it for investigative purposes. Since the last video on this topic, several more instances of connector failures have been reported. Additionally, there are rumors that AMD might avoid using this problematic connector, leaving Nvidia isolated in facing the issue.
The speaker discusses the setup for their test, highlighting that most power supplies do not have the four dedicated connectors needed, which could force users to use less ideal pigtail connectors. Emphasis is placed on CableMod’s replacement cables, which are designed to better handle the connection and reduce failure risks. The speaker compares these Mod cables to Corsair’s own cables, noting that CableMod cables might offer better compatibility. There’s also mention of using a FLIR camera to monitor temperatures during the testing process.
00:03:00
In this part of the video, the speaker discusses the details and benefits of using Type 4 PCI Express power cables, particularly from a brand called Cable Mod. They explain the compatibility aspect related to different power supply rail designs, emphasizing that having four connectors instead of two can offer better safety and adaptability. The video highlights the neat cable design that prevents potential damage by ensuring proper bending radius near connectors, which is especially useful in tight case setups. Additionally, the speaker mentions Cable Mod’s various customization options, including their configurator tool for color schemes, and announces a new 90-degree adapter release on October 31st, enhancing cable management further.
00:06:00
In this part of the video, the presenter conducts a heat test on a Corsair cable used with a 4090 GPU. They emphasize that cable melting issues are due to heat and not electrical shorts, which would exhibit different symptoms. Using a flare camera, they monitor the temperature of the cable’s plug under load conditions, ensuring the camera settings account for reflectivity. They observe the temperature rising from 26°C to around 50°C, noting that proper cabling and cooling can mitigate these heat issues. The aim is to find out the temperature threshold where the plug’s plastic could potentially melt. Although issues reported by others vary, the presenter tests this setup to gather data and provide insights on preventing such problems.
00:09:00
In this segment of the video, the creator experiments with altering the voltage and power limits, noting an initial baseline temperature of 52°C. They then employ a non-recommended method of handling the cable sleeve, bending it to test its limits in a manner similar to MythBusters. During this testing phase, the temperature of the connector rises more quickly than expected, reaching 52.2°C faster than in previous tests despite the power sliders not being adjusted. The test reveals stability issues at lower clock speeds with the adapter, leading to test crashes. The creator also discusses adding a second cable with pigtails and mentions that Corsair provided clarity on wire types, emphasizing that these tests are intentionally extreme and should not be replicated by viewers.
00:12:00
In this part of the video, the presenter discusses the need for detailed information to diagnose the failures of specific plugs, highlighting the importance of understanding the conditions under which failures occur. They emphasize that simply noting a failure isn’t enough without knowing the specifics of the setup, such as the type of case, power supply, cables, and the physical condition of the connectors.
Key actions include:
– Soliciting detailed failure reports from users.
– Testing the setup by maxing out power limits and changing power supplies to increase load and heat on the cables.
– Trying aggressive bending of cables and partial seating of plugs to simulate real-world scenarios.
– Observing the system under various configurations, including using an 850-watt power supply to stress test the components.
The presenter strives to find a common failure condition and explores different stress points to understand the causes better. Despite these rigorous tests, they note no immediate failures, indicating the need for continued exploration under varied conditions.
00:15:00
In this segment, the creator discusses the inspection of a worn-out custom cable and highlights significant issues discovered during the teardown. They note that despite trying to recreate a failure scenario, the cable did not fail, though known conditions have caused these plugs to fail in other instances. The creator aims to offer recommendations to avoid such failures, particularly with some users reporting burnt-up components.
The inspection reveals hard plastic parts, exposed leads, and odd construction choices like wires shoved together in the same sleeve. The creator critiques the construction, noting that while the adapter is robust and well-glued with soldered connections, the design choices raise questions about their necessity and implementation. Despite the bending and stress tests conducted, the cable showed resilience, implying robust internal construction. Finally, the creator emphasizes the importance of best practices to avoid damaging components.
00:18:00
In this segment of the video, the speaker discusses the proper power supply setup for an Nvidia 4090 graphics card, emphasizing the importance of avoiding excessive bends in the power cables. They suggest using custom cables from companies like CableMod, which provide stronger connectors and proper plugs for a reliable and aesthetically pleasing setup. The speaker also notes the option of using 90-degree or 180-degree adapters to manage cable bends and the benefits of vertically mounting the graphics card to prevent side panel issues. The segment concludes with a mention of the ongoing concern about potential defects in the adapters, acknowledging that extensive testing has not revealed any significant failures.