The RTX 50 series has officially launched and is a relevant topic for many despite supply shortages. A leading expert in power supplies was asked which adapters or extensions are suitable for the 50 series. His answer was clear: You should avoid adapters or extensions.
What does the expert warn about? Many users resort to adapters or third-party extensions to customize their PCs or to lay extra cables. Aris Mpitziopoulos, CEO of Cybenetics and owner of the tech site Hardware Busters, warns against using accessories like cables and adapters for the RTX 50 series.
Cybenetics is one of the leading organizations for testing and evaluating computer power supplies. Mpitziopoulos is an expert in the area of PC power supply and hardware testing, giving him solid knowledge in this field, which makes his statements about power supplies and cables particularly significant.
In response to a query from PCGamer, he explains that such accessories often do not provide the necessary current required for high-performance graphics cards like the RTX 5090.
Expert warns that adapters and extensions are problematic
Why does he warn about it? The CEO of Cybenetics explains that adapters and extension cords that are not exactly compatible with the power supply carry risks. They can overload the power connection, leading to an increase in temperatures. In the worst case, this can cause overheating of the components, which not only damages the hardware but could even start a fire in extreme cases.
What is the problem? The expert says that power supply is relevant. Many conventional power supplies do not offer the appropriate connectors for the RTX 50 series, especially the new 12V-2×6 connector designed for high power requirements. If a PSU (Power Supply Unit) does not provide this specific connector and instead uses 8-pin connectors or proprietary cables, it can result in dangerous overloads when combined with adapters or extensions, Mpitziopoulos explains. Proprietary cables are specifically designed for certain power devices.
Power supplies with a dedicated 12V-2×6 connector provide a stable and safe power supply, specifically developed for high demands. They ensure that the graphics card and the entire system receive the right amount of power without risking dangerous overheating. Especially with the RTX 5090, which draws up to 600 watts and requires a current of up to 48 amps, the power supply demands are enormous.
The right choice for a safe installation
How can you protect yourself? Anyone investing in an RTX 50 series should ensure, according to Mpitziopoulos, that their power supply either has a dedicated 12V-2×6 connector or uses the correct cables.
Manufacturers also emphasize the importance of using the original cables provided. If this is not possible, you should always pay attention to whether the cables are suitable for the corresponding power consumption. Of course, the power supply you choose should also meet the wattage requirements of your PC.
In the past, the issue of overheating and subsequent fire hazards with NVIDIA graphics cards has been a hot topic. The problem of melting cables has already occurred more frequently with the RTX 4000 series, where, according to Nvidia, incorrectly plugged cables were primarily responsible. Therefore, there was concern that some RTX 5090 might also have issues with melting cables.
