PCI-SIG informs its members to stick to official 12VHPWR when making cables

PCI-SIG has come out addressing the issues surrounding its new "12VHPWR" 16-pin power connector, which is on all of NVIDIA's new GeForce RTX 40 series GPUs including the flagship GeForce RTX 4090 and just-released GeForce RTX 4080 graphics cards.

PCI-SIG has been direct in its statement to partners that provides the required technical information for the proper design of its 12VHPWR power connector, which you'd think would be cemented in stone at its inception. In a way, PCI-SIG is clearing itself of any wrongdoing by users who don't connect the 12VHPWR 16-pin power connector to their GeForce RTX 40 series GPU.

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A nice how-to from NVIDIA on the proper connection of the 12VHPWR connector (source: NVIDIA)

The statement from PCI-SIG in question is from an on-going lawsuit against NVIDIA "Genova v NVIDIA Corporation" which claims that the use of the 16-pin power connector on NVIDIA's suite of GeForce RTX 40 series GPUs pose a serious "electrical and fire hazard".

• Read more: NVIDIA: we've only had 50 cases of melted 12VHPWR connectors on RTX 4090
• Read more: NVIDIA GeForce RTX 4090 power connector MELTS at 250C+
• Read more: NVIDIA: 'continue to investigate reports' of RTX 4090 + 16-pin power issues
• Read more: PCI-SIG now considering changes to problematic 12VHPWR connector
• Read more: NVIDIA working with AIBs 'around the clock' on GeForce RTX 4090s blowing up
• Read more: Multiple GeForce RTX 4090 cards DEAD, melted 16-pin power connectors!

PCI-SIG explains: "PCI-SIG wishes to impress upon all Members that manufacture, market or sell PCI-SIG technologies (including 12VHPWR connections) of the need to take all appropriate and prudent measures to ensure end-user safety, including testing for the reported problem cases involving consumers as alleged in the above-referenced lawsuit".

"Members are reminded that PCI-SIG specifications provide necessary technical information for interoperability and do not attempt to address proper design, manufacturing methods, materials, safety testing, safety tolerances or workmanship. When implementing a PCI-SIG specification, Members are responsible for the design, manufacturing, and testing, including safety testing, of their products".