Redditor Reports Melted 16-pin Connector on Sapphire Nitro RX 9070 XT, Connected via Adapter to Corsair PSU
Just over a month after the first reports of Radeon RX 9070 XT 16-pin connector melting incidents, another case has surfaced, this time involving a Sapphire Nitro+ RX 9070 XT. Despite the GPU’s moderate power draw, typically staying between 300–350W under full load, this latest incident raises concerns about the safety of 16-pin (12VHPWR) connections when using adapter cables instead of native PSU connectors.
According to a report shared by Reddit user u/e92justin, the 16-pin connector on his Sapphire Nitro+ RX 9070 XT melted, as shown in an image accompanying his post. The user explained that his Corsair PSU lacked a native 12VHPWR (or 12V-2x6) connector, so he used the 3x 8-pin to 16-pin adapter included with the GPU.
This configuration has historically been prone to problems, as adapter-based setups often struggle with load balancing, especially when connectors aren’t fully seated or when cables are bent near the plug. However, in this case, the GPU’s power draw of around 360W (with a +10% power limit enabled) should not have been excessive, especially considering RTX 5080 GPUs operate within similar TDP ranges without issue.
It’s worth noting that adapter-related connector failures are not unique to AMD cards. NVIDIA’s GeForce RTX 5090 series, with its 575–600W TDP, has also faced multiple melting incidents despite improved 12V-2x6 standards and better cable management recommendations. This reinforces that the 16-pin connector design itself still poses potential risks, particularly when adapters are used.
While the exact cause remains unclear, this second reported case, following a similar issue with the ASRock Radeon RX 9070 XT Taichi OC, suggests a pattern among the few RX 9070 XT models that adopted 16-pin connectors. Most other models wisely continue to use the 3x 8-pin PCIe configuration, which remains more reliable in terms of power delivery and thermal stability.
For users who own or plan to purchase one of the affected models, it is strongly recommended to:
Follow manufacturer cable guidelines precisely.
Avoid bending or straining the 16-pin connector.
Use native PSU cables whenever possible instead of bundled adapters.
Until AMD board partners refine their approach or shift entirely away from the 16-pin design, buyers may want to prioritize RX 9070 XT variants using traditional 8-pin connectors for peace of mind and safety.
What’s your take on the recurring 16-pin connector issues? Do you think manufacturers should move back to standard 8-pin connectors for mid-tier GPUs? Share your thoughts below.
