With the RTX 50 series on its way in late 2024, we’re at the point of the year when leaks and rumors become increasingly refined and any piece of insider knowledge could be valuable. The latest in store is that Nvidia is allegedly testing GPU coolers to support even more power than what’s currently available. First of all though, Nvidia users want them to fix the ongoing issue with power adapters and melting connectors.

The current RTX 40 series improved efficiency across the board while delivering an impressive level of performance. On top of that, the introduction of DLSS 3 and frame generation tech demonstrated the power of AI to aid pure rasterization performance. If Nvidia are indeed testing their new high-end models up to 600W, it wouldn’t be a huge surprise now we’ve seen some leaked 5090 specs.

Nvidia rumored to be testing GPU coolers covering up to 600W

According to a note in a recent report from Chinese outlet BenchLife, plans suggest that Nvidia is testing cooling solutions for cards between 250W and 600W. We’d expect this kind of power consumption to line up with the mid range upwards, considering that even RTX 4070 Super only hits 220W. However, it is possible to push that limit – for example, Videocardz demonstrate you can stretch the TGP up to 600W for a card targeting 450W (such as the 4090); this has been witnessed while overclocking.

Like we say, the flagship RTX 4090 is rated with a 450W TDP, the same as the previous-gen 3090 Ti (but with better efficiency and much improved performance of course). In the past we’ve seen ridiculous cooling prototypes such as a quad-slot RTX 4090 Ti prototype featured on Wccftech alleged to consume up to 900W, but these don’t make it past the prototyping stage.

What about the power connector?

The problem with melting connectors/adapters has always officially been put down to user error – in other words, users haven’t been plugging them in fully. We recently covered the fact that melted 4090 connectors remain a problem and Nvidia’s only solution so far is the newer 12V-2×6 standard, featuring shorter pins than the original 12VHPWR connector which are supposed to be easier to fully secure. Both 16-pin connectors are rated to handle up to 600W, but a loose connector will spell trouble.

This post on Reddit highlights the fact the the current adapter is a struggle to fully plug in and could eventually cause damage under sustained stress. Furthermore, in response to the new GPU cooler news, Nvidia users want them to ensure the 12+4-pin connector is actually robust if they want to push this new 600W power draw, putting an end to this melting connector fiasco.

About the Author

Jack Goodall

At PC Guide, Jack is mostly responsible for reporting on hardware deals. He also specializes in monitors, TVs, and headsets and can be found putting his findings together in a review or best-of guide.