Brazilian Modders Replace RTX 5090’s 16-Pin Connector with Triple 8-Pin Setup

In a bold demonstration of hardware expertise, the team at Brazilian YouTube channel TecLab has successfully modified an NVIDIA GeForce RTX 5090 graphics card to run on three standard 8-pin PCIe connectors, sidestepping the controversial 16-pin power connector that has been linked to overheating and melting issues on high-end NVIDIA GPUs.

Inside the RTX 5090 Power Connector Mod

The project began with a Galax GeForce RTX 5090D HOF OC LAB XOC, which TecLab meticulously stripped down to its bare PCB. Both native 16-pin power inputs were removed, and three 8-pin PCIe connectors were soldered directly to the card’s power regulation circuitry. To ensure the GPU would still request its full power allocation, the team rewired the sense pins accordingly. Liquid cooling was employed to maintain optimal operating temperatures throughout the process.

During a livestreamed test, the modified RTX 5090 was pushed from 400 watts up to an impressive 900 watts, distributed across the three 8-pin connectors. The setup drew over 120 amps while maintaining a stable 3,400 MHz clock speed. Even when limited to two connectors, the card delivered 66 amps at 3,200 MHz, and a single 8-pin connector managed 65 amps at 3,100 MHz. Notably, all modifications were performed at the hardware level, with no changes to the BIOS or software.

Performance and Reliability Under Extreme Loads

Throughout the rigorous testing, the custom RTX 5090 remained within safe power and thermal limits, passing all benchmarks without issue. This achievement highlights the reliability of the 8-pin PCIe connector design, even under extreme loads typically reserved for flagship GPUs.

This is not TecLab’s first foray into RTX 5090 power delivery modifications. Earlier in the month, the team bypassed the 16-pin connectors entirely by wiring power cables directly to the PCB traces—a method they acknowledged is impractical for everyday users but effective for experimental purposes.

Revisiting the 16-Pin Connector Controversy

Since the launch of the RTX 5090, reports of melted 16-pin connectors have persisted, affecting even underclocked cards. TecLab’s successful hardware mod suggests that the root of the problem may not be the GPU’s power demands, but rather the design and implementation of the 16-pin connector itself. While this modification is unlikely to prompt a return to 8-pin connectors on future flagship GPUs, it serves as compelling evidence that alternative power delivery methods can offer both stability and safety under high-performance conditions.