A graphics card catching fire is every PC builder’s nightmare—and in a newly surfaced video, that nightmare became reality. An MSI RTX 5090, installed in a high-end gaming rig with a 1,300-watt power supply, briefly burst into flames upon startup, spewing smoke and sparks before the system was shut down. The footage, shared on Chinese video platform BiliBili, shows the GPU’s enclosure glowing red-hot before the user powers off the machine, seemingly averting a larger fire hazard.
The video’s uploader claims the issue stemmed from the card itself, not the system or power supply. Replacing the RTX 5090 with an RTX 5060 reportedly resolved the problem—though the motherboard now bears scorch marks from the incident. For the affected user, however, recourse may be limited. The standard RTX 5090 isn’t officially sold in China due to trade restrictions, leaving buyers of imported units without manufacturer support or warranty coverage.
This isn’t the first time Nvidia’s high-wattage GPUs have drawn scrutiny. The original 12VHPWR connector, introduced with the RTX 40 Series, sparked widespread reports of melting cables and short circuits, forcing a redesign to the 12V-2×6 connector. While the new standard addressed many electrical concerns, isolated failures—like the one captured in the video—persist. The rarity of such incidents doesn’t diminish their impact; a $1,500+ GPU turning into a fire hazard is a worst-case scenario no enthusiast wants to experience.
For now, the video serves as a stark reminder: high-power builds demand meticulous attention to power delivery. Even with beefy PSUs and redundant connectors, a single faulty component can turn a premium system into a liability. Nvidia has yet to on the incident, but the episode adds to a growing conversation about whether the push for raw performance has outpaced safety refinements.
Key specs of the affected GPU
- Model: MSI RTX 5090 (non-China variant)
- Power draw: Up to 450W (TDP)
- Connector: 12VHPWR (original or 12V-2×6 redesign)
- Replacement tested: RTX 5060 (no fire, but motherboard damage remained)
- Power supply used: 1,300W
The incident also highlights a broader challenge: China’s ban on direct RTX 5090 sales means users relying on gray-market imports face higher risks. Without official channels for returns or repairs, a defective card could leave owners with little recourse beyond disposal. For mainstream buyers, the episode is a cautionary tale—one that may prompt extra scrutiny over GPU selection and power setup moving forward.
