Zotac RTX 5090 Failure During Gameplay Causes Extensive System Damage

A Zotac RTX 5090 graphics card reportedly ignited while a user was playing Battlefield 6, resulting in damage to other components within their computer system. The incident, detailed in a post on the Taiwanese Gamer.com.tw forum and initially reported by UNIKO’s Hardware, involved a pre-built NZXT desktop PC equipped with the Zotac RTX 5090 AMP Extreme card.

According to the user, identified as york4517, the screen froze during the Battlefield beta, followed by a flash of light and burning smell. A fire originating from the graphics card burned for approximately ten seconds before extinguishing, leaving the GPU severely scorched. The damage extended beyond the card itself, affecting the motherboard, solid-state drive (SSD), and even causing the liquid cooling system’s tubing to smoke.

The RTX 5090 has been subject to prior reports of failures, including incidents involving Asus ROG Astral models exhibiting capacitor issues and recurring problems with the 16-pin / 12VHPWR connector, often experiencing melting or heat damage despite proper installation. While user error cannot be definitively excluded, as the card had reportedly been undervolted, experts believe this is unlikely to have been the sole cause of such a significant failure.

The incident has prompted discussions regarding warranty coverage and repair options within the forum thread. As the system was pre-built, the retailer is coordinating with distributors and Zotac’s local representatives for inspection and potential resolution. The damaged SSD will be addressed separately. At this time, Zotac has not released a public statement concerning the reported failure. Recurring issues across various online platforms indicate power delivery problems—including VRM/connector damage, melting connectors, and excessive component temperatures—are prevalent in these high-performance graphics cards, suggesting a systemic challenge without an apparent permanent solution.