Free tools Windows power users keep installed
One-click scans. No signup required.
A Taiwanese gamer reported that a Zotac GeForce RTX 5090 AMP Extreme in an NZXT prebuilt caught fire while he was playing the Battlefield 6 open beta. The reported damage is serious, but the incident’s cause has not been established: the available coverage does not show that Battlefield 6 caused the fire, or that the RTX 5090’s 12VHPWR connector was responsible.
What happened in the reported incident?
On August 10, 2025, a Gamer.com.tw forum user identified as york4517 said his store-bought NZXT prebuilt failed during a Battlefield 6 public beta session. OC3D reproduced the owner’s account: “When I was halfway through the game, the screen suddenly froze. The next second, I saw flames and a burning smell coming out of the computer next to the table…” (OC3D).
| # | Preview | Product | Price | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 |
|
ASUS TUF Gaming GeForce RTX™ 5080 16GB GDDR7 OC Edition Graphics Card | $1,814.90 | Buy on Amazon |
| 2 |
|
ASUS TUF Gaming GeForce RTX 5090 32GB GDDR7 OC Edition Gaming Graphics Card | $7,350.00 | Buy on Amazon |
The owner said flames came from the area where the graphics card met the motherboard and lasted about ten seconds. Tom’s Hardware reported that the affected card was a Zotac GeForce RTX 5090 AMP Extreme and that it had been undervolted (Tom’s Hardware).
Which parts were reportedly damaged?
The owner said the fire damage was extensive, including blackened liquid-cooling tubes. Tom’s Hardware reported damage to the graphics card, motherboard, and SSD as well as the cooling tubing. The account and photographs establish reported visible damage; they do not establish what component failed first.
#1 Best Overall
- Powered by the NVIDIA Blackwell architecture and DLSS 4. System Requirements: Minimum 850W PSU with 16-pin 12V-2x6 (12VHPWR) connector required. Verify before purchasing.
- Military-grade components deliver rock-solid power and longer lifespan for ultimate durability. Compatibility: 348mm (13.7") length, 3.6 slots, 4.3 lbs. Confirm case clearance and slot spacing. GPU bracket included.
- Protective PCB coating helps protect against short circuits caused by moisture, dust, or debris
- 3.6-slot design with massive fin array optimized for airflow from three Axial-tech fans
- Phase-change GPU thermal pad helps ensure optimal thermal performance and longevity, outlasting traditional thermal paste for graphics cards under heavy loads
Was the 12VHPWR cable to blame?
There is no confirmed evidence in the cited coverage that the 12VHPWR connector caused this fire. HotHardware noted that the apparent damage location differed from the connector location involved in many earlier melting reports and said the cause was unknown (HotHardware). The owner’s description placed the visible flames near the graphics card–motherboard junction, not specifically at the power connector.
Tom’s Hardware and HotHardware discussed possible faults in the GPU’s power circuitry, including the MSVDD memory-subsystem power rail, a MOSFET short, or a failed power phase. Those are hypotheses, not a manufacturer diagnosis or published forensic finding. HotHardware lists the RTX 5090 at 575W TDP; that power rating makes the card’s power delivery relevant context, but does not explain this particular failure.
Did undervolting or Battlefield 6 cause the fire?
Neither link has been established. The reports say the card was undervolted, but do not show that undervolting caused the failure. Battlefield 6 was the game running when the screen froze and the fire was noticed; the timing alone does not prove the game caused a hardware fault. The evidence supports an account of a single incident during gameplay, not a game-related fire mechanism.
Rank #2
- AI Performance: 772 AI TOPS
- OC mode: 2580 MHz Default mode: 2550 MHz(Boost clock)
- Powered by the NVIDIA Blackwell architecture and DLSS 4
- SFF-Ready Enthusiast GeForce Card
- Axial-tech fans feature a smaller fan hub that facilitates longer blades and a barrier ring that increases downward air pressure
Was there an investigation or warranty decision?
OC3D reported that the full system was sent through the seller/manufacturer inspection process, with an NZXT agent expected to assess it. Tom’s Hardware said the shop was coordinating with the distributor and Zotac’s local agent. The cited reports contain no public final forensic conclusion or confirmed warranty outcome; Tom’s Hardware also said no public Zotac statement addressing this specific case had appeared at the time of publication.
Does this show RTX 5090s or Battlefield 6 are prone to fires?
No. The coverage describes one owner’s report involving one Zotac RTX 5090 AMP Extreme in one NZXT prebuilt. It does not provide an incident-rate statistic or an independent failure-rate study, so it cannot establish how common such a failure is across RTX 5090 cards, or whether the game has any role. A report of a serious failure warrants attention, but it is not evidence of a general defect or a Battlefield 6-wide risk.
Quick Recap
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.
