# Nvidia DLSS 5 raises RTX 5090 power draw to 647W

Digest AI · Hardware & Compute · published 2026-09-25T10:30:00Z

Canonical: https://digestai.news/story/nvidia-dlss-5-raises-rtx-5090-power-draw-to-647w

## Summary

QuasarZone tested the GeForce RTX 5090 Founders Edition while running Cyberpunk 2077 at 4K with DLSS 5 enabled. The 16‑pin (12VHPWR) power connector reached 91.7 °C on one side and 83.4 °C on the other, exceeding the 90 °C threshold and the GPU die’s temperature.

User reports on Reddit and a few media outlets have described 16‑pin connector meltdowns, and at least one user has allegedly reported a melt while experimenting with DLSS 5.

DLSS 5 therefore adds a measurable power penalty to Blackwell‑powered GPUs, and the 16‑pin connector becomes the hottest spot. Similar overheating has been observed on AMD Radeon cards, suggesting the issue is not unique to Nvidia. The findings highlight the need for careful thermal monitoring when enabling DLSS 5 on high‑end GPUs.

## Key points

- 16‑pin connector temperatures exceeded 90 °C, higher than GPU die
- RTX 5080 showed lower but still significant temperature and power increases

## Why it matters

High power draw and connector overheating can affect GPU reliability and lifespan, especially for gamers and content creators who rely on DLSS 5 for performance boosts.

## Sources

1. [Nvidia DLSS 5 power draw hits 647W as power connector runs hotter than the GPU die, upscales frame rates and flame temps on 16-pin](https://tomshardware.com/pc-components/gpus/nvidia-dlss-5-upscales-frame-rates-and-flame-temps-on-16-pin-power-connector-ai-gaming-tech-pushes-connector-to-uncomfortable-thermal-and-power-limits) (Tom's Hardware, 2026-09-25)

## Cite

Digest AI, "Nvidia DLSS 5 raises RTX 5090 power draw to 647W", 25 September 2026, https://digestai.news/story/nvidia-dlss-5-raises-rtx-5090-power-draw-to-647w

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