In recent developments within the gaming hardware community, the Sapphire RX 9070 XT Nitro+ has encountered another alarming issue with its 16-pin connectors. Users have reported instances of these connectors melting, raising concerns about the reliability and safety of using such adapters with this particular GPU model. Despite the severity of the issue, the affected GPUs remain operational, though gaming capabilities are severely hindered.
Recurring Issues with Connector Melting
Reports suggest that while the occurrence of 16-pin connector melting isn’t widespread, it’s becoming increasingly notable for the RX 9070 XT model. Two specific Radeon RX 9070 XT variants, the ASRock RX 9070 XT Taichi and the Sapphire RX 9070 XT Nitro+, utilize this connector. Even though the power consumption isn’t excessively high, the risk of overheating remains significant.
One Reddit user, ProfessionalHost3913, shared images of a melted 16-pin connector from the adapter used with their Sapphire RX 9070 XT Nitro+. This marks the second instance of such damage, with all pins on the top row of the connector melting. 
The bottom row showed some damage, though it was confined to the adapter connector.
Impact on Gaming and User Experience
The user reported using the GPU-recommended adapter, which led to the melting incident. Surprisingly, the GPU connector remained unharmed, yet the system experienced display issues during gaming or web browsing, resulting in a black screen. This required a full system reboot using the power/reset button. 
The GPU’s inability to handle even light tasks signifies the severity of the problem. The user has since applied for a Return Merchandise Authorization (RMA) and is using a Cooler Master 80 Gold 850W V2 PSU, adequate for the RX 9070 XT, though lacking a native 16-pin connector.
Ultimately, the design flaw in the 16-pin connector poses a risk of melting, affecting the gaming experience and hardware reliability. The fact that the GPU connectors are prone to such issues highlights a significant concern for users relying on these adapters.