Recently, we heard of an RTX 5090 PNY whose capacitors exploded. Clearly, this is likely to be a recurring problem, as the design of some of their boards is said to encourage this phenomenon. As electrolytic capacitors are exposed to high temperatures, their lifespan is drastically reduced!
PNY: high temperatures = exploding capacitors!
A few months ago, Igor’s Lab published an alarming report on the brand’s entry-level RTX 5070s. Indeed, depending on the card’s location, cooling is not sufficiently efficient. This results in the creation of hot spots, especially on the power supply stages. However, in order to achieve economies of scale, the brand uses conventional electrolytic capacitors with a service life of 5000h at 105°C. Unfortunately, in these hot spots, the temperature exceeds this limit, impacting the life of the capacitors.
We then go from 3525h of life when exposed to a temperature of 110°C, to a lower life as the temperature rises. At 115°C, capacitor life is cut in half: 2500h versus 1775h if the capacitors are exposed to 120°C! Igor’s Lab even calculates the probability of failure, which can reach 56% when capacitors are exposed to a temperature of 120°C for 1460h over a year, or 4h of charging per day. And 120°C can be reached in poorly ventilated cases, for example!
Exposed to high heat for too long, end-of-life capacitors explode, crack or simply die. Worst of all, this phenomenon occurs fairly quickly, after 6 to 12 months of intensive use. A heavy gamer can use this time fairly quick for example.
In short, Igor’s Lab contacted PNY with all the relevant documentation. Unfortunately, PNY found itself with its head in the sand. Instead of taking the necessary steps – official statement, choice of more resistant components (polymer capacitors), design adjustment – the problem was downplayed or attention diverted. This is a pity, since the problem is simple to correct.
