A troubling incident highlights the vulnerability of high-end GPUs due to unavailable replacement parts. When a crucial component breaks, the entire device may become unusable, leaving users with costly repairs or replacements.
User’s RTX PRO 6000 Suffers Due to Weighty Design
There’s an ongoing discussion around a user whose PCIe connector board snapped due to the weight of the RTX PRO 6000 GPU. Unlike a previous incident where NVIDIA promised to replace a damaged GPU, the current situation is more precarious given the RTX PRO 6000’s staggering $10,000 price tag. This flagship workstation graphics card has fallen victim to its own heavy build, which led to the snapping of its PCIe board.
The unfortunate user sent the broken GPU to NorthbridgeFix, a YouTuber known for his critical views on GPU designs. He previously criticized the NVIDIA RTX 5090 Founders Edition, and now points out similar flaws in the RTX Pro 6000’s modular design.
The Risks of Modular GPU Designs
The issue arose when the user shipped his PC without removing the GPU, resulting in the PCIe board breaking under the GPU’s weight. Without offering replacement parts, NVIDIA’s current modular design means that any damage to the board renders the GPU unusable. This leaves users with a non-functional, expensive piece of hardware despite the GPU’s core remaining undamaged.
NorthbridgeFix questions the logic behind modular GPUs if replacement parts aren’t available. It’s a significant concern for professionals relying on such technology, underscoring the need for manufacturers to reconsider parts availability.
Those looking to avoid such unfortunate scenarios might consider custom AIB editions, though, for the Blackwell RTX PRO 6000, alternatives do not exist.