In an unexpected turn of events, a graphics card owner received surprising support from NVIDIA after a mishap during a personal upgrade attempt. The incident involved a broken connector on the NVIDIA GeForce RTX 5090 Founders Edition, leading to a rare replacement offer from the company. This scenario has sparked conversations about the design challenges of the high-performance GPU and the conditions under which manufacturers might extend a helping hand.
Connector Conundrum on the RTX 5090 FE
Recently, a user encountered trouble while trying to enhance their NVIDIA GeForce RTX 5090 Founders Edition with a water block. During the process, the card’s connector was inadvertently damaged. The incident caught the attention of YouTuber and PC repair expert NorthridgeFix, who labeled the RTX 5090 FE as having one of the most problematic designs in GPU history. The intricate assembly, particularly the reconnecting of the PCIe x16 connector to the small PCB connector, proved to be a delicate task, resulting in bent or broken pins. Though replacements for such components are not standard, the user reached out to NVIDIA, providing evidence of the damage via NorthridgeFix’s documentation. NVIDIA has committed to replacing the faulty card, despite the damage not being covered under warranty.
NVIDIA’s Unusual Gesture
The popular coverage of the video and the unique design of the Founders Edition likely influenced NVIDIA’s decision to provide a replacement. Despite being outside typical warranty terms, NVIDIA’s willingness to replace the card has been well-received. NorthridgeFix continues to communicate with the affected user and plans to update on the situation as it unfolds.
Proceed with Caution
While NVIDIA’s decision to support the user is commendable, it doesn’t set a precedent for others to follow. The RTX 5090 Founders Edition’s complex design is not recommended for tampering, as disassembling it could lead to irreparable damage. The small connector’s fragility makes it a risky endeavor, unlikely to be supported by NVIDIA in future incidents. For those interested in modifications, it’s advisable to opt for custom editions and retain the Founders Edition in its original form to avoid potential pitfalls.