The much-anticipated NVIDIA GeForce RTX 5090 Founders Edition is under scrutiny, facing criticism for its complex design. A repair attempt by a specialist has revealed severe challenges, with the intricate internal configuration making repairs nearly impossible without causing further damage.
Northridge Fix Warns Against Purchasing RTX 5090 FE
The NVIDIA RTX 50 series GPUs have already been under fire for their problematic 16-pin power connectors, but now, the Founders Edition faces additional criticism. The PCB’s unique and complex design poses daunting obstacles for anyone attempting modifications or repairs. The component arrangement requires unusual routing for the PCIe connector and I/O interface, making any internal work risky.
A client who attempted to enhance the cooling system with a water-cooling block ended up with a malfunctioning GPU. The card was then sent to a specialist, Northridge Fix, for repair. However, they were unable to restore it due to the fragile connector on the PCB. The PCIe interface, vital for motherboard connection, used a tiny, vulnerable connector on the PCB’s back, which is easy to damage.
The Challenges of Repairing RTX 5090 FE
The intricate connector has numerous pins, making precision crucial during reconnection. The microscope inspection revealed broken and bent pins, impeding functionality. The primary issue, according to reports, is the unavailability of replacement connectors, rendering the card irreparable if damaged.
Experts consider the NVIDIA RTX 5090 FE among the most challenging designs to handle, and they strongly advise against purchasing it, especially for those considering any modifications. Once opened, the potential for irreversible damage is significant.