User Falls Victim to $2,000 Scam After Purchasing “Cheap” RTX 5090 Lacking GPU Chip and Memory on PCB

Once again, the world of high-end graphics cards falls victim to deception, as a recent scam involving the NVIDIA RTX 5090 unfolds. This incident highlights the ongoing battle against fraudulent GPU sales, where vital components are inexplicably absent.

Unveiling the Fraud: ZOTAC RTX 5090 Examination Reveals Missing Chips

The frequency of high-profile NVIDIA GPU scams continues to rise. Just last month, reports emerged of ZOTAC RTX 5090 boxes being filled with items such as rice, pasta, and even backpacks instead of GPUs. In a twist of events, this latest case featured an actual GPU in the box; however, it was inoperable due to the absence of essential components.

Fake RTX 5090 4 — Credit: northwestrepair

YouTuber Northwestrepair recently documented his attempt to uncover the truth behind a ZOTAC GeForce RTX 5090. After a challenging effort to remove a problematic screw from the PCB, he discovered that the heatsink concealed a shocking reality: the GPU was missing its substrate altogether, a scenario unlike recent incidents involving different chip types in other models, such as the GeForce RTX 4090.

Fake RTX 5090 3 — Credit: northwestrepair

Further investigation revealed that both the GPU substrate and chip were completely removed from the PCB. The ZOTAC RTX 5090 is engineered around a GB202 die, which is the most costly component of the graphics card. In a shocking turn of events, the board was entirely devoid of GDDR7 memory modules, with all chips similarly absent. Reports indicate that these critical components represent approximately 80% of the GPU’s total value, rendering the remainder of the PCB effectively useless.

Fake RTX 5090 2 — Credit: northwestrepair

The individual who purchased the RTX 5090 reportedly acquired it from a Chinese vendor for $2, 000—a considerable expense, particularly in today’s market. Genuine RTX 5090s are exceedingly rare at Manufacturer’s Suggested Retail Price (MSRP), except for a limited supply available to U. S.Navy servicemen through the NEX store. With many RTX 5090 GPUs being priced above $2, 500, this scam offered an enticing, albeit deceptive, deal.

Amid rising demand for the RTX 5090 due to gaming and AI applications, the situation is further complicated by recent U. S.government bans on selling the RTX 5090 and RTX 5090D in China. Consequently, finding an authentic RTX 5090 has become increasingly difficult. This scenario casts a shadow over potential buyers, as Northwestrepair cautions that any “too good to be true”offers for RTX 5090 GPUs likely mask a fraudulent product.

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