Are Faulty Nvidia RTX 5090 GPUs Being Sold at Inflated Prices?

Article Highlights
Off On

The recent sale of Nvidia RTX 5090 graphics cards with missing Raster Operations Pipeline (ROP) units marked as “B-Stock” by the German retailer, Alternate, has raised significant concerns among tech enthusiasts. This incident highlights a major issue within the supply chain of Nvidia’s RTX 50 series GPUs. The Nvidia RTX 5090, 5090D, 5080, and 5070 Ti models have been reported to ship with fewer than the advertised 176 ROPs, with some units featuring only 168 ROPs. This defect can result in a potential ten percent drop in gaming performance, sparking debate over consumer rights and product value.

Nvidia’s Delicate Balance

Nvidia has admitted that a small fraction of these GPUs indeed come with fewer ROPs than initially promised. However, the company asserts that this defect does not affect AI or productivity workloads, narrowing the concern primarily to gaming performance. Interestingly, users have reported similar issues in various laptop GPUs, though Nvidia has consistently denied these claims. The acknowledgment from Nvidia places a spotlight on the delicate balance between meeting heightened demand and maintaining product integrity.

Despite this, Nvidia has limited its direct response to addressing these defects, instead encouraging customers to contact their vendors. Retailers like Alternate, capitalizing on high demand and limited supply, have sold these defective GPUs at inflated prices, as evidenced by the sale of a Zotac RTX 5090 with 168 ROPs for €2,899—€670 above the Manufacturer’s Suggested Retail Price (MSRP). These “B-Stock” products include a warning on their product page yet still manage to sell out quickly, indicating a robust market demand that overshadows concerns over potential defects.

Consumer Impact and Reaction

The sale of defective GPUs at premiums has sparked widespread discussion among consumers who feel they are being shortchanged. High-end graphics cards are a major investment for many, and discovering that the product does not meet advertised specifications can be particularly disheartening. The inability to exchange these “B-Stock” GPUs for non-defective units, coupled with the reliance on EU regulations for refunds, adds to consumer frustration. This has led buyers to become more vigilant, meticulously verifying product specifications before purchase to ensure they receive what they paid for.

However, the challenge remains in educating the broader consumer base about these potential pitfalls. Given the complex technical nature of graphics cards, not all consumers are equipped to fully understand the implications of missing ROP units. Retailers like Alternate may provide warnings, but these often go unnoticed by buyers enticed by the mere availability of high-performance GPUs in a market plagued by shortages. Nvidia’s stance on the matter, advising customers to deal directly with vendors, further complicates the issue, as it leaves consumers without a straightforward solution from the manufacturer.

The Bigger Picture

The recent sale of Nvidia RTX 5090 graphics cards labeled “B-Stock” by German retailer Alternate has alarmed tech enthusiasts. These cards, marked as having missing Raster Operations Pipeline (ROP) units, spotlight a significant issue in the supply chain for Nvidia’s RTX 50 series GPUs. Both the Nvidia RTX 5090, 5090D, 5080, and 5070 Ti models have been shipped with fewer ROPs than advertised, specifically 168 instead of the expected 176. This reduction can lead to about a ten percent decline in gaming performance, causing widespread concern about consumer rights and product value. Customers feel cheated, as they paid for a higher-performing card but received one that doesn’t meet the specifications. This discrepancy has led to calls for greater transparency from Nvidia and its retailers. Enthusiasts argue that such defects undermine buyer trust and highlight the need for better quality control measures. As debates continue, many hope for a resolution that protects consumers and ensures such issues do not recur in future GPU releases.

Explore more

How Can Introverted Leaders Build a Strong Brand with AI?

This guide aims to equip introverted leaders with practical strategies to develop a powerful personal brand using AI tools like ChatGPT, especially in a professional world where visibility often equates to opportunity. It offers a step-by-step approach to crafting an authentic presence without compromising natural tendencies. By leveraging AI, introverted leaders can amplify their unique strengths, navigate branding challenges, and

Redmi Note 15 Pro Plus May Debut Snapdragon 7s Gen 4 Chip

What if a smartphone could redefine performance in the mid-range segment with a chip so cutting-edge it hasn’t even been unveiled to the world? That’s the tantalizing rumor surrounding Xiaomi’s latest offering, the Redmi Note 15 Pro Plus, which might debut the unannounced Snapdragon 7s Gen 4 chipset, potentially setting a new standard for affordable power. This isn’t just another

Trend Analysis: Data-Driven Marketing Innovations

Imagine a world where marketers can predict not just what consumers might buy, but how often they’ll return, how loyal they’ll remain, and even which competing brands they might be tempted by—all with pinpoint accuracy. This isn’t a distant dream but a reality fueled by the explosive growth of data-driven marketing. In today’s hyper-competitive, consumer-centric landscape, leveraging vast troves of

Bankers Insurance Partners with Sapiens for Digital Growth

In an era where the insurance industry faces relentless pressure to adapt to technological advancements and shifting customer expectations, strategic partnerships are becoming a cornerstone for staying competitive. A notable collaboration has emerged between Bankers Insurance Group, a specialty commercial insurance carrier, and Sapiens International Corporation, a leader in SaaS-based software solutions. This alliance is set to redefine Bankers’ operational

SugarCRM Named to Constellation ShortList for Midmarket CRM

What if a single tool could redefine how mid-sized businesses connect with customers, streamline messy operations, and fuel steady growth in a cutthroat market, while also anticipating needs and guiding teams toward smarter decisions? Picture a platform that not only manages data but also transforms it into actionable insights. SugarCRM, a leader in intelligence-driven sales automation, has just been named