INNO3D: Melting Cable Reports Overblown as GPU Fraud Schemes Rise

INNO3D has released intriguing statistics that cast doubt on the scale of the melting power cable issue with Nvidia’s flagship graphics cards, while also warning of a new form of fraud. Photo: INNO3D A representative from INNO3D on the Tweakers forum stated that the problems with 12VHPWR and 12V-2×6 connectors are largely exaggerated. According to data from their European service center, which covers the entire EU, since the launch of the GeForce RTX 4090 up to the current GeForce RTX 5090 models, fewer than 15 cases of connector melting have been recorded. The company stated that cards damaged by users due to careless handling are brought in far more often than cards with power defects. Although there is no exact sales data to calculate the defect percentage, the absolute number of 15 pieces across Europe over several years appears insignificantly small.

Additionally, the company shared another story from the same service center. A customer contacted INNO3D with complaints about a non-working RTX 5090. Upon inspection, engineers found that the GPU and memory chips were physically missing from the board. This is the result of activities by shady dealers (mostly from China) who buy gaming cards, disassemble the chips for use in specialized AI accelerators, and sell the remaining boards with installed cooling systems on the secondary market as fully functioning video cards. This trend raises significant concerns among consumers who may inadvertently purchase incomplete products, expecting full functionality. Such fraudulent activities reflect broader market issues, where the rapid demand for AI technologies creates a lucrative environment for scams.

The Implications of Graphics Card Fraud

The discovery of fraudulent practices involving the Nvidia RTX series reveals potential vulnerabilities in the pre-owned graphics card market. Consumers stand at risk of buying seemingly functional GPUs that are missing critical components, leading to non-operational hardware and financial loss. This trend not only affects individual customers but also undermines trust in secondary market trades. Awareness campaigns and consumer protection measures need to be heightened to address these illegal activities.

Nvidia’s Competition in Reliability

Comparing Nvidia’s incident reports with similar products, such as AMD’s Radeon series, highlights important differences. For instance, while Nvidia cards face scrutiny regarding power connector issues, AMD has recently faced challenges with driver stability. Consumers must weigh these factors alongside performance and cost when selecting a graphics card. Detailed knowledge of product reliabilities can significantly inform purchasing decisions, as potential buyers aim for value that extends beyond performance indicators alone.