RTX 5090 Troubles: Hardware Flaws, Performance Drops, and Market Uncertainty
Our lead story today is a mixed bag for RTX 5090 owners. After spending anywhere from $2,000 to $3,000 (or even more) on your flagship GPU, you might now be facing another concern: your card could be missing crucial Raster Operations Pipeline Units (ROP), which handle tasks like blending and anti-aliasing.
Missing ROPs: A Performance Hit
TechPowerUp forum poster WuxiGamer first noticed that GPU-Z was reporting only 168 ROPs for the Zotac RTX 5090 Solid instead of the expected 176. TechPowerUp rechecked their review card—using the same Zotac 5090 Solid model—and confirmed the discrepancy. This appears to be a hardware-based issue that cannot be remedied with a driver or vBIOS update. Preliminary testing indicates a 5–6% drop in frame rates—roughly translating to an estimated $100 to $150 worth of lost performance value.
For more detailed insights on the technical aspects, visit TechPowerUp.
Additional testing suggests that this defect is not exclusive to Zotac. Similar issues have now been observed with MSI’s RTX 5090D, as well as cards from Manly and Gigabyte. A Twitter leaker, MegaSizeGPU, speculated that a defective batch of GB202 dies might be responsible—potentially affecting even Founders Edition cards.
Power Connector Challenges & Cooling Concerns
Another growing worry among RTX 5090 users is related to power delivery. With the current design, the GPU’s power connector might be pushed to its limits—so much so that overheating is a real concern. Some manufacturers have responded by offering a 12VH power connector that features an active cooling fan and an LED display to monitor cable temperature and power draw. However, note that these adapters lack built-in protection against unbalanced amperage, meaning the risk of overheating remains.
For more on NVIDIA’s evolving power delivery standards, check out NVIDIA’s official website.
Black Screen Issues & Troubleshooting
Users have also reported intermittent black screens, sometimes requiring a driver reinstall or system restart. The issue, which first appeared during early testing in January, remains nebulous in its root cause. A commonly suggested workaround is to switch the motherboard’s PCIe mode from Gen 5 to Gen 4—a fix that has had varying degrees of success. Notably, these display issues have been observed not only in the RTX 50 series but also in RTX 40 and even 30 series cards.
Benchmark Leaks, Pricing, and Availability
Recent benchmark database entries have added another layer of intrigue. For instance, the Radeon 9070 XT is reportedly aligning with the 7900 GRE in performance, while the 9070 sits closer to the 7800 XT. Another leak—via a Fermark benchmark entry—suggests a model disguised as a 7800 XT might actually bring the 9070 XT near the performance of the 7900 XTX, even outperforming the 7900 XT. Allegations also hint that the 9070 XT could be up to 40% faster at 4K compared to the GRE.
Yet, despite these performance speculations, pricing remains the most critical factor. Rumors have floated prices for the 9070 XT anywhere from $500 to $900. Early price leaks may stem from placeholder figures and even intentional misdirection by manufacturers. Consumers are advised to be patient and cautious as the final numbers emerge—possibly during a major event on the 28th.
NVIDIA’s Priority Access Queue & Tariff Turbulence
In response to supply shortages, NVIDIA recently reintroduced a verified priority access queue for RTX 5080 and 5090 GPUs—for US buyers, at least. Users must log into their NVIDIA accounts and fill out a form to gain early access. However, the overall effectiveness of this initiative remains to be seen, as it might simply serve as a PR maneuver.
Adding to the uncertainty, the ongoing tariff policies—sparked by the Trump administration—are expected to inflate prices across various sectors, including laptops and GPUs. Acer’s CEO, Jason Chen, confirmed that laptop prices will see a 10% hike beginning in March, with further tariff increases (up to 25% or more) possibly impacting additional tech products.
Allegations of Misconduct in GPU Sales
Further complicating matters, NVIDIA is under scrutiny for its business practices. Singapore’s Second Minister for Trade and Industry, Tan Lee Sand, claimed that although NVIDIA’s GPU sales in Singapore account for 28% of its revenue, only 1% of those GPUs actually make it to the local market. The remaining 27% are reportedly shipped elsewhere—raising concerns about transparency and market fairness.
Conclusion
RTX 5090 owners now face multiple challenges—from potential hardware defects causing performance drops to power delivery issues and unexpected black screen events. As benchmark leaks hint at significant performance disparities and pricing remains in flux, consumers should stay vigilant. Whether these issues will be resolved via hardware recalls or software updates remains uncertain, but one thing is clear: the current state of the market calls for close attention and cautious optimism.