The NVIDIA RTX 5090 and its China-specific variant, the RTX 5090D, promised groundbreaking performance for gamers, data scientists, and AI professionals. However, reports of these GPUs becoming “bricked”—completely non-functional—have raised alarms across tech communities. If you’re wondering about the RTX 5090 and 5090D bricking issues, this article dives into the root causes, potential fixes, and steps to protect your investment. We’ll break it down in a way that’s easy to grasp, whether you’re a tech enthusiast or a professional relying on these GPUs for high-performance tasks.
What Are the RTX 5090 5090D Bricked Issues?
The RTX 5090 5090D Bricked Issues refer to cases where these NVIDIA GPUs become completely unusable after driver updates, BIOS incompatibilities, or PCIe 5.0 conflicts. Symptoms include black screens, failure to detect the GPU in BIOS or Windows, and, in rare cases, hardware damage like burned ICs. Switching to PCIe 4.0 or using updated drivers (e.g., version 572.60) may resolve some issues, but many require RMA for replacement.
Since their launch on January 30, 2025, the RTX 5090 and 5090D have been hailed as NVIDIA’s most powerful consumer GPUs, built on the Blackwell architecture with up to 32GB GDDR7 memory and over 21,000 CUDA cores. However, early adopters, particularly in gaming and AI workloads, have reported catastrophic failures. These issues have been widely discussed on platforms like Reddit, Chinese forums (Chiphell, Baidu), and tech sites, with brands like Colorful, Manli, Gigabyte, and even ASUS affected.
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Why Are RTX 5090 and 5090D GPUs Bricking?
The bricking issues stem from a combination of hardware, software, and compatibility problems. Here’s a breakdown of the main culprits:
1. Driver and Firmware Incompatibilities
Many users report that installing NVIDIA’s latest drivers, particularly versions like 551.32 or 572.16, triggers the bricking. These drivers may corrupt the GPU’s firmware during updates, especially for the RTX 5090D, which has region-specific modifications to comply with U.S. export regulations. For instance, automated driver updates in AI DevOps pipelines have caused crashes when paired with incompatible machine learning frameworks like PyTorch or TensorFlow.
2. PCIe 5.0 Compatibility Issues
The RTX 5090 is NVIDIA’s first fully PCIe 5.0-compliant GPU, but this cutting-edge technology has introduced challenges. Some motherboards, especially older ones or those sharing PCIe lanes with M.2 slots, struggle with signal integrity. Switching to PCIe 4.0 in the BIOS has been a workaround for some users, as it reduces performance by only about 1% in most cases.
3. Power Connector Problems
The RTX 5090 uses the new 12V-2×6 power connector, designed to replace the problematic 12VHPWR connector from the RTX 40 series. However, improper seating or non-compliant cables can lead to overheating, with some reports of connectors reaching 150°C or even melting. This can cause power imbalances and, in rare cases, burn out critical components like integrated circuits (ICs).
4. Hardware Design Flaws
Teardowns by tech analysts have pointed to tightly packed power delivery components and voltage regulator module (VRM) hotspots, especially during intense AI or data science workloads. These design choices may lead to power fluctuations or thermal issues, increasing the risk of bricking.
5. Manufacturing Defects
NVIDIA acknowledged a rare defect affecting less than 0.5% of RTX 5090, 5090D, and 5070 Ti GPUs, where one fewer render output unit (ROP) than specified causes a ~4% performance loss in graphics tasks. While this doesn’t directly cause bricking, it highlights potential quality control issues in early batches.
Impact on Users: From Gamers to Data Scientists
The bricking issues have hit both gamers and professionals hard. For gamers, a $2,000 GPU failing during a driver update is frustrating enough, but for AI researchers and data scientists, the stakes are higher. A university research group had to cancel a semester-long AI training project when their 5090Ds failed mid-experiment. Similarly, an AI startup lost three GPUs in a week, disrupting critical image recognition projects. These failures not only waste time but also inflate costs for those relying on GPUs for large-scale neural network training or simulations.
How to Fix or Prevent RTX 5090 and 5090D Bricking Issues
If you own or plan to buy an RTX 5090 or 5090D, here are actionable steps to minimize risks:
1. Switch to PCIe 4.0
Before installing drivers, set your motherboard’s PCIe slot to Gen 4.0 in the BIOS. This has resolved issues for many users, with minimal performance impact. Check your motherboard manual to confirm PCIe 5.0 support and lane configuration.
2. Use Official Power Cables
Ensure the 12V-2×6 power connector is fully seated with a firm “click” and avoid older 12VHPWR cables. Third-party vendors like ASUS are introducing modified connectors with safety features to prevent overheating.
3. Update Drivers Carefully
Use NVIDIA’s driver version 572.60 (released February 27, 2025), which addresses some bricking issues. Before updating, uninstall old drivers using Display Driver Uninstaller (DDU) in Safe Mode to avoid conflicts.
4. Monitor GPU Health
Use tools like GPU-Z or HWMonitor to check for abnormal temperatures or power draw. If you notice VRM hotspots or system instability, stop intensive tasks and troubleshoot immediately.
5. Seek RMA if Necessary
If your GPU shows signs of bricking (black screen, no detection in BIOS/Windows), contact the manufacturer for a Return Merchandise Authorization (RMA). NVIDIA and partners like Gigabyte and ASUS are offering replacements for affected units, though stock shortages may delay the process.
Comparison Table: RTX 5090 vs. RTX 5090D
| Feature | RTX 5090 | RTX 5090D |
|---|---|---|
| Architecture | Blackwell GB202 | Blackwell GB202 (export-modified) |
| CUDA Cores | 21,760 | 21,760 (reduced AI performance) |
| Memory | 32GB GDDR7 | 32GB GDDR7 |
| Power Connector | 12V-2×6 | 12V-2×6 |
| Target Market | Global | China (export restrictions) |
| Bricking Issues | Reported across brands | Higher reported failure rate |
| Price (MSRP) | ~$2,000 | ~$1,800–$2,000 (varies by region) |
| PCIe Support | Gen 5.0 (backward compatible) | Gen 5.0 (backward compatible) |
This table highlights the similarities and differences, with the 5090D facing stricter export regulations and potentially higher bricking risks due to firmware tweaks.
NVIDIA’s Response and What’s Next
NVIDIA has acknowledged the bricking issues and released driver version 572.60 to address black screen problems. They’ve also identified the ROP defect affecting a small percentage of GPUs and are offering replacements. However, the limited availability of RTX 5090 and 5090D cards—exacerbated by U.S. import tariffs and supply chain constraints—has made RMAs challenging. Tech communities are frustrated by NVIDIA’s initial lack of transparency, with some calling the launch “rushed” and pointing to a focus on AI and datacenter products over consumer GPUs.
Looking ahead, NVIDIA is likely to refine drivers and BIOS updates to stabilize the RTX 50 series. For now, potential buyers may want to wait for confirmed fixes, especially if relying on these GPUs for mission-critical tasks. Gamers and enthusiasts willing to troubleshoot can proceed with caution, but professionals should prioritize stability.
Tips for Safe GPU Upgrades in 2025
To avoid RTX 5090 and 5090D bricking issues, consider these best practices:
- Check Motherboard Compatibility: Ensure your motherboard supports PCIe 5.0 or use Gen 4.0 as a safer alternative.
- Update BIOS: Install the latest motherboard BIOS to improve PCIe compatibility.
- Avoid Early Adoption Risks: Wait a few months post-launch for NVIDIA to iron out driver and firmware issues.
- Backup Critical Work: For AI or data science tasks, save progress frequently to avoid losses from GPU failures.
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Conclusion
The RTX 5090 090D bricked issues are a stark reminder that cutting-edge technology often comes with growing pains. While these GPUs offer unmatched performance for gaming and AI workloads, early adopters face risks from driver bugs, PCIe 5.0 incompatibilities, and power connector issues. By following the fixes and precautions outlined above, you can reduce the chances of bricking and make an informed decision about upgrading. Stay updated with NVIDIA’s driver releases and community forums to navigate this evolving situation in 2025.
FAQs About RTX 5090 and 5090D Bricking Issues
1. What causes the RTX 5090 and 5090D to brick?
Bricking is primarily caused by driver incompatibilities, PCIe 5.0 issues, or power connector problems. Faulty drivers (e.g., 551.32) or BIOS updates can corrupt firmware, while PCIe 5.0 signal issues and overheating connectors may damage hardware.
2. Can a bricked RTX 5090 be fixed?
In most cases, no. Recovery attempts like VBIOS flashing have low success rates. Switching to PCIe 4.0 or using driver version 572.60 may help, but many cases require RMA.
3. Is the RTX 5090D more prone to bricking than the RTX 5090?
Yes, the 5090D appears more vulnerable due to region-specific firmware modifications for export compliance, which may introduce additional compatibility issues.
4. Should I avoid buying an RTX 5090 or 5090D?
If you rely on GPU stability for professional work, wait for NVIDIA to release stable drivers and BIOS updates. Gamers can proceed with caution, using PCIe 4.0 and verified cables.
5. How can I prevent bricking my RTX 5090?
Set your BIOS to PCIe 4.0, use official 12V-2×6 cables, install driver version 572.60, and monitor GPU health with tools like GPU-Z. If issues arise, seek RMA immediately.
