GeForce RTX 50-series GPUs face hardware failures and warranty disputes

Recent hardware failures involving high-end NVIDIA GeForce RTX 50-series graphics cards have sparked debate among enthusiasts regarding software modifications and power connector warranties.

One user reported that an MSI GeForce RTX 5080 Ventus 3X failed within five minutes of installing an unofficial DLSS 5 patch while playing GTA V Legacy. The user experienced screen freezing, graphical artifacts, and a total system crash. The card was eventually replaced under warranty.

In a separate incident, PNY denied a warranty claim for an RTX 5090 after the power connector melted. While the owner claimed to have used an ATX 3.1 compliant power supply and the provided cables, PNY cited the use of non-approved cables or accessories as the reason for refusal. The owner noted that PNY’s published warranty terms do not explicitly mandate the use of the specific cables included in the box.