Another graphics card scam has hit the second-hand sector. Some people have had the unpleasant surprise of ending up with an RTX 3090 when they were trying to buy an RTX 4090. But how is this possible? Simply because the cards have been cleverly disguised as RTX 4090s!
RTX 3090: a card with a re-etched GPU to make the socket fit!
On the programme, we meet a buyer who tried to get a good deal by buying a Palit RTX 4090. The price was attractive, as this model was sold for 3800 yuan, or around $530. In short, the buyer thought he was getting a good deal, but it turned out to be a scam, as it was an RTX 3090 disguised as an RTX 4090.
To achieve this result, the scammer had to disguise his 3090. To do this, he polished the surface of the GPU to remove the original markings. Next, a quick trip to the engraving area to make the markings appear to match those on the RTX 4090, with the name of the correct GPU, etc, etc. He then reassembled a 4090 Gamerock heatsink and sealed the GPU spring. All packed up and shipped.
Unfortunately, close inspection reveals the deception. In fact, the position of the components around the GPU does not correspond to those on the RTX 4090, and the same goes for the marking of the memory chips… And this is despite the fact that the chips, layout and components used between the two cards appear to be similar.
In the end, the moral of this story remains the same: try to get out there and inspect the hardware. If possible, make sure you see the hardware working before your eyes to avoid any scams… Unless you’re prepared to bet the amount you want to invest.