A disconcerting discovery for a northwestrepair technician. While carrying out maintenance on an RTX 4090, he discovered that the card literally had a bug.
RTX 4090: a bug discovered between GPU and PCB!
The RTX 4090s are definitely cards with a wide variety of problems. So, after cards that burst into flames due to a problematic 12VHPWR connector, we’re now faced with a model presenting a problem of a completely different nature. In fact, during assembly of the card, an insect crept in between the PCB and the GPU. The result was a card that was H.S. despite being brand new!
For the record, the card was bought second-hand and without warranty. After plugging it in, it turned out that the ventilation was fully functional, but that no display was present.
After several measurements at various points on the PCB, the technician deduced that the problem lay with the GPU. He proceeded to unsolder the GPU, only to discover that an insect had crept between the GPU and the PCB during assembly.
Once again, it’s important to bear in mind that this kind of incident is highly unlikely. The cards are produced in controlled environments, such as a clean room. However, an accident is always possible. What’s more, given the space between the GPU and the printed circuit board, it’s impossible for the insect to have crept in after the fact. Probably an employee who forgot to close the door behind him.
Anyway, after a bit of voodoo magic and some serious electronics skills, the PCB was cleaned and the GPU re-soldered. After various tests, it turned out that the card was working properly. Now it’s ready to burn like so many others, thanks to a temperamental power connector. *sarcasm*
