The Accidental GPU Jackpot
When Reddit user EmuAreExtinct ordered two used RTX 3080s on eBay, they expected a modest upgrade. Instead, the package arrived with two flagship RTX 3090s – a $1,500+ value swing that turned a routine purchase into every PC builder’s dream scenario.
From Bent Plates to Golden Pins
The surprise victory came with quirks:
- Both cards had bent backplates from rough shipping
- Temperatures hit concerning upper 70°C range during testing
- DIY rescue mission:
Straightened backplates with careful bending
Reapplied thermal paste for better cooling
Post-repairs, the cards aced 3DMark Time Spy benchmarks – proving even banged-up RTX 3090s pack serious power.
The Telltale Sign of a 3090
Amid initial disbelief, a key detail confirmed the upgrade:
“Only the RTX 3090s had SLI connectors. Those gold pins don’t lie.”
This distinction exposed the seller’s costly mistake – no other RTX 3000 cards supported NVLINK.
Bought 2 RTX 3080s on ebay, received 2 3090s instead
byu/EmuAreExtiinct inpcmasterrace
The Catch: Power Supply Panic
Celebration turned to concern with one glaring issue:
- The builder’s 850W PSU now faces double 350W GPUs
- Potential solutions:
Undervolting both cards aggressively
Upgrading to a 1200W+ power supply
Avoiding simultaneous heavy loads
As EmuAreExtinct lamented: “Winning the silicon lottery comes with expensive consequences.”
Also, Read
- Amazon Delivers a CPU Pancake – When Your Upgrade Arrives Flatter Than Expected
- RTX 5090D “BBQ Club” – Melted Power Connectors Reported on Gigabyte & Gainward Cards
- GPU Thermal Paste or Putty? How to Spot the Difference and When to Repaste
Why This Matters Beyond Luck
This rare win highlights:
- eBay Buyer Protections: Mistaken upgrades favor recipients
- GPU Repair Viability: Even damaged high-end cards can be salvaged
- Generational Value: Used 3090s (~$700) now outperform new mid-tier cards
- The PSU Rule: Always overspec your wattage for future upgrades
Community reactions ranged from envy (“I’d sell a kidney for this luck!”) to practical advice (“Run those cards at 80% power limit!”).