The Meltdown That Could’ve Killed a GPU
A PC gamer’s worst fear became reality when their NVIDIA RTX 4090 – one of gaming’s most powerful graphics cards – suffered a catastrophic meltdown at the 600W power connector. Photos shared on Reddit showed the connector fused not just to the GPU, but also to their power supply unit. After painstaking removal attempts left visible damage, they shipped it back to the retailer, fearing a “$1,600 doorstop.”
The Unexpected Resolution
Weeks later, the seller delivered a curveball:
- They no longer stocked the RTX 4090
- Offered an unreleased RTX 5080 (unconfirmed next-gen model)
- Plus a $300 refund
The user, who plays at 1440p ultrawide without ray tracing, questioned the swap: “Am I missing anything? What should I use the $300 for?”
Performance vs. Value Debate
Reddit erupted over the offer’s fairness:
“A 5080 is literally half the card! Why not a 5090?” – u/mvw2
“Ask how much to upgrade to a 5090” – Top comment suggestion
The retailer demanded $1,770 extra for a hypothetical 5090, prompting OP to consider a full refund instead.
Mystery Green Corrosion
Users noted suspicious green oxidation on the connector, suggesting liquid damage. OP denied exposure, insisting the card ran “cool and quiet” since purchase in late 2024.
Also, Read
- Gamers Reject 8GB GPUs – 16GB GPU Models Dominate RTX 5060 Ti & RX 9060 XT Sales
- ASUS Ships Wrong Power Cable – RTX 3060 Ti Melts 12VHPWR Connector
- GTX 1080 Ti’s Secret Stowaway – Factory Screw Left Crushing My GPU PCB
Key Takeaways for GPU Owners
- Document Everything: Photos/videos strengthened OP’s warranty claim despite physical damage.
- Know Your Rights: Retailers may offer alternatives if original products are unavailable.
- Future-Proofing: OP plans to spend the $300 on a higher-wattage PSU to prevent recurrence.