A Bilibili exposé reveals Chinese factories are industrially converting retail RTX 5090 gaming GPUs into specialized AI server cards. At facilities like “CT Workshop”:
- Thousands of untouched 5090s are disassembled despite US export bans
- Fully automated production lines remove gaming coolers and transplant chips onto custom PCBs
- Dual-slot blower designs are created for high-density AI server racks
- Zero retail traces: Boxes and protective films still intact during processing
This systematic repurposing explains why gamers struggle to find 5090s at MSRP while China’s AI firms get discounted compute power.
How the Conversion Process Works
- Testing: Verify functional GPUs (discard defective units)
- Disassembly: Machines remove heatsinks/fans with laser precision
- Transplant: GB202 GPU/memory moved to server-optimized PCBs
- Rebuild: Custom blower coolers + repositioned power connectors added
- Validation: Stress-tested for 24/7 AI workloads
Output: “AI-Ready” cards with 30% better server-rack density vs. gaming models.
Geopolitical Tensions & Supply Chain Mysteries
| Issue | Detail |
|---|---|
| Export Violations | How are 5090s entering China despite bans? |
| NVIDIA’s Silence | No action against board partners selling to converters |
| Pricing Advantage | Converted cards cost less than NVIDIA’s official AI GPUs |
| Gamer Impact | Retail scarcity keeps prices 50-70% above MSRP |
Industry insiders note parallels to crypto-mining boom—where board partners quietly diverted inventory to miners.
Why This Matters Globally
- AI Arms Race: China bypasses sanctions to fuel LLM development
- Gray Market Expansion: Estimated 15-20% of 5090 stock diverted
- NVIDIA’s Dilemma: Profits vs. geopolitical risks
- Consumer Consequences: Gamers subsidize AI boom via inflated prices
“Is the RTX 5090 a gaming card or AI chip? NVIDIA won’t answer.”
— Bilibili investigator Ajian Talk
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The Bigger Picture
This industrialized conversion highlights:
- AI’s Insatiable Demand: Outbidding gamers for GPU access
- Supply Chain Fragility: Export controls easily bypassed
- Corporate Complicity: Board partners likely supplying converters
For gamers: Avoid inflated prices—consider last-gen flagships or AMD alternatives until supply stabilizes.
Report any suspicious bulk GPU sales to NVIDIA.