eBay RTX 3090s GPU Surprise – Ordered Two RTX 3080s, Got Two RTX 3090s Instead!

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!”).