RTX 5090 kicks off the Chinese New Year early with fireworks — $3,299 dream GPU upgrade becomes a fiery nightmare

Source: Tom’s Hardware

Image credit: Bilibili/晚睡等于早死

Incident Overview

A Bilibili user shared a short video showing their brand‑new MSI GeForce RTX 5090 32G Gaming Trio OC catching fire shortly after powering on. The card, one of the most premium custom RTX 5090 models, appears to have suffered a short circuit that caused sparks, smoke, and flames. The five‑second clip captures the moment the GPU ignites, but the exact cause remains unclear.

Export Restrictions and Warranty

• The RTX 5090 is subject to U.S. export controls, making it unavailable through authorized channels in China.
• Nvidia offers a China‑specific GeForce RTX 5090D and later RTX 5090D V2, which comply with those restrictions.
• GPUs imported via the black market lack official warranty coverage, so an RMA is not possible for the affected user.

Potential Repair Scenarios

• The fire appears to have originated from multiple points, leaving burn marks on the motherboard’s chipset.
• If damage is limited to the PCB, a skilled technician might transplant the GB202 die and GDDR7 memory chips to a new board.
• Should the die or memory be destroyed, the card is likely beyond repair.
• Many repair shops are closed for the Chinese New Year, potentially extending the wait for a diagnosis.

Pricing Context

• The MSI RTX 5090 32G Gaming Trio OC retails for about $3,299 in the U.S. market.
• In China, the same card typically sells for $4,000–$5,000.
• For users not needing the full AI performance of the RTX 5090, the RTX 5090D V2 offers comparable gaming performance at a lower price, as shown in early benchmarks.

Takeaway

The incident highlights the fragility of high‑end computer hardware and how quickly an expensive GPU can become unusable. Proper sourcing and awareness of regional restrictions are essential to avoid costly mishaps.