Scams targeting high-end NVIDIA graphics cards are becoming alarmingly frequent, and the RTX 5090 is the latest victim of this ongoing trend. A YouTuber named Northwestrepair uncovered the shocking truth behind a supposed ‘cheap’ $2,000 RTX 5090 purchased from a Chinese vendor. 
Upon opening the box, it was immediately clear that this was no ordinary GPU-it was a complete fraud.
The GPU appeared to have all the external components, including a large heatsink, but once the technician started disassembling it, the reality was exposed. The PCB (Printed Circuit Board) lacked the essential GPU chip and memory modules-components that typically make up 80% of the total value of such a card. In fact, the most expensive part of the RTX 5090 is the GB202 GPU die, and in this case, it was entirely absent.
Sadly, this incident isn’t isolated. Earlier, another scam involved ZOTAC RTX 5090 boxes filled with random items like backpacks, rice, or pasta, instead of the actual GPU. While this time the GPU was physically present, it was entirely non-functional due to the missing core components.
Despite the steep price of $2,000 for this card-well below the actual market value of an RTX 5090-customers continue to fall for these scams, mainly due to the immense demand for this GPU. The RTX 5090 is not just a gaming powerhouse, but also crucial for AI workloads, making it highly desirable. But with the US government banning these GPUs from Chinese markets, finding an authentic one has become increasingly difficult.
If you’re eyeing a “cheap” RTX 5090, it’s wise to exercise extreme caution. As the video clearly shows, if the price looks too good to be true, it probably is. Scams targeting flagship NVIDIA GPUs are all too common, so make sure to buy from reliable sources and never fall for suspiciously low deals.