Numerous users have reported problems with Gigabyte RTX 30 and 40 series graphics cards, specifically related to physical damage. All instances seem to point to a design flaw that leads to cracks in the vicinity of the PCIe interface, leaving the PCIe lanes damaged and resulting in the GPU's inability to transfer data effectively and became unusable.
The issue was brought to light by Louis Rossmann, a prominent advocate for self-repair laws known for challenging companies that view unauthorised product repairs as a threat to their business. In the video uploaded by the YouTuber, he shared various images where we can see red arrow stickers placed by Gigabyte after receiving them via RMA claims.
It's important to note that physical damage of this nature falls outside the scope of the warranty, leaving users with broken cards that will not be repaired. As a result, many of these damaged Gigabyte cards, identified by the presence of stickers, are now being resold on platforms such as eBay. With the company's refusal to address the issue, gamers are attempting to recoup some of their investment by selling these faulty cards.
The silver lining is that the problem is fixable, as it does not involve permanent damage to the GPU, memory, or VRM (Voltage Regulator Module) components. PCB path repairs, which are a common practise in electronics repair, can rectify the issue. A step-by-step guide on fixing these graphics cards has already been published, but it is strongly recommended to entrust such repairs to professionals equipped with the necessary tools and expertise.
KitGuru says: Has anyone experienced an issue like this with a graphics card?