Owners of Nvidia GeForce RTX Founders Edition graphics cards report that serial numbers printed on the devices are fading, making them illegible. This issue prevents users from successfully processing RMA requests, as support teams cannot verify the hardware.
The problem gained attention after a Reddit user was denied a return for an RTX 5090 Founders Edition due to an unreadable serial number. Reports indicate this is not an isolated incident, as the defect affects multiple models in the Founders Edition lineup.
PC Gamer confirmed the issue on an RTX 5080 FE test unit. Unlike older models that used stickers, newer cards feature the serial number printed directly on the PCIe bracket. Experts suggest that constant heat exposure or mechanical friction might be causing the ink to degrade.
Nvidia's warranty terms, particularly in the US, are restricted to the original purchaser. While the company's official RMA documentation does not explicitly state that a visible serial number is a mandatory requirement, service centers are currently rejecting claims without it.
Warranty policies vary by region, and the exact cause of the fading remains unconfirmed. Owners of current Founders Edition cards are advised to photograph their serial numbers immediately to ensure they have a record for potential future service claims.
