A user of the GeForce RTX 5090 Founders Edition reported that Nvidia rejected their warranty claim because the serial number printed on the metal bracket had faded and become illegible. The user experienced frequent black screen crashes under high load and sent the card for RMA, only to be denied service after waiting over a month.
The owner claims they never modified or damaged the hardware and possesses the original packaging, invoice, and order records. Despite this, Nvidia stated the warranty was void because the physical serial number could not be verified. Other RTX 5090 and 5080 Founders Edition owners have reported similar fading issues, noting that the markings are difficult to read.
Community members suggest that the RTX 50 series uses surface printing instead of the laser etching found on the RTX 40 series, which may contribute to the durability issues. Users speculate that high temperatures and oxidation accelerate the fading. Nvidia's warranty approval process appears inconsistent, as some users report successful claims despite faded markings.
Nvidia has not issued an official response regarding the potential defect or the inconsistency in its after-sales service. Given the high market demand and premium pricing of the RTX 5090, users are now advising others to photograph their serial numbers and retain all purchase documentation to avoid future warranty disputes.
