RTX 5090 5090D Bricked: Causes & Fixes

No one knows for certain why some Nvidia RTX 5090 and 5090D cards are getting bricked, but the leading theories point to driver conflicts, power delivery issues, and a rare firmware bug. As of now, Nvidia has not issued an official statement, and affected users are reporting sudden black screens followed by the card becoming completely unresponsive. This article explains what is known, what to try, and how to protect your card.

Background: The RTX 5090 and 5090D Release

The RTX 5090 is Nvidia’s flagship consumer GPU based on the Blackwell architecture, launched in early 2025. The 5090D is a variant sold in China with reduced AI compute performance to comply with export regulations. Both cards share the same physical design, power connectors, and driver stack, so most issues affect both models equally. The cards use the new 12V-2×6 power connector, which has been a point of concern since the RTX 4090 generation due to melting incidents.

What “Bricked� Means in This Context

When a GPU is bricked, it no longer outputs a display signal, and the fans may spin or not spin at all. The card is not detected in the system’s BIOS or in Windows Device Manager. In some reported cases, the card works for a while after a reboot, then fails again. A true brick means the GPU is permanently dead and requires hardware repair or replacement. However, many users report that their card is “brickedâ€� when it is actually a software issue that can be fixed with a clean driver install or a BIOS reset.

Possible Causes: What We Know So Far

There is no confirmed single cause, but several patterns have emerged from user reports and hardware forums:

• Driver conflicts: Updating from an older driver without using Display Driver Uninstaller (DDU) can leave corrupted files that cause the GPU to crash and appear bricked.
• Power delivery issues: The 12V-2×6 connector can overheat if not fully seated, causing a short circuit that kills the card. Some users report a burning smell before the failure.
• PCIe slot or riser cable problems: A faulty riser cable or a partially inserted card can cause intermittent power delivery that damages the GPU over time.
• Firmware bug: A small number of cards may have a firmware bug that corrupts the VBIOS during a crash, leaving the card unresponsive.
• Overclocking instability: Aggressive factory or manual overclocks can cause the GPU to draw excessive power and trigger a protection mechanism that permanently disables the card.

How to Diagnose a Bricked RTX 5090/5090D

Before assuming the worst, try these steps in order:

1. Test with another PC: Install the card in a known-good system to see if it is detected. If it works there, the issue is with your main system.
2. Check the power cables: Unplug and reseat the 12V-2×6 connector firmly. Look for any melted or discolored pins.
3. Clear the CMOS: Reset your motherboard’s BIOS to default settings to rule out a bad overclock or BIOS setting.
4. Boot into Safe Mode: If the card is detected but shows no display, boot into Safe Mode and use DDU to completely remove all GPU drivers, then install the latest driver from Nvidia.
5. Try a different PCIe slot: If you have another x16 slot, try that. Also test without any riser cable.

If none of these steps work, the card is likely physically dead and you should contact your retailer or Nvidia for warranty service.

Common Misconceptions and What NOT to Do

One common misconception is that a bricked GPU can be revived by reflashing the BIOS. While that works for some older cards, the RTX 5090’s VBIOS is not publicly available, and flashing the wrong firmware can make things worse. Another misconception is that using a third-party power cable voids the warranty; it does not, but it can cause damage if the cable is not rated for the card’s power draw. Do not attempt to open the card or repair it yourself, as this will void the warranty and can be dangerous due to high voltages.

Prevention: How to Reduce the Risk

While there is no guaranteed way to prevent a brick, these practices lower the risk:

• Always use the included power adapter or a high-quality ATX 3.0/3.1 power supply with a native 12V-2×6 connector.
• Ensure the power cable clicks into place and is fully seated. You should not see any gap between the connector and the card.
• Use DDU when upgrading drivers, especially from a different GPU brand.
• Keep your motherboard BIOS and chipset drivers up to date.
• Do not overclock the card beyond what is stable in your specific system. Test with a stress tool like FurMark or OCCT for at least 30 minutes.
• Monitor GPU temperatures and power draw with software like HWiNFO64 to catch anomalies early.

Warranty and Support Options

If your card is bricked, your first step is to contact the retailer where you bought it. Most retailers have a return or exchange policy for defective products. If the card is within the warranty period, Nvidia or the board partner (e.g., ASUS, MSI, Gigabyte) will repair or replace it. Keep your purchase receipt and any serial numbers. Do not send the card back without an RMA number. If the card was purchased second-hand, check if the original warranty is transferable.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is the RTX 5090D more likely to be bricked than the RTX 5090?

There is no evidence that the 5090D is more prone to bricking. Both cards use the same PCB and power delivery design, and the only difference is the reduced AI compute capability. Reports of bricking are rare and appear to affect both models equally.

Can a bricked RTX 5090 be fixed by reflashing the BIOS?

In most cases, no. The VBIOS is not publicly available, and flashing a mismatched BIOS can permanently damage the card. If the card is not detected at all, reflashing is not possible because the GPU is not accessible. Only a hardware programmer could potentially reflash the chip, which is not a user-level repair.

Does using a third-party power cable cause bricking?

Using a third-party cable that is not rated for the card’s power draw (450W or more) can cause overheating and short circuits, which could lead to a brick. Always use the included adapter or a cable from a reputable PSU manufacturer that is specifically designed for the 12V-2×6 connector.

How do I know if my card is bricked or just has a driver issue?

If the card is detected in Device Manager but shows an error code, it is likely a driver issue. If the card is not detected at all, and you have tried reseating it and clearing CMOS, it is likely bricked. A bricked card will also not show any display output, even in the BIOS.

Is it safe to keep using my RTX 5090 while waiting for a fix?

If your card is working normally, there is no reason to stop using it. The bricking issue appears to be rare and random. However, if you notice any instability, crashes, or unusual smells, stop using the card immediately and contact support.

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