Key Takeaways
1. Nvidia’s Blackwell-based RTX 50 graphics cards may have a small portion lacking Render Output Units (ROPs), potentially affecting both desktop and laptop models.
2. Manufacturing defects are usually caught before shipping, but some issues may slip through, raising concerns about Nvidia’s RMA plan.
3. The GeForce RTX 5090 and RTX 5080 are likely candidates for the ROP issue due to their use of the GB203 GPU.
4. The recent earthquake in Taiwan might have damaged up to 20,000 wafers, impacting the supply of RTX 50 laptop variants.
5. The RTX 50 series is facing supply chain challenges, including scarcity of RTX 5070 cards and performance-related issues, as reported by DigiTimes.
Even though Nvidia mentioned that only a “small portion” of its Blackwell-based RTX 50 graphics cards are lacking ROPs (Render Output Units), the issue could possibly go beyond just its desktop products. Reports from Heise.de and Hardwareluxx indicate that certain laptop models may also be impacted.
Production Concerns
Typically, most defects like these are expected to be caught and fixed during the manufacturing process before the products are shipped. However, it’s possible for some issues to get missed, and we can only hope that Nvidia has a solid RMA plan ready for such situations.
Potentially Affected Models
It is still unclear which specific models are impacted, but the GeForce RTX 5090 and RTX 5080 might be likely suspects, as they utilize the same GB203 GPU found in the desktop RTX 5080 and 5070 Ti. Even if all ROPs are intact, the RTX 50 laptop variants face additional challenges. Reports say that the recent earthquake in Taiwan could have damaged as many as 20,000 wafers.
Supply Chain Issues
The exact number of these wafers belonging to Nvidia remains uncertain, but the current scarcity of RTX 5070 cards and the delayed launch of RTX 50 laptop variants imply that the company may have experienced some loss in stock. Additionally, a report from DigiTimes reveals that the RTX 50 series is facing some performance and driver-related issues.
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