A mass conversion of GeForce RTX 5090 cards is happening in China through machines, which are turning the "Gaming" cards into "AI"-specific ones.
Chinese Company Removes the GPU Chip and VRAM Modules on the RTX 5090 and Puts Them on a Custom PCB for Deployment in AI Systems
Despite tight regulations and strict export policies, some companies seem to have no problem in getting the GeForce RTX 5090 in China. While the GeForce RTX 5090 D is getting a replacement with the RTX 5090 D V2, the RTX 5090 is somehow smuggled to China, where they don't actually end up in someone's gaming rig but in AI systems after going through a big modification. Some vendors are even reportedly offering up to 128 GB versions of the RTX 5090 for AI.
This is what we saw in a video, where a Chinese company is transforming all the GeForce RTX 5090 GPUs into AI cards through automated processes. The lab where all this stuff is going on is doing this on a mass scale and has probably transformed thousands of RTX 5090s into dedicated AI cards. First, the GPUs are tested to see if they are fully functional, and then their GPU chip (GB202 die) and the GDDR7 VRAM modules are removed from the PCB.
They solder the GPU chip and VRAM chips on a custom PCB made specially for making the new AI cards. The PCB is quite large and even has a 16-pin power connector placed at the right edge for an easier connection in AI systems. These are then coupled with large AI blower-style coolers, which enhance the cooling of the components so that they can operate for longer sessions.
Almost everything is automated, from removing the chips to installing them on the new PCBs, which are done through machines with precision. They are then tested again and packed for shipping to firms. This is how a lot of RTX 5090s are converted to AI cards, as, unlike the RTX 5090 D, the RTX 5090 retains its AI capabilities, which are quite popular among enterprises.
Since the upcoming RTX 5090 D V2 won't likely have such AI features due to US restrictions and will also have a nerfed memory configuration, it will likely end up in gamers' rigs. However, the flow of the RTX 5090 into the Chinese market doesn't seem to have a problem at all, and if you remember, this isn't the first time we have seen such high-end GPUs getting converted into AI cards.
In 2023, we also saw NVIDIA's flagship GeForce RTX 4090 GPUs turning into AI cards with similar blower card solutions. However, the RTX 4090 was initially allowed to be sold in China, but the mass conversion seems to have happened later.
News Source: UNIKO's Hardware
About the author: Sarfraz Khan is a hardware reporter with a focus on PC components and the builder community. With years of experience writing about PC hardware and laptops, his work has been featured on several reputable technology publications. Sarfraz's hands-on experience is demonstrated through his first-person accounts of using and comparing different hardware configurations, providing practical and relatable insights for everyday users. His technical analysis is respected by peers in the enthusiast community and has been cited by specialized hardware sites such as Germany's Igor's Lab.
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