NVIDIA’s RTX 5090 Performance Issue: Missing Render Units Discovered

NVIDIA’s Blackwell GPUs are currently facing significant issues due to a hardware defect that results in missing Render Output Units (ROPs), which negatively impacts gaming performance. This problem has been reported across various models, with the RTX 5090 being particularly affected. Customers are advised to check their ROP count using tools like GPU-Z or HWiNFO to determine if their cards are impacted.

The Problem

The issue with the NVIDIA GeForce RTX 5090 graphics cards has sparked concern among users and tech enthusiasts alike. The discovery by TechPowerUp revealed that certain retail models, specifically the Zotac GeForce RTX 5090 Solid, come with fewer Render Output Units (ROPs) than specified. Instead of the expected 176 ROPs, these cards have only 168 enabled, resulting in a noticeable performance drop. This discrepancy was initially overlooked, as the focus was on other potential factors like clock speeds and cooling.

During our recent tests, it became evident that the Zotac RTX 5090 Solid underperformed compared to other RTX 5090 models, including the NVIDIA Founders Edition. The performance gap was significant enough to warrant further investigation. Initially, we suspected issues with clock speeds or power delivery, but a closer look revealed that the ROPs were indeed missing.

The impact of these missing ROPs is not uniform across all games and applications. In some cases, the performance loss is minor, while in others, it can be more pronounced. For instance, in ‘Elden Ring’ at 4K UHD with maxed out settings, the Zotac RTX 5090 Solid was 5.6% slower than the NVIDIA Founders Edition and 8.4% slower than the ASUS ROG Astral RTX 5090 OC. This performance hit is particularly noticeable in games that are ROP-intensive.

This discrepancy can lead to reduced gaming performance by up to 5-8% compared to cards with the full complement of ROPs. The issue stems from a hardware defect in the GB202 chips used in these GPUs.

NVIDIA missing ROPs RTX 5090

The Blackwell Architecture

According to sources like MEGAsizeGPU, NVIDIA has supplied board partners with defective chips that cannot be corrected through software updates or BIOS changes. This means all RTX 5090s may potentially ship with fewer ROPs than expected.

ROPs are crucial for blending colors, performing anti-aliasing, and handling transactions between the framebuffer. Each top-level GPC in NVIDIA’s Blackwell architecture contains 16 ROPS, but the GB202 chip used in the RTX 5090 typically comes with 176 ROPs. However, affected cards may have as few as 168 ROPs, resulting in a significant performance drop.

Impact on Gaming

The discovery was made by hardware reviewers who noticed discrepancies between the factory specifications and the actual performance of their GPUs. Tools like GPU-Z and HWiNFO confirmed these readings, ruling out software errors.

The impact on gaming performance varies by title. For example, Elden Ring showed an up to 8.5% performance loss in benchmarks, while games like Starfield and DOOM Eternal were less affected. However, the reduction in ROPs is unacceptable for a high-end GPU costing around $2500 – $3800.

What Can You Do

The issue is not universal; not all RTX 5090s are affected, but reports from multiple manufacturers suggest it is widespread. NVIDIA has not yet issued an official statement on the matter, but given the widespread Blackwell shortage, a recall or replacement program seems unlikely.

A refund would also be unsatisfactory due to the scarcity of these GPUs. Users are advised to check their ROP counts using tools like GPU-Z to determine if their card is affected.

Community Response

In response to this issue, some users have expressed frustration and disbelief, comparing it to NVIDIA’s past missteps, such as the GTX 970 VRAM controversy. Others have made light of the situation, highlighting the irony of paying more for less performance.

The community awaits an official statement from NVIDIA to address these concerns. For those affected by this issue, the best course of action is to contact their retailer or NVIDIA directly for support. In the meantime, gamers and enthusiasts will have to monitor the situation closely as more information becomes available.

In conclusion

The ROP defect in NVIDIA’s RTX 5090 GPUs presents a significant challenge for consumers investing in high-end hardware. The lack of an official statement from Nvidia leaves users uncertain about their options, whether to seek support from retailers or wait for potential solutions. Staying informed and vigilant will be key as the situation develops.

This article was written by a human with the help of AI.