A GPU repair specialist has uncovered another GPU scam involving a counterfeit RTX 4090, with a fake GPU die and memory chips designed to resemble genuine components. The graphics card was purchased for 30,000 Rubles, or approximately $350, as a potential repair project. However, upon close inspection, it was revealed that the board was fitted with dummy components.

According to VIK-off (h/t VideoCardz), the Russian repair specialist received the GPU from a customer who purchased the card as a bare printed circuit board (PCB). Since the original cooling system was missing, it was difficult to verify whether it actually worked before the purchase was made. Now we’ve seen similar scams in the past, but this particular case stands out due to the sheer effort that was put into making the counterfeit components.

According to Vik-Off, the counterfeiters managed to replicate intricate details including the labeling, GPU package, chip markings, as well as the compound surrounding the processor. The fake GPU die was even soldered onto the PCB using a ball grid array (BGA), making it appear as though it had been installed during the original manufacturing process.

However, certain inconsistencies gave it away, like the color of the substrate, surface reflections, and certain lettering. After removing the fake GPU package, the repair specialist found that its contact area did not resemble that of a functional processor, while the solder mask started to deteriorate during cleaning.

Even though the memory chips looked genuine at first, removing one of the packages revealed what appeared to be GDDR6 memory rather than the GDDR6X chips used on the RTX 4090.

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