Northridge Fix Warns Against Buying NVIDIA GeForce RTX 5090 Founders Edition Due to Fragile Connector Design
The NVIDIA GeForce RTX 5090 Founders Edition may have a serious design flaw that makes it extremely fragile and almost impossible to repair once opened. In a recent YouTube video by Northridge Fix, the well-known electronics repair expert advised users not to purchase or attempt to modify the RTX 5090 Founders Edition, explaining that its internal structure is unusually complex and easy to damage.
Many enthusiasts were already concerned about NVIDIA’s 16-pin 12V-2x6 power connector, but the RTX 5090 appears to have another major weakness. Unlike previous Founders Edition cards, NVIDIA’s latest flagship GPU uses a small PCB placed in the center of the heatsink, which requires the PCIe connector and rear I/O interface to be routed through tight internal spaces. According to Northridge Fix, this design makes the card highly susceptible to damage if opened or modified.
The issue was discovered after a user attempted to install a custom water-cooling block on their RTX 5090 FE. After the modification, the GPU stopped working and was sent to Northridge Fix for inspection. The technician found that the PCIe interface connector located on the back of the PCB is attached using a very small and fragile connector.
Under a microscope, the repair specialist showed that the connector pins are so delicate that they can bend or break with minimal force. In this case, one pin was broken and another slightly bent, which was enough to make the GPU completely unusable even though the rest of the card remained intact. The biggest issue, however, is that this specific connector is not available on the market, meaning that once it is damaged, it cannot be repaired or replaced.
Northridge Fix called the RTX 5090 Founders Edition one of the worst GPU designs he has ever seen, criticizing NVIDIA for creating a structure that is nearly impossible to service or modify safely. He strongly advised against opening the card, explaining that doing so could permanently destroy it.
The findings have caused concern among PC builders and modders, especially those interested in custom cooling solutions. While the RTX 5090 Founders Edition delivers top-tier performance, its fragile internal design may make it unsuitable for anyone who enjoys modifying or customizing their hardware.
Would you still consider buying the RTX 5090 Founders Edition after hearing about this design flaw? Share your opinion below.
