Seller gets scammed as eBay customer returns $4,000 RTX 5090 with missing GPU core and memory modules — fully working Zotac stripped of most valuable components and sent back

We have another classic case of a PC parts scam involving the RTX 5090. According to an eBay seller, a customer pulled a fast one by returning a Zotac Gaming GeForce RTX 5090 Solid OC worth $4,000 with the GPU die and memory modules missing. The GPU was reportedly in working condition and was tested before the sale was made, but soon after delivery, the customer filed for a return.

Upon receiving the Zotac GPU back, the seller inspected the card and assumed everything was normal. However, the issue was only discovered after the cooler was removed to inspect the PCB.

Pulling components from flagship GPUs has become a common tactic among scammers. That said, it isn’t an easy job. Not only does it require specialized equipment, but it also needs precise temperature control, expert-level soldering skills, and carries a high risk of damaging the hardware.

Scammers basically earn by reselling the GPU core and memory modules or retrofitting another graphics card with the stolen components. This practice is reportedly being done in China, where RTX 5090 dies, and GDDR7 memory modules are being transplanted onto compact blower-style graphics cards for AI server purposes.

In a similar case from last year, a buyer who purchased a Zotac RTX 5090 for around $2,000 sent the card to the Northwestrepair shop after noticing some issues. Upon inspection, it was discovered that the GPU die and memory chips had been completely removed from the PCB. Since the card appeared mostly intact, aside from a stripped screw, it made the scam difficult to detect without performing a disassembly. However, the repair technician confirmed that the components had been professionally removed.

Another case involved an Amazon customer in France who claimed on Reddit that they ordered an MSI RTX 5090 but received a tampered unit with the GPU core and memory chips missing. According to u/Nice-Screen-4193 on the PCMasterRace subreddit, the package arrived after a long wait and appeared factory-sealed, with no visible signs of tampering. However, after unboxing the GPU, they noticed stripped screws around the GPU core, and a dull or used gold finger on the PCIe connector. Since the card failed to power on, the Redditor did a close inspection with a flashlight, which revealed missing components from the PCB.

With continued demand for AI hardware, sophisticated GPU scams are continuing to grow in number. While it may not be easy to spot them, we highly recommend that you purchase GPUs, especially those that cost thousands of dollars, from a reliable seller or retailer in person. Inspect the card thoroughly and be sure of certain red flags such as broken or missing warranty seals, scratches around the cooler or PCB, stripped or mismatched screws, and any signs of usage around the PCIe connector.

Follow 3DTested on Google News, or add us as a preferred source, to get our latest news, analysis, & reviews in your feeds.