NVIDIA Graphics Card Found in Trash Bin Powers Up Successfully

Last week, a Reddit user claimed to have discovered a thick, 4-slot NVIDIA graphics card in an electronic recycling bin. The card closely resembles the rumored GeForce RTX 4090 Ti. After some effort, the user managed to get the card running, but it turned out to be different from expectations. The software identified it as an RTX 4090, and notably, it was a downclocked version. VideoCardz has been in touch with the Redditor, known as u/This_Explanation_514, to gather more information and images of the card, including its specifications and power consumption data as shown by GPU-Z.

According to the GPU-Z data, this card is not the much-anticipated RTX 4090 Ti but rather an RTX 4090. The key difference lies in the BIOS version, which has been altered. The base clock has been reduced from 2235 MHz to 2115 MHz, while the boost clock has dropped from 2520 MHz to 2355 MHz. Ironically, despite the card’s bulkier design, its performance has taken a hit. Moreover, the power design remains identical to the retail RTX 4090 FE, with a default TDP of 450 W and a maximum of 600 W, indicating that the reduced clock speeds did not lead to lower power consumption.

Design Features of the Found Card

u/This_Explanation_514 also shared additional images of the graphics card with VideoCardz. It was discovered that this oversized RTX 4090 features a "triple-fan" design. In addition to the front and rear fans, there is a smaller fan located inside the card, which can only be seen from specific angles without disassembly. Previous reports about NVIDIA’s development of the RTX 4090 Ti had hinted at a triple-fan design, but earlier leaks only showcased a few components rather than the complete assembly. This time, the presence of the third fan hidden within the heatsink has been officially confirmed.

Handling and Inspection Recommendations

VideoCardz advised users against attempting to disassemble the card themselves if they want to explore its internal structure. Instead, they suggested handing it over to professionals, such as the well-known tech channel Gamers Nexus. The current identification of the card was achieved solely through software detection, so disassembly might reveal the actual chip, potentially leading to unexpected developments.

Questions Surrounding the Card's Authenticity

Many have raised doubts about the legitimacy of the "trash bin find." u/This_Explanation_514 did not directly address these concerns. However, VideoCardz hinted at having some insider information, mentioning that the situation is somewhat complicated and not easy to elaborate on.

Potential Implications for GPU Market

This incident raises intriguing questions about the GPU market, particularly regarding how discarded or abandoned technology can still hold value. With the ongoing chip shortage and high demand for graphics cards, it's surprising to see a card of such caliber left in a recycling bin. This situation may prompt discussions about the lifecycle of tech products and the importance of recycling.

Future of NVIDIA's Product Line

As NVIDIA continues to innovate, this incident might influence how they approach future designs. The presence of a third fan in the RTX 4090 could signal a shift in cooling strategies for upcoming models, especially if they aim to enhance performance without increasing power draw. Observers will be keen to see how NVIDIA responds to this find.

Community Reactions and Speculations

The online community has been buzzing with reactions, ranging from skepticism to excitement. Some users are speculating on the possibility of more such finds and what they could mean for gamers looking for affordable alternatives. The idea that high-end hardware could be discarded raises hopes for those who might not be able to afford new cards but are willing to take a chance on second-hand components.