ⓘ Nvidia
Chinese facilities are reportedly converting GeForce RTX 5090 gaming cards into AI accelerators by transplanting their GPUs and memory onto custom circuit boards. This suggests that Nvidia’s flagship Blackwell-series hardware is reaching China despite export restrictions, while potentially diverting supply away from gamers. Reports have also raised questions about Nvidia’s possible indirect role in the process.
Hundreds of Nvidia GeForce RTX 5090 graphics cards have reportedly surfaced at Chinese modification facilities rather than being sold to gamers. Footage shared by HKEPC shows large quantities of cards from multiple vendors being dismantled, with their GPU dies and memory chips removed for use in custom AI accelerators.
The RTX 5090 has been the subject of discontinuation rumors, although Nvidia has recently denied them. Even so, the report suggests that some cards are being redirected toward AI server production, where the GPU’s 32 GB of GDDR7 memory and computing capabilities make it valuable.
The conversion process involves dismantling the original graphics cards and removing their GB202 GPU dies and memory chips. Technicians then install these components on custom PCBs designed for AI accelerators. The resulting cards use dual-slot blower-style coolers, making them better suited to densely packed AI servers, where space and airflow are important considerations.
The footage reportedly includes cards from several manufacturers, including premium models such as the Asus ROG Astral RTX 5090 and Nvidia Founders Edition cards. According to the report, this practice is not new, with similar conversions of Blackwell-based RTX 50-series cards having been observed in China previously.
The RTX 5090 remains subject to US export restrictions affecting China, but reports indicate that substantial quantities of the GPU continue to reach the region. The report also raises the possibility that Nvidia is aware of these resales, which could be more profitable for sellers than supplying cards to gamers. However, the available information does not establish Nvidia’s knowledge of or involvement in the reported conversions.
Andrew Sozinow - Tech Writer - 159 articles published on Notebookcheck since 2024
I’ve been fascinated by computers, electronics and modern technology since childhood. I started writing IT-news at high school and have been doing it continuously for more than 10 years. During this time, I have worked for many media outlets, and now I am a news editor at 3DNews. Sometimes I also write smartphone reviews. In July 2024, I decided to try my hand at writing news on Notebookcheck. When I'm not working, I like to play videogames, do puzzles, and travel.
Andrew Sozinov, 2026-10-23 (Update: 2026-10-23)