Fading Nvidia GPU serial numbers spark RMA fears

Recent reports indicate that serial numbers etched onto Nvidia's Founders Edition (FE) GPUs are fading, potentially causing significant problems for users seeking warranty service. This issue has been observed on expensive models like the RTX 5090, with some users claiming their RMA requests were rejected due to illegible serial numbers. The fading appears to affect multiple FE card models, not just the newest ones, with observations suggesting it occurs on the metal part of the I/O side.

Serial numbers are crucial for verifying a product's authenticity and confirming it falls within the warranty period, especially since Nvidia's warranty policy in the US only extends to original purchasers. While it's unclear if a serial number is always a mandatory requirement for Nvidia's RMA process, its absence or illegibility could hinder claims. Users with affected cards are advised to photograph their serial numbers as a precautionary measure, though the effectiveness of this is uncertain if the number fades before the card is returned for service. This situation highlights a potential design flaw in how serial numbers are applied to these high-value components.