Overview
- Multiple user reports on Reddit and tests by PC Gamer published September 15–16 show serials printed on the metal PCIe bracket of RTX Founders Edition cards can fade with normal use, and at least one owner says Nvidia rejected an RMA for an unreadable bracket serial.
- Coverage from Wccftech, PC Gamer and TweakTown finds inconsistent outcomes for RMAs when bracket serials are faded and no public Nvidia statement has clarified whether a faded physical serial alone is grounds for denial.
- Nvidia placed some card serials on the exposed metal I/O bracket rather than on a sticker, and users and editors say heat, friction from installation or frequent swapping can make the grey-printed numbers wear away.
- Owners are advised to keep original packaging and proof of purchase and to photograph any legible serials before sending a card for service to preserve alternative evidence of ownership.
- Because top models such as the RTX 5090 cost thousands of dollars, reports of fading serials and mixed RMA results raise financial risk for owners and could lead to calls for clearer warranty rules or different serial-marking methods.