RTX 5090 5090D bricked issues: Causes and Fixes

RTX 5090 and 5090D owners are facing mass "bricking" problems, leaving these top-of-the-line GPUs unusable. Issues result from driver incompatibility, BIOS incompatibility, and PCIe 5.0 problems. This tutorial provides troubleshooting tips, prevention methods, and workarounds that can assist users in solving these RTX 5090 5090D bricked issues.

Introduction to the RTX 5090 & 5090D

The RTX 5090 and 5090D are a bold excursion into the new generation of GPU performance, carrying the 40-series momentum further and building on it with staggering hardware capacity. From improved AI processing to improved rendering engines, the cards were engineered to deliver both gaming and professional performance requirements. The 5090D, typically considered the "data" model, provided optimized memory bandwidth and cooling for enterprise-level workloads.

What Is "Bricked" in the Context of the GPU?

By "bricked," we mean that the graphics card has become entirely useless—basically reduced to a costly paperweight. On the RTX 5090 series, compromised cards display the following signs:

• Total system failure to detect the GPU—the card won't show up in BIOS or system detection
• Black screen during booting—no output on DisplayPort or HDMI
• Faulty hardware—card is unresponsive even upon repeated system reboot
• Installation crashes—systems crash or freeze during first-time driver installation

RTX 5090 5090D bricked issues

The RTX 5090 and 5090D have been creating some migraine-inducing moments for first-time adopters.

1. Bricking Problems

• Driver BIOS Issues: Several users have complained that the 5090 and 5090D GPUs are being bricked, presumably because of faulty drivers, BIOS, or PCIe. One Redditor wrote, "Lots of RTX 5090 & 5090D GPUs Are Getting Bricked, Possibly Due to Driver, BIOS, or PCIe Issues."
  
  
• Compatibility Problems: Some people setting the BIOS to PCIe 4.0 have found that it resolves their problem, implying compatibility problems with PCIe 5.0.

2. Performance and Stability Issues

• Freezing and Crashing: There have been various reports of frequent blue screens and system freezes, especially in demanding games.
  
  
• Audio Issues: Various people reported Realtek audio driver crashes and crackling audio, which may well be G-Sync related.

Possible Solutions

• Driver and BIOS Updates: Make sure you have up-to-date drivers and BIOS. Some have stated that updating them will fix many problems. "Try a BIOS update and a chipset update."
  
  
• DDU and Reinstall: Remove older drivers completely with DDU (Display Driver Uninstaller) and install the latest drivers. Wiped drivers with DDU multiple times.
  
  
• PSU and Power Connections: Make sure your PSU is sufficient and there are proper power connectors and their own cables. The 5090 demands serious power and a quality power supply.
  
  
• Check PCIe Settings: Double-check your PCIe settings, especially if you are using a riser cable. If you're using a GPU riser cable, make sure the riser cable is PCIE 5.0 rated.

More Advice

Stay Away from First-Run Problems: A few Redditors recommend waiting several months before purchasing new hardware to stay away from first-run problems. "This is why you never buy the first run. Wait for 3-6 months."

Warranty and Returns: If the problem continues, try returning the card for a replacement or refund if the warranty is still valid. If this can't be fixed, the card will be returned and the 4090 will remain in use.

Immediate Solutions and Workarounds

If you encounter RTX 5090 5090D bricked issues and desire to avoid them, the following are the present suggested solutions:

1. PCIe Configuration Changes

Prior to Installing the GPU:

• Open your motherboard's BIOS/UEFI settings
• Go to PCIe configuration settings (most likely found under Advanced or Chipset settings)
• Modify PCIe slot speed from "Auto" or "Gen 5" to "Gen 4" or "PCIe 4.0."
• Save settings and restart

2. Display Connection Troubleshooting

If you're still having display problems despite PCIe changes:

• Attempt to switch from DisplayPort to HDMI connections
• Check various display ports on the GPU
• Make sure your monitor can support the resolution and refresh rate you're trying

3. Clean Driver Installation

On systems that boot but have driver problems:

• Utilize DDU (Display Driver Uninstaller) to fully remove the currently installed graphics drivers
• Install latest drivers in Safe Mode
• Use older driver versions if current ones are problematic

4. BIOS Updates

• Check for the current BIOS update for your motherboard
• Specifically search for updates that state PCIe 5.0 enhancements or RTX 5090 support
• There are some manufacturers who have put out special updates to resolve these problems

Prevention Measures for New Purchasers

Before buying an RTX 5090 or 5090D, take these precautions into consideration:

Pre-Purchase Checklist:

• Ensure your motherboard supports PCIe 5.0 strongly
• Make inquiries on manufacturer forums regarding RTX 5090 reports
• Look for motherboards which have been tested with RTX 5090 cards

BIOS Preparation:

• Update to the latest BIOS prior to GPU installation
• Set PCIe options to Gen 4 as a safety precaution
• Disable any overclocking settings on first installation

Driver Strategy:

• Download the latest drivers
• Have DDU prepared for clean install of drivers if needed
• Consider installing the GPU offline first

Conclusion

RTX 5090 5090D bricking issues are serious but solvable. Most problems stem from PCIe 5.0 compatibility conflicts and driver issues. Problems arise due to driver conflicts, BIOS incompatibilities, and PCIe 5.0 problems. This troubleshooting guide is about solutions, prevention, and workarounds to assist users in fixing these hardware failure issues.