RTX 5090 Catches Fire on Camera Moments After Installation

According to VideoCardz, a Bilibili uploader shared footage of an MSI GeForce RTX 5090 failing during its very first startup.

MSI GeForce RTX 5090 reportedly fails on first boot

The user recorded the power-on sequence because they had just installed a new 1300W power supply and major hardware components. Shortly after boot, the system encountered a failure, which the uploader later confirmed in the comments was diagnosed as a graphics card fault.

After removing the RTX 5090 and reinstalling an RTX 5060, the system reportedly functioned normally. The uploader also stated that the new PSU cables did not burn. However, a photo shared after the incident shows visible discoloration near a section of the motherboard.

This marked the first time the MSI RTX 5090 had been installed and powered on. The card was purchased through a proxy seller, as the standard RTX 5090 is not officially sold in China.

Only RTX 5090D and RTX 5090D V2 models are available there, meaning no local warranty support exists for the unit. Any repair would likely require shipping or carrying the card abroad. The uploader plans to contact the seller after the holiday period.

The incident follows previous high-profile GPU failures, including reports involving the RTX 4090 and a recent RTX 4080 Super short circuit case.

Access to NVIDIA cards in China could become even more limited, as reports suggest potential supply cuts of up to 40%. Meanwhile, rumors point to an RTX 5090 Ti in development, while RTX 50 SUPER models and the RTX 60 launch may face delays.