RTX 5090 and 5090D Bricked Issues? Solve them with this ultimate Guide in 2025

Table of Contents:

1. What Does “Bricked” Mean for RTX 5090/5090D?
2. Why Are RTX 5090 and 5090D Cards Getting Bricked?
3. Main Causes Behind RTX 5090 & 5090D Bricked Issues
4. Step-by-Step Fixes for RTX 5090/5090D Bricked Problems
5. Prevention Tips to Avoid RTX 5090 Bricking in the Future
6. Warranty, RMA & NVIDIA’s Official Response
7. Real User Experiences (With Fixes)
8. Conclusion
9. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

What Does “Bricked” Mean for RTX 5090/5090D?

When your RTX 5090 or RTX 5090D GPU is “bricked,” it means it becomes completely unusable or non-functional — like a brick. No display output, no fan spin, no driver detection — your GPU is as good as dead.

This issue is more than frustrating, especially with a high-end card like the RTX 5090, which is expected to perform at top-tier levels in gaming and AI workloads.

Why Are RTX 5090 and 5090D Cards Getting Bricked?

Many RTX 5090 and 5090D users have reported sudden failures during:

BIOS updates

GPU overclocking

Driver installations

Windows or firmware updates

Gaming sessions under high loads

With the power-hungry design and cutting-edge architecture of the RTX 5090 series, any instability in firmware, power delivery, or heat management can result in total failure — aka bricking.

Main Causes Behind RTX 5090 & 5090D Bricked Issues

1. Firmware Update Failure

Many users have bricked their RTX 5090 during a VBIOS flash or NVIDIA firmware update gone wrong. Power interruption or corrupted firmware files can lead to irreversible damage.

2. Overclocking Instability

Extreme GPU overclocking without proper voltage control can push the RTX 5090 past safe thermal or power limits, resulting in hardware lockout or VRM damage.

3. Driver Conflicts or Bugs

Incompatible or faulty driver versions (especially beta ones) have caused system freezes and boot-loop scenarios that can end in the card becoming bricked.

4. Faulty Power Supply (PSU)

A low-quality or underpowered PSU can lead to voltage spikes or drops that damage sensitive GPU components.

5. Poor Cooling and Thermal Issues

Insufficient cooling causes thermal throttling or thermal shutdown. Long-term exposure to high temps can damage GPU dies or VRMs.

Step-by-Step Fixes for RTX 5090/5090D Bricked Problems

Here are real fixes users have applied to restore partially or fully bricked GPUs.

1. Try a Secondary GPU Method

Insert a working GPU in the first PCIe slot.

Insert the RTX 5090 in the second slot.

Boot your PC and try to flash the correct VBIOS using NVFlash.

Use: nvflash64 –protectoff and nvflash64 bios.rom

2. Blind Flash Recovery

If your display shows nothing but your system is POSTing:

Create a bootable USB with DOS + NVFlash + correct VBIOS.

Auto-execute the flash via autoexec.bat.

Wait for the beeps and check for fan spin.

3. Flash from Safe Mode (For Semi-Bricked Cards)

Boot into Safe Mode.

Use DDU to uninstall all GPU drivers.

Reinstall only WHQL certified NVIDIA drivers.

Re-attempt firmware flash.

4. Contact Manufacturer for RMA

If your RTX 5090 or 5090D is completely unresponsive:

Check your purchase date.

Contact support with logs, photos, and symptoms.

If eligible, proceed with RMA (Return Merchandise Authorization).

Prevention Tips to Avoid RTX 5090 Bricking in the Future

1. Avoid Unofficial BIOS Mods

Do not use modified VBIOS files from forums or YouTube — many have incorrect power tables or unsafe limits.

2. Use Trusted Driver Versions Only

Stick to NVIDIA WHQL drivers from the official site or GeForce Experience.

3. Monitor Temps & Power Draw

Use MSI Afterburner or HWiNFO to monitor core temps and power draw. Never let your GPU go beyond 85°C under load.

4. Invest in a High-Quality PSU

Use a 1000W+ Platinum-rated PSU from reliable brands like Corsair, EVGA, or Seasonic.

5. Backup Before Flashing

Always backup your original BIOS before flashing. Use the command:
nvflash64 –save original.rom

Warranty, RMA & NVIDIA’s Official Response

NVIDIA has acknowledged scattered bricking issues with RTX 5090 and 5090D, especially post driver updates (early 2025 batches).

Their current stance:

Devices affected during firmware update with official tools are covered under warranty.

Overclocking damage is not covered.

Tips for RMA Success:

Do not mention overclocking.

Report it as “card stopped working after update”.

Submit clear evidence and follow all steps for a smoother RMA process.

Real User Experiences (With Fixes)

Reddit User (u/GPUKing):

“My RTX 5090 bricked after a hotfix driver update. Black screen on boot. Used a backup GTX 1060, flashed the BIOS, and it’s alive again!”

Forum Post:

“Flashed modded VBIOS to 5090D — total brick. RMA approved after I showed it failed during ‘official update’.”

Conclusion: Don’t Let RTX 5090 Bricking Catch You Off Guard

The RTX 5090 and 5090D are powerhouse GPUs, but with great power comes great responsibility. Bricking issues are real — but avoidable and often fixable.

By following safe practices, keeping your BIOS and drivers up-to-date, and never flashing unofficial files, you can enjoy smooth, long-term GPU performance.

And if your card does get bricked? Now you know exactly how to recover it or get a replacement fast.

Read More :-

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q1. What is the safest way to update RTX 5090 BIOS?

Use only NVIDIA’s official tools and ensure you’re on a UPS backup to prevent power loss during the update.

Q2. Can bricking damage be reversed?

Sometimes. If the card is semi-bricked (fans spin, but no display), blind flashing may work. If it’s completely dead, you’ll likely need RMA.

Q3. Is the RTX 5090D more prone to bricking than the RTX 5090?

Some early users report 5090D variants having more firmware instability, likely due to dual-bios switching or factory OC conflicts.

Q4. Will NVIDIA release a fix or firmware patch?

Yes. NVIDIA has rolled out hotfixes in early Q2 2025, and more stable drivers are being prioritized.

Q5. Is bricking covered under GPU warranty?

If the bricking happened without user modification or overclocking, most brands will honor warranty claims.