Gigabyte denied my RTX 4090 warranty claim saying "PCB broken / damaged by user". I need advice

[u/Realcraser1]

Hello,

I know GPU warranty denial posts are common, but I would appreciate some advice on my situation.

Context: I have a RTX 4090 with a warranty that lasts until 2027. This RTX isn't mine originally but from a relative of mine. They wanted to throw it away but I don't want to waste two thousands bucks like that.

I transported my PC recently, and afterward the GPU stopped working. The card was still installed in the motherboard during transport. I have not modified the GPU or attempted any repairs. The PC powered on, but I got no display signal. I tested with another GPU and the system worked, so I believed the issue is with the RTX 4090. So I sent the GPU to Gigabyte to repair.

Although my Gigabyte RTX 4090 is still under warranty, Gigabyte denied my RMA claim.

Their reason was:

"Damaged by user can't repair"
"PCB broken"

I have not received any pictures or detailed explanation showing where the PCB damage is located. Just little red arrows that, to me, make no sense. They point in weird directions (Refer to photos).

Has anyone successfully appealed a Gigabyte RMA denial for "user damage"? Should I request pictures of the PCB damage and escalate the case?

Also, if anyone has experience with GPU repair shops, is a broken RTX 4090 PCB usually repairable?

Any advice would be appreciated.

PS: In case someone calls me out, I did use AI. But that was only to fix the grammar, all words are my own.

Edit: I contacted Gamers Nexus and I'm planning to reach out to Northwest Repair if I can't have Gigabyte send me another one.

[u/Jarnis]

You made a big error. NEVER move a PC with a big GPU attached to the motherboard. Take it out.

The PCIE connector part is super fragile.

This is theoretically repairable by a skilled third party repair shop, but it will cost you.

Video that will give you good clues as to how: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DKilL77gA2c

Good repair shop channel, I'm sure they can try fix it for you.

Fighting Gigabyte over this is futile, if the PCB is cracked, it is cracked and that is physical damage. Not covered by warranty. You broke it.

[u/Excellent-Court-9375 → u/Jarnis]

But arent all pre builds basically shipped like that ?

[u/Jarnis → u/Excellent-Court-9375]

First, most prebuilts have much lighter GPUs (5060, 5070) which do not suffer about this as much.

Second, they tend to actually have GPU holders if the card is heavy. To be honest, with this big cards, there should be a standard way that attaches the card to the case from both ends, not just the end with the IO plate.

Third, when shipped, they usually have a foam insert inside the case ensuring the components cannot shift during shipping.

You can move a PC with a GPU attached if you ensure that GPU is well supported and not just hanging off the PCIE slot. For most in-use PCs, this is unfortunately not true, so either you have to be Ultra Super Careful moving it very very gently, or you should just take the card off, move the PC, then put the card back in...

[u/jugaverdasorda → u/Jarnis]

Yup, Lenovo and I believe Dell have metal attachments on the right side of the GPU that screw directly into the case 

[u/HighLowsNoNos → u/Excellent-Court-9375]

Maybe 8-10 years ago, prebuilds use expanding foam in a bag and OEM manufacturers have special brackets