Nvidia has officially confirmed a rare manufacturing issue affecting a small percentage of its RTX 5090, RTX 5090D, and RTX 5070 Ti graphics cards. The issue, first reported by TechPowerUp, involves the omission of render units in some of these high-end graphics processing units (GPUs).

According to Nvidia's global PR director, Ben Berraondo, the affected GPUs have one fewer render output unit (ROP) than specified, resulting in a 4% impact on graphical performance. However, Berraondo emphasized that the issue does not affect AI and Compute workloads. The company has assured customers that they can contact the board manufacturer for a replacement if their card is affected.

The scope of the issue appears to be relatively limited, with Nvidia estimating that less than 0.5% of the affected GPUs were shipped. This is a small consolation for those who have already purchased these high-end graphics cards, which were already in short supply. The RTX 5090, in particular, has been plagued by issues, including launch driver problems and reports of melting power connectors.

This manufacturing issue is the latest in a series of annoyances for Nvidia's latest pricey cards. Despite the company's efforts to address these problems, the cumulative effect may be eroding customer trust in the brand. The RTX 5090, touted as a flagship product, has been beset by issues that have undermined its performance and reliability.

The news may also have implications for the broader graphics card market, as customers weigh their options and consider alternative products. Nvidia's competitors, such as AMD, may see an opportunity to capitalize on the company's misfortunes and gain market share.

In the meantime, Nvidia customers who suspect their RTX 5090 or 5070 Ti graphics card may be affected are advised to contact the board manufacturer for assistance. As the company works to rectify the situation, it remains to be seen how this issue will impact the company's reputation and bottom line in the long run.

For now, the tech community will be watching closely to see how Nvidia responds to this latest challenge and whether the company can regain the trust of its customers. One thing is certain: the stakes are high, and the company's reputation hangs in the balance.