Watching YouTube repair shops can teach you a lot about PC hardware. Some of these stores chronicle their experiences resolving client issues, revealing the inner workings of technology that you would not frequently see, and how to improve everything. But perhaps don’t check it out for yourself if you’ve already paid a few thousand dollars on an Nvidia RTX 5090 Founder’s Edition GPU.

That’s the conclusion reached by Northridge Fix, the official YouTube channel of a California repair shop, which VideoCardz discovered. What they say is actually more concerning: “Never, ever purchase a 5090 Founder’s Edition,” a reference to the highly sought-after Nvidia-branded reference cards with ordinary retail prices and clean branding. “One of the worst designs in the history of video cards,” the video claims.

The customer’s two RTX 5090 cards had a water block—a component used for custom water cooling loops—installed on both of them. When the water block was applied, both cards failed. Although the Nvidia Founder’s Edition card was not salvageable, the add-in-partner board (brand unknown) was fixed. The remarkably compact physical design of the 5090, which connects to a PCIe slot via a proprietary connector (designated “JB05”), seems to be the offender.

Only two of the dozens of pins used by this tiny connector were broken, a problem so small that it would be difficult to detect with the unaided eye. However, tiny and delicate connectors are a standard feature of contemporary electronics, so that isn’t the actual issue. The issue is that the repair business was unable to locate a new part because it doesn’t seem to be available online. (And, of course, they would have the contacts and knowledge to locate it). The proprietary PCIe connector component is no different.

Repairability is a problem with almost all contemporary electronic devices. Some of them, like Framework’s fully modular designs, are amazing; others, like the majority of cellphones, are a pain in the ass; and still others, like the majority of wearable technology, are essentially e-waste in waiting. However, it is disappointing to say the least to have a $2,000 graphics card (which many customers find to be closer to $3,000) with no repair alternatives following the installation of a specialist but not uncommon part.

“The chances are that if you are not very careful, the card won’t work again if you take it apart and try to install a water block, adjust the thermals, clean it, or do anything else,” the specialist added. “Do not open the 5090 Founder’s Edition if you already have one and bought it.”