# **RTX 5090 Encounters Another Hurdle: Reports of Missing ROPs Emerge**
The Nvidia GeForce RTX 5090 has been in the news for negative reasons. Ongoing supply shortages resulting in sky-high prices, along with reports of overheating power connectors and unstable drivers at launch, have created a tumultuous debut for Nvidia’s latest flagship GPU. Now, another complication has arisen—numerous users are indicating that their RTX 5090 cards possess fewer Render Output Units (ROPs) than promoted, possibly resulting in diminished performance.
## **What Are ROPs and Why Are They Important?**
Render Output Units (ROPs) play an essential role in a GPU’s rendering process. They handle pixel and depth information, manage anti-aliasing, and write the ultimate image data to the framebuffer. The quantity of ROPs directly influences a GPU’s capability to efficiently render high-resolution graphics.
Nvidia’s official specs state that the RTX 5090 should include **176 active ROPs**. However, user reports and independent evaluations indicate that some units are being shipped with just **168 ROPs**, which could lead to a **4.54% decrease in theoretical pixel processing capability**. In synthetic benchmarks, this difference has resulted in performance drops of up to **11%**, a considerable concern for a top-tier GPU.
## **The Discovery of the Problem**
The concern was initially brought to light by **TechPowerUp**, which discovered the anomaly during testing of a **Zotac GeForce RTX 5090 Solid**. Utilizing the widely-used GPU monitoring tool **GPU-Z**, they identified that their test card only had **168 active ROPs** instead of the anticipated 176.
Additional confirmations from users on **ComputerBase’s Discord server** supported these findings. Initially thought to affect only Zotac models, it soon became apparent that the issue spanned **multiple manufacturers**, including **Gigabyte, MSI, and Manli**. Alarmingly, even **Nvidia’s own Founders Edition** seems to be involved.
## **A Widespread Problem Impacting Various Brands**
As reports continue to circulate on social media platforms like **X (formerly Twitter)**, it is showing signs that this isn’t an isolated case. The well-known hardware leaker **MegaSizeGPU** has theorized that a **”small batch with faulty chips”** might have been distributed, resulting in these inconsistencies.
Should this hypothesis prove accurate, it could imply that Nvidia **unintentionally shipped GPUs with hardware-level issues**, causing inactive ROPs. Such a scenario would represent a major lapse in quality control, as ROP configurations are typically established by Nvidia prior to distribution to board partners.
## **Potential Ramifications for Nvidia and Consumers**
As of now, **Nvidia has not released an official response** regarding the situation. However, if the missing ROPs stem from a **hardware defect rather than a software issue**, it could trigger a **significant recall** of the affected GPUs.
### **Possible Scenarios:**
1. **Software Update:** If a firmware error is to blame, Nvidia might issue a driver update to reactivate the missing ROPs.
2. **Permanent Hardware Issue:** If the ROPs are irreversibly disabled due to a manufacturing defect, Nvidia may have to recall and replace the affected models.
3. **Quiet Resolution:** Nvidia might opt to discreetly replace defective units for users who report the issue, avoiding a widespread recall.
For consumers, this predicament is aggravating, particularly considering the **steep cost of the RTX 5090**. Many early purchasers have already invested considerable amounts due to limited stock, only to now learn that their GPUs might not be delivering the expected performance.
## **Is the RTX 5080 Impacted?**
Currently, there are no verified reports of the **RTX 5080** experiencing the same situation. Nevertheless, given that both GPUs share the same **Ada Lovelace Next architecture**, it remains plausible that comparable issues could arise in the upcoming weeks.
## **Final Reflections**
The RTX 5090 was intended to represent Nvidia’s most formidable consumer GPU to date, but its launch has been fraught with various challenges. The latest allegations of absent ROPs merely add to the expanding list of issues surrounding the card.
If you possess an RTX 5090, it’s advisable to **check your GPU’s specifications using GPU-Z** to confirm if your card contains the correct number of ROPs. If you uncover discrepancies, consider contacting your GPU manufacturer or Nvidia for additional insights.
With Nvidia yet to publicly address the situation, all attention is directed toward the company to determine their approach to this latest issue. Will they opt for a recall, implement a software remedy, or maintain silence? Only time will reveal the outcome.