In a surprising turn of events, Alternate has officially listed a unique offering: the ZOTAC RTX 5090 SOLID OC model, which is being sold with missing ROP (Raster Operation Pipelines). This revelation brings to light the ongoing ROP-gate issue that many in the gaming community hoped had been resolved. This exclusive deal raises several eyebrows, especially considering the pricing and features of the card.
The term ROP-gate refers to the controversy surrounding certain graphics cards that were released with fewer ROPs than advertised. The ZOTAC RTX 5090 is marketed as a fully featured RTX 5090; however, it is confirmed to have 168 ROPs instead of the standard 176 ROPs. This discrepancy can lead to a significant performance drop, with independent reviews indicating up to an 11% performance loss in specific gaming scenarios.
Currently, the ZOTAC RTX 5090 SOLID OC is offered at a hefty price of €2899, which matches the cost of the fully functional RTX 5090 models. This pricing decision raises questions, especially since the other two B-stock options available on Alternate feature only minor packaging damage and are listed at the same price. This makes the purchasing decision even more challenging for consumers.
Unlike the standard RTX 5090 models, buyers of the ZOTAC RTX 5090 with missing ROPs will not have the option to exchange their card for one with the complete 176 ROPs. However, European Union laws still provide consumers the right to return the product within a specified timeframe, allowing for a no-questions-asked return policy. This offers some level of reassurance to potential buyers.
The impact of having fewer ROPs is notable, particularly for the GeForce RTX 5080 model, which has seen performance dips of up to 11% in certain gaming titles. As for the RTX 5070 Ti, it’s worth mentioning that no instances of this issue have been reported, leaving gamers wondering if NVIDIA's quality control was solely focused on the higher-end models.
Despite the ongoing issues, NVIDIA has not provided a straightforward replacement process for affected cards. Instead, they have directed consumers to contact their retailers for potential replacements. It appears that some retailers have opted to sell these defective cards rather than return them to the board partners, leading to the current availability of B-stock options like the one from Alternate.
As the gaming community continues to grapple with the implications of the ROP-gate issue, it’s crucial for consumers to remain informed about the specifications and performance of their graphics cards. The ZOTAC RTX 5090 SOLID OC serves as a cautionary tale for buyers looking to invest in high-end gaming hardware.
