PSA: Discolored reminiscence chips are a standard signal indicating closely used graphics playing cards, probably former mining playing cards. Latest proof suggests some resellers are attempting to deceive clients by portray over the reminiscence. The paint comes off comparatively simply for these inspecting the used GPUs.

Two Brazilian YouTube channels have uncovered indicators that crypto miners are attempting to promote used graphics playing cards by passing them off as extra frivolously used than they’re. A stunning new tactic is to disguise indicators of damage on the GDDR reminiscence.

When a GPU has been beneath heavy load for prolonged durations, similar to for mining cryptocurrency, the warmth may give the reminiscence chips a yellow tint. Iskandar Souza (beneath) and TecLab lately posted movies analyzing playing cards showing to have paint on these chips. Scraping off the paint revealed discoloration. Souza’s report compares a contemporary GPU with one that includes disguised put on and tear.

The previous few years have set the stage for such schemes within the graphics card market. Miners are attempting to dump the GPUs from their rigs that misplaced profitability after the crypto winter and Ethereum Merge final yr. Though the mining drop-off has improved costs in current months, many playing cards nonetheless battle to achieve their MSRP.

On this atmosphere, offers on used GPUs are doubtless nonetheless enticing to many potential clients. These consumers doubtless wish to keep away from playing cards from crypto mines that are extra worn than most.

Heavy use and restore efforts additionally depart marks on different elements of GPUs, as Souza’s video reveals. Discoloration round and scratches on the cardboard’s central processor could point out the vendor tried to resolder it, for example. Lacking screws might recommend somebody opened a graphics card to cowl up traces of mining use.

Final yr, we reported on a video displaying a miner attempting to organize GPUs for resale by blasting a rack of them with a strain washer — a extremely unadvisable technique. Not solely can untreated water injury graphics card parts, however so can the pressure of the strain washer.

All refurbished GPUs aren’t dangerous, nonetheless. Patrons simply have to be cautious when shopping for from third-party sellers on main websites like Newegg and Amazon. The most secure option to get refurbs might be straight from the shops of board companions like PNY and EVGA (pictured above).