Long story short:
I recently purchased an open-box excellent condition Astral 5090 OC from Best Buy. Upon receiving, I took all precautions necessary to verify the GPU, and its hardware which thankfully everything checks out.
I took it to a computer store where they ran furmark stress tests and noticed the 2 outter side fans do not turn on. All variables were taken into account from checking both bios (performance and quiet) modes, to checking all settings on ASUS GPU Tweak III.
From testing on a test bench to testing at home on a Minisforum Deg2, 1000w connected to a Z13 Flow 2025 and still the same result, aside from the performance decrease due to thunderbolt connectivity.
Under load during Furmark via test bench, the temps reached between 70c-75c and the two outter fans never turned on. Post score on 1080p was 30003 (499 fps).
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Resolution:
ASUS technicians confirmed that my two side fans were defective and those fans were replaced.
My 5090 Astral now functions properly, and passed both Furmark and 3Dmark stress tests that ASUS performed on it. ASUS has provided me my shipping tracking information and my GPU will be returned to me soon.
In conclusion, thank you ASUS for repairing my 5090 Astral. The experience I had was exceptional and I can’t be anymore thankful. Despite the stories i read online that made me concerned, I am happy to share the positive ASUS RMA outcome.
Timeline:
Friday, October 2: Received my 5090 Astral open box excellent condition from Best Buy
Friday, October 2: Unboxed shipment at Best Buy to verify that the GPU was in the box and in tact
Saturday, October 3: Took the 5090 Astral to be professionally inspected and tested to verify its functionality, VRAM & ROPS. It was then discovered that the fans were inoperable and everything was documented.
Sunday, October 4: Went to Best Buy to inquire about RMA as Asus requires customers who bought from Best Buy go through the retailer for initiating the RMA. The manager and rep had no idea of that policy but confirmed it through ASUS’s website when they entered my serial number. As this was Sunday, nothing could be initiated under the next business day.
Monday, October 5: I contacted ASUS directly instead of going back to Best Buy to see if they’ll help me despite what their automated RMA system directs me to do with the retailer. On my first attempt, I got through to an ASUS representative fairly quickly. The rep happily stated he would initiate my RMA and began documenting all the details I provided. After 15-20 minutes, I had my RMA reference number and instructions to wait for the next steps of returning.
Friday, October 9: I securely packaged my GPU following ASUS’s guidelines. It was advised not to send any original boxes as they would not be returned back to me. I wrapped the GPU in an anti static bag, with a lot of bubble wrap around it. Placed it in a box I layered with more bubble wrap. Secured it with tamper seal tape all around it. Then placed it into another larger box with more bubble wrap and tamper seal tape. The package was then dropped off at Fedex.
Tuesday, October 13: ASUS confirmed via email of receiving my GPU and it was currently undergoing diagnostic testing.
Thursday, October 15: ASUS informed via email that my package is ready and awaiting courier pick up. As my RMA tracking has not been accessible likely due to the Best Buy automated flagging of purchase. So I called and the rep confirmed it was repaired due to the defective fans and is now being returned to me soon.
Saturday, October 17: My 5090 Astral was delivered to my house. ASUS boxed it perfectly and securely with a foam fitting insert around the GPU along with it being wrapped in a static bag. The package was double boxed with extra bubble wrap. My GPU is in the same like-new condition as it was when I sent it to ASUS. I tested the GPU and all fans work properly.