Monitoring for Disaster: Tools to Identify an RTX 5090 5090D Bricked Problem Early 

At the apex of ultra-performance GPUs sit the RTX 5090 and its dual-fan cousin, the 5090D. Armed with massive computing power and cutting-edge architecture, these cards are built for 4K gaming, AI modeling, and intense rendering workflows. 

But with great power comes greater risk. A growing number of users have reported sudden system crashes, black screens, or worse — a bricked RTX 5090 or 5090D. 

So, what’s really going on with the RTX 5090 5090D bricked issue? And more importantly, how can you spot the early warning signs before it’s too late? 

This blog explores the top monitoring tools and smart strategies that could save your $2,000 investment from turning into a very expensive paperweight. 

Why Are RTX 5090 and 5090D Cards Bricking? 

While NVIDIA hasn’t issued a global recall or confirmed widespread flaws, online forums and user reports suggest a few common causes: 

These issues often build up silently — until one day, your screen goes black and the GPU is no longer recognized. That’s when your card is considered “bricked.” 

Early Signs of a Bricked RTX 5090 or 5090D 

Before your card completely fails, you may notice one or more of the following: 

Catching these early can give you time to back up your data, re-flash firmware, or file for RMA before total failure. 

Top 6 Tools to Spot the RTX 5090 5090D Bricked Issue Early 

1. GPU-Z 

Best For: Thermal and power monitoring 

Use GPU-Z to check real-time values for: 

These can indicate VRM instability or thermal failure — precursors to bricking. 

2. HWiNFO64 

Best For: In-depth logging and diagnostics 

Monitor: 

Run logs under load and look for recurring anomalies. 

3. MSI Afterburner 

Best For: Live temperature and fan control 

It’s more than just an overclocking tool. Use it to: 

Reducing internal heat can prevent long-term damage that leads to bricking. 

4. OCCT 

Best For: Stress testing GPU and PSU 

OCCT’s GPU and power tests help expose: 

If the RTX 5090/5090D reboots or blacks out during testing — take it seriously. 

5. NVIDIA-SMI 

Best For: AI, CUDA, and ML workflows 

CLI monitoring tool for deep diagnostics: 

Even one ECC error could mean the card is degrading. 

6. Windows Event Viewer + Reliability Monitor 

Best For: Spotting hidden system-level errors 

Common logs found before bricking events include: 

Set up alerts or regular exports for quick escalation if these errors increase. 

Prevention First: Steps to Avoid Bricking 

Update Drivers with Caution 

Use stable drivers, not betas. Clean install using DDU to avoid conflicts. 

Optimize Airflow 

These cards run hot. Ensure good case ventilation. Consider vertical GPU mounting. 

Use a Quality PSU 

Use a 1000W+ PSU with proper 12VHPWR connectors. No split adapters. Inadequate power delivery is a known culprit. 

 Regular Stress Tests 

Run 3DMark or OCCT every 2–4 weeks to catch slow degradation before it hits hard. 

Real-World Example: When Monitoring Could Have Helped 

A user had a perfectly functional RTX 5090D until they installed a new NVIDIA driver after a Windows update. Upon reboot, the screen went black. The card wasn’t recognized in BIOS — completely bricked. 

Postmortem showed: 

Had monitoring been in place (especially power logs), this issue might have been avoided. 

Final Thoughts: Don’t Just Run It — Watch It 

The RTX 5090 5090D bricked issue isn’t affecting every card, but it’s real enough to deserve attention. For a card that costs north of $1,600, vigilance isn’t optional — it’s essential. 

Keep tabs on: