RGB lights can be dangerous to GPUs
An usual issue.
Gigabyte & MSI RTX 40 GPU with burned backplate, Source: Reddit/DefectedCat
Two Redditors within a 24-hour period have shared similar stories about their RTX GPUs being affected by an unusual problem. The backplates of their MSI and Gigabyte graphics cards were burned in a specific pattern that matches the emission of light from the memory.
It’s widely known that memory is among the most popular components using bright RGB lighting. Modern modules also support various animations spanning a wide spectrum of visibility. It’s the responsibility of the memory maker to ensure that the lights are safe to view.
However, some diodes may emit UV light, and when combined with low-quality material or paint on the backplate, it can result in the paint being burned. Lights sold in developed countries generally do not emit UV light. However, high CRI (Color Rendering Index) lights may generate light in the ultraviolet spectrum within the 375 to 400 nm band.
It’s unclear whether the backplate was burned by the UV light or by the heat generated by these diodes. If the latter were true, the issue would be more widespread and possibly more common around other heat sources, such as high-power SSDs.
MSI RTX 30 GPU with burned backplate, Source: Reddit/ychii93
ASUS GTX 1080 Ti with burned backplate, Source: Reddit/Zaazu91
So far, reports have been made regarding MSI RTX 3080 (two users) and Gigabyte RTX 4080 series GPUs. There is also a user showing GTX 1080 Ti with similar issue that evolved during a 5-year-old period. One of the users replaced the GPU and noticed a similar burn pattern on the new GPU, strongly suggesting that the memory light is the culprit.