Bumpgate - Revision history

Bythmusters: added cargo

2026-01-31T19:41:34Z

added cargo

← Older revision		Revision as of 19:41, 31 January 2026
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			{{IncidentCargo
			\|Company=AMD, Nvidia
			\|StartDate=2006
			\|EndDate=2010
			\|Status=Resolved
			\|ProductLine=
			\|Product=
			\|ArticleType=
			\|Type=Poor Quality
			\|Description=
			}}
	[[File:Underfilled Die.png\|alt=The image shows a diagram of a computer processor. On the bottom, there is a green rectangle labeled "substrate". On top of the substrate, there is a black rectangle labeled "chip", which refers to the die. Between the die and the substrate, there are small silver bumps equally spaced apart, encased within a white "filling". The bumps are the solder bumps connecting the die to the substrate, and the white filling is the underfill- meant to strengthen the solder bumps.\|thumb\|A diagram of a computer processor. When the underfill becomes too soft at any point in the processor's normal operating temperatures, the solder bumps under the die ("chip") can crack, disconnecting the die from the substrate. This leads to the processor failing, and in turn, leads to a critical system failure for the device it's in.]]		[[File:Underfilled Die.png\|alt=The image shows a diagram of a computer processor. On the bottom, there is a green rectangle labeled "substrate". On top of the substrate, there is a black rectangle labeled "chip", which refers to the die. Between the die and the substrate, there are small silver bumps equally spaced apart, encased within a white "filling". The bumps are the solder bumps connecting the die to the substrate, and the white filling is the underfill- meant to strengthen the solder bumps.\|thumb\|A diagram of a computer processor. When the underfill becomes too soft at any point in the processor's normal operating temperatures, the solder bumps under the die ("chip") can crack, disconnecting the die from the substrate. This leads to the processor failing, and in turn, leads to a critical system failure for the device it's in.]]
	'''Bumpgate''' (also known as '''Nvidiagate''') was a scandal where [[Nvidia]] and ATI Graphics Processing Units (GPUs) made from 2005-2010 were prone to high failure rates because of a design flaw that caused cracked solder bumps under the die.<ref name=":0" />		'''Bumpgate''' (also known as '''Nvidiagate''') was a scandal where [[Nvidia]] and ATI Graphics Processing Units (GPUs) made from 2005-2010 were prone to high failure rates because of a design flaw that caused cracked solder bumps under the die.<ref name=":0" />

Bythmusters: http -> https

2026-01-25T20:32:07Z

http -> https

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2001:871:22A:CD3F:CA00:473C:3D8E:819: /* References */ Fix citations

2025-08-16T15:40:46Z

References: Fix citations

← Older revision		Revision as of 15:40, 16 August 2025
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	When the 65nm RSX was released in Fall 2008,<ref name=":6" /> the defect that seems to have caused the "Yellow Light of Death" was resolved for the late "phat" PS3 models. PS3 "slim" models and newer revisions were completely unaffected. The timing of this led some consumers<ref name=":4" /> to suspect that Sony had known about the defect and quietly fixed it. This was at the same time that Microsoft was addressing the problems with the Xbox 360, as well as while Nvidia was being confronted for their Bumpgate defect in some of their GPUs (particularly, the G84 and G86).		When the 65nm RSX was released in Fall 2008,<ref name=":6" /> the defect that seems to have caused the "Yellow Light of Death" was resolved for the late "phat" PS3 models. PS3 "slim" models and newer revisions were completely unaffected. The timing of this led some consumers<ref name=":4" /> to suspect that Sony had known about the defect and quietly fixed it. This was at the same time that Microsoft was addressing the problems with the Xbox 360, as well as while Nvidia was being confronted for their Bumpgate defect in some of their GPUs (particularly, the G84 and G86).

	Notably, the RSX is a customized version of Nvidia's 256MB GeForce 7800 GTX.<ref>{{Cite web \|last=Shimpi \|first=Anand \|last2=Wilson \|first2=Derek \|date=24 Jun 2005 \|title=Microsoft's Xbox 360, Sony's PS3 - A Hardware Discussion \|url=https://www.anandtech.com/show/1719/9 \|url-status=live \|access-date=16 Jun 2025 \|website=AnandTech}}</ref> The GeForce 7 series does have some defective units with low-T<sub>g</sub> underfill, but it is unclear if the 7800 GTX is among them. There are no known sources of consumer complaints about the 7800 GTX, and none of the notebook laptops covered by the Nvidia class action lawsuit settlement<ref name=":16" /> seem to have that GPU or a mobile version of it. However, this does not necessarily indicate that there was no defect with the 90nm RSX, that Sony wasn't aware that it was defective, or that the 90nm RSX wasn't at all affected by Bumpgate. Console repair and modding enthusiasts have performed extensive research<ref name=":4" /><ref name=":18">{{Cite web \|last=Derf \|last2=Nadaman \|last3=~~et al.~~ \|date=14 Jun 2025 \|title=PlayStation 3 - Buying Guide \|url=https://consolemods.org/wiki/PS3:Buying_Guide#PlayStation_3_%22Fat/Phat%22_(2006-2009) \|url-status=live \|access-date=14 Jun 2025 \|website=ConsoleMods Wiki}}</ref> and testing<ref name=":14" /> strongly supports the hypothesis that the "Yellow Light of Death" was caused by Bumpgate, and the only way to permanently repair an affected system is to replace the 90nm RSX with a working non-defective unit.		Notably, the RSX is a customized version of Nvidia's 256MB GeForce 7800 GTX.<ref>{{Cite web \|last=Shimpi \|first=Anand \|last2=Wilson \|first2=Derek \|date=24 Jun 2005 \|title=Microsoft's Xbox 360, Sony's PS3 - A Hardware Discussion \|url=https://www.anandtech.com/show/1719/9 \|url-status=live \|access-date=16 Jun 2025 \|website=AnandTech}}</ref> The GeForce 7 series does have some defective units with low-T<sub>g</sub> underfill, but it is unclear if the 7800 GTX is among them. There are no known sources of consumer complaints about the 7800 GTX, and none of the notebook laptops covered by the Nvidia class action lawsuit settlement<ref name=":16" /> seem to have that GPU or a mobile version of it. However, this does not necessarily indicate that there was no defect with the 90nm RSX, that Sony wasn't aware that it was defective, or that the 90nm RSX wasn't at all affected by Bumpgate. Console repair and modding enthusiasts have performed extensive research<ref name=":4" /><ref name=":18">{{Cite web \|last=Derf \|last2=Nadaman \|last3=Alex3107 \|display-authors=2 \|date=14 Jun 2025 \|title=PlayStation 3 - Buying Guide \|url=https://consolemods.org/wiki/PS3:Buying_Guide#PlayStation_3_%22Fat/Phat%22_(2006-2009) \|url-status=live \|access-date=14 Jun 2025 \|website=ConsoleMods Wiki}}</ref> and testing<ref name=":14" /> strongly supports the hypothesis that the "Yellow Light of Death" was caused by Bumpgate, and the only way to permanently repair an affected system is to replace the 90nm RSX with a working non-defective unit.

	As of 2025, Sony has never made an official statement confirming that the "Yellow Light of Death" was a widespread issue in early PlayStation 3 consoles, nor have they definitively explained that it was linked to Bumpgate.		As of 2025, Sony has never made an official statement confirming that the "Yellow Light of Death" was a widespread issue in early PlayStation 3 consoles, nor have they definitively explained that it was linked to Bumpgate.
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	Throughout the lawsuit, Nvidia continually denied allegations of intentional wrongdoing. <!-- Expand with the response of Nvidia or counterclaims. -V -->		Throughout the lawsuit, Nvidia continually denied allegations of intentional wrongdoing. <!-- Expand with the response of Nvidia or counterclaims. -V -->
	===Outcome - Settlement and Class Member Appeal===		===Outcome - Settlement and Class Member Appeal===
	Nvidia opted for a settlement<ref>{{Cite web \|date=2010 \|title=Frequently Asked Questions - What can I get from the settlement? \|url=http://www.nvidiasettlement.com/faq.html \|url-status=dead \|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20101001080625/http://www.nvidiasettlement.com/faq.html \|archive-date=1 ~~Sep~~ 2010 \|access-date=13 Jun 2025 \|website=The NVIDIA GPU Litigation}}</ref>- though, still asserted that the settlement was not an admission of wrongdoing. Consumers who participated as settlement class members were presented with three options to be compensated, with all benefits paid for by Nvidia:		Nvidia opted for a settlement<ref>{{Cite web \|date=2010 \|title=Frequently Asked Questions - What can I get from the settlement? \|url=http://www.nvidiasettlement.com/faq.html \|url-status=dead \|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20101001080625/http://www.nvidiasettlement.com/faq.html \|archive-date=1 Oct 2010 \|access-date=13 Jun 2025 \|website=The NVIDIA GPU Litigation}}</ref>- though, still asserted that the settlement was not an admission of wrongdoing. Consumers who participated as settlement class members were presented with three options to be compensated, with all benefits paid for by Nvidia:

	#A replacement GPU inside their affected notebook;		#A replacement GPU inside their affected notebook;
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	In addition, the release of the information in ''Power On'' helped enthusiasts learn more about how to fix the issue in early Xbox 360s themselves, if necessary. Many consumers who had purchased an Xbox 360 from this era<ref>{{Cite web \|last=Enever \|first=Liam \|date=1 Oct 2017 \|title=Why has my got the red ring of death (sic) \|url=https://www.ifixit.com/Answers/View/430460/Why+has+my+got+the+red+ring+of+death \|url-status=live \|access-date=4 Jun 2025 \|website=iFixIt Answers Forum}}</ref> and even some independent repair technicians<ref>{{Cite web \|date=8 Apr 2014 \|title=Xbox 360 Red Ring of Death: Why Lead-Free Solder or Solder Failure Are the Problem \|url=https://electronicfix.com.au/console-repairs/what-does-the-rrod-mean/ \|url-status=live \|access-date=4 Jun 2025 \|website=The Electronic Fix}}</ref> had initially assumed that the issue was caused by Microsoft using lead-free solder balls- which are used to connect the Xenos GPU to the motherboard- in order to meet new-at-the-time RoHS standards in the European Union. These individuals alleged that the brittler nature of non-leaded solder made the connections weaker compared to traditional leaded solder, causing the defect. Other consumers had a similar assumption, and thought it was related to the solder balls' melting point, and that the console was getting too hot and "desoldering" the GPU from the motherboard as a result. These misconceptions largely faded into obscurity when Microsoft released the non-defective revisions of the Xbox 360 and announced their extended warranty on their defective consoles, but they were dispelled entirely once Chapter 5 of ''Power On'' was released.		In addition, the release of the information in ''Power On'' helped enthusiasts learn more about how to fix the issue in early Xbox 360s themselves, if necessary. Many consumers who had purchased an Xbox 360 from this era<ref>{{Cite web \|last=Enever \|first=Liam \|date=1 Oct 2017 \|title=Why has my got the red ring of death (sic) \|url=https://www.ifixit.com/Answers/View/430460/Why+has+my+got+the+red+ring+of+death \|url-status=live \|access-date=4 Jun 2025 \|website=iFixIt Answers Forum}}</ref> and even some independent repair technicians<ref>{{Cite web \|date=8 Apr 2014 \|title=Xbox 360 Red Ring of Death: Why Lead-Free Solder or Solder Failure Are the Problem \|url=https://electronicfix.com.au/console-repairs/what-does-the-rrod-mean/ \|url-status=live \|access-date=4 Jun 2025 \|website=The Electronic Fix}}</ref> had initially assumed that the issue was caused by Microsoft using lead-free solder balls- which are used to connect the Xenos GPU to the motherboard- in order to meet new-at-the-time RoHS standards in the European Union. These individuals alleged that the brittler nature of non-leaded solder made the connections weaker compared to traditional leaded solder, causing the defect. Other consumers had a similar assumption, and thought it was related to the solder balls' melting point, and that the console was getting too hot and "desoldering" the GPU from the motherboard as a result. These misconceptions largely faded into obscurity when Microsoft released the non-defective revisions of the Xbox 360 and announced their extended warranty on their defective consoles, but they were dispelled entirely once Chapter 5 of ''Power On'' was released.

	Although the majority of Xbox 360 consoles affected by Bumpgate were repaired by Microsoft as part of their extended warranty program, there were some that managed to slip through the cracks, so consumers today still need to be informed. It is generally recommended by retro console enthusiasts to purchase Xbox 360 consoles manufactured after May 2008 (or marked "Q2 2008") and avoid consoles manufactured before this point, but the Tonasket (AKA "Jasper Kronos" or "Jasper V2") motherboard revision is generally considered to be the most reliable of the original "phat" model Xbox 360 consoles.<ref>{{Cite web \|last=Nadaman \|~~last2~~=~~et al.~~ \|date=8 Jun 2025 \|title=Xbox 360 - Buying Guide \|url=https://consolemods.org/wiki/Xbox_360:Buying_Guide \|url-status=live \|access-date=14 Jun 2025 \|website=ConsoleMods Wiki}}</ref>		Although the majority of Xbox 360 consoles affected by Bumpgate were repaired by Microsoft as part of their extended warranty program, there were some that managed to slip through the cracks, so consumers today still need to be informed. It is generally recommended by retro console enthusiasts to purchase Xbox 360 consoles manufactured after May 2008 (or marked "Q2 2008") and avoid consoles manufactured before this point, but the Tonasket (AKA "Jasper Kronos" or "Jasper V2") motherboard revision is generally considered to be the most reliable of the original "phat" model Xbox 360 consoles.<ref>{{Cite web \|last=Nadaman \|display-authors=etal \|date=8 Jun 2025 \|title=Xbox 360 - Buying Guide \|url=https://consolemods.org/wiki/Xbox_360:Buying_Guide \|url-status=live \|access-date=14 Jun 2025 \|website=ConsoleMods Wiki}}</ref>

	===Sony (PlayStation 3) Consumer Response===		===Sony (PlayStation 3) Consumer Response===

McCracken: added Bumpgate to NVIDIA category.

2025-07-13T17:50:43Z

added Bumpgate to NVIDIA category.

← Older revision		Revision as of 17:50, 13 July 2025
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	==References==		==References==
	{{reflist}}		{{reflist}}
			[[Category:Nvidia]]

	{{Placeholder box\|[[mw:Help:VisualEditor/User_guide#Editing_categories\|Add a category]] with the same name as the product, service, website, software, product line or company that this article is about.		{{Placeholder box\|[[mw:Help:VisualEditor/User_guide#Editing_categories\|Add a category]] with the same name as the product, service, website, software, product line or company that this article is about.

	The "Incidents" category is not needed.}}		The "Incidents" category is not needed.}}

Vindicator4021: Fixed up the Intro section to be more brief and edited for clarity. (This article is a bit too specific/covers too old of an incident to show up in the anticipated extension, I think, but you never know.)

2025-07-12T21:08:21Z

Fixed up the Intro section to be more brief and edited for clarity. (This article is a bit too specific/covers too old of an incident to show up in the anticipated extension, I think, but you never know.)

← Older revision		Revision as of 21:08, 12 July 2025
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	[[File:Underfilled Die.png\|alt=The image shows a diagram of a computer processor. On the bottom, there is a green rectangle labeled "substrate". On top of the substrate, there is a black rectangle labeled "chip", which refers to the die. Between the die and the substrate, there are small silver bumps equally spaced apart, encased within a white "filling". The bumps are the solder bumps connecting the die to the substrate, and the white filling is the underfill- meant to strengthen the solder bumps.\|thumb\|A diagram of a computer processor. When the underfill becomes too soft at any point in the processor's normal operating temperatures, the solder bumps under the die ("chip") can crack, disconnecting the die from the substrate. This leads to the processor failing, and in turn, leads to a critical system failure for the device it's in.]]		[[File:Underfilled Die.png\|alt=The image shows a diagram of a computer processor. On the bottom, there is a green rectangle labeled "substrate". On top of the substrate, there is a black rectangle labeled "chip", which refers to the die. Between the die and the substrate, there are small silver bumps equally spaced apart, encased within a white "filling". The bumps are the solder bumps connecting the die to the substrate, and the white filling is the underfill- meant to strengthen the solder bumps.\|thumb\|A diagram of a computer processor. When the underfill becomes too soft at any point in the processor's normal operating temperatures, the solder bumps under the die ("chip") can crack, disconnecting the die from the substrate. This leads to the processor failing, and in turn, leads to a critical system failure for the device it's in.]]
	'''Bumpgate''', also known as '''Nvidiagate''', was a scandal where [[Nvidia]] and ATI Graphics Processing Units (GPUs) were prone to high failure rates ~~due to~~ a design flaw that ~~led to~~ cracked solder bumps under the die.<ref name=":0" /> Despite the "Nvidiagate" ~~name~~, this defect ~~not only affected~~ many Nvidia GPUs ~~made from approximately~~ 2006 to 2010, but it also affected ATI GPUs ~~from~~ 2006 to 2008. Among retro console enthusiasts, the defect is best known to have ~~been the likely culprit behind~~ the high failure rate of Nvidia GPUs in [[Sony]]'s early PlayStation 3 models<ref name=":4">{{Cite web \|last=RIP Felix \|first= \|date=23 Dec 2022 \|title=A PS3 Story: The Yellow Light of Death \|url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Za7WTNwAX0c \|url-status=live \|access-date=2 Jun 2025 \|website=YouTube}}</ref> ~~and ATI GPUs in [[Microsoft]]'s early Xbox 360 models.<ref name=":3" /> Individuals interested in other retro computers~~ may know of the defect from certain models of Dell and [[HP Inc.\|HP-Compaq]] laptops ~~manufactured as early as~~ 2005 ~~and as late as~~ 2010, as well as certain [[Apple]] Macbook Pros ~~made from~~ May 2007 to September 2008.<ref name=":16">{{Cite web \|title=Affected Models \|url=http://www.nvidiasettlement.com/affectedmodels.html \|url-status=dead \|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20101001080616/http://www.nvidiasettlement.com/affectedmodels.html \|archive-date=1 Oct 2010 \|access-date=7 Jun 2025 \|website=The NVIDIA GPU Litigation}}</ref>		'''Bumpgate''' (also known as '''Nvidiagate''') was a scandal where [[Nvidia]] and ATI Graphics Processing Units (GPUs) made from 2005-2010 were prone to high failure rates because of a design flaw that caused cracked solder bumps under the die.<ref name=":0" />

			Despite the name "Nvidiagate", this defect was widespread in the industry. It impacted many Nvidia GPUs (manufactured 2006-2010), but also affected ATI GPUs (2006-2008). Among retro console enthusiasts, the defect is best known to have caused the high failure rate of the ATI Xenos GPUs in [[Microsoft]]'s early Xbox 360 models<ref name=":3" /> (2005-May 2008) and the Nvidia-based RSX GPUs in [[Sony]]'s early PlayStation 3 models (2006-Fall 2008).<ref name=":4">{{Cite web \|last=RIP Felix \|first= \|date=23 Dec 2022 \|title=A PS3 Story: The Yellow Light of Death \|url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Za7WTNwAX0c \|url-status=live \|access-date=2 Jun 2025 \|website=YouTube}}</ref> Retro computer enthusiasts may also know of the defect from certain models of Dell and [[HP Inc.\|HP-Compaq]] laptops (2005-2010), as well as certain [[Apple]] Macbook Pros (May 2007-September 2008).<ref name=":16">{{Cite web \|title=Affected Models \|url=http://www.nvidiasettlement.com/affectedmodels.html \|url-status=dead \|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20101001080616/http://www.nvidiasettlement.com/affectedmodels.html \|archive-date=1 Oct 2010 \|access-date=7 Jun 2025 \|website=The NVIDIA GPU Litigation}}</ref>

	==Background==		==Background==

Vindicator4021: Tonal edits for Microsoft and Sony's sections in "Companies involved and responses". Planning to do the same to the rest of the article later.

2025-07-12T20:42:15Z

Tonal edits for Microsoft and Sony's sections in "Companies involved and responses". Planning to do the same to the rest of the article later.

Show changes

Vindicator4021: /* Rebuttal */ Added a sentence and reference about the Nvidia CEO interview at Nvision '08. Also a few minor revisions.

2025-06-27T21:26:22Z

Rebuttal: Added a sentence and reference about the Nvidia CEO interview at Nvision '08. Also a few minor revisions.

← Older revision		Revision as of 21:26, 27 June 2025
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	On July 2nd, 2008- a few days before Demerjian's article was published- Nvidia filed a report with the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC).<ref name=":10" /> The report explained that the corporation would pay a $150-200 million one-time charge to cover customer warranties, repairs, returns, replacements, and other notable expenses caused by poor packaging material in some of their media and communications processors (MCPs) and GPUs exclusively used in laptops. This report also stated that all of their newly manufactured products from that point forward would have a more suitable material set.		On July 2nd, 2008- a few days before Demerjian's article was published- Nvidia filed a report with the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC).<ref name=":10" /> The report explained that the corporation would pay a $150-200 million one-time charge to cover customer warranties, repairs, returns, replacements, and other notable expenses caused by poor packaging material in some of their media and communications processors (MCPs) and GPUs exclusively used in laptops. This report also stated that all of their newly manufactured products from that point forward would have a more suitable material set.

	On the same day, EE Times published an article where Nvidia explained more about what the cause of the problem was.<ref>{{Cite web \|last=LaPedus \|first=Mark \|date=2 Jul 2008 \|title=Nvidia takes charge for bad chips, but who is to blame? \|url=http://eetimes.com/electronics-products/processors/4105543/Nvidia-takes-charge-for-bad-chips-but-who-is-to-blame- \|url-status=dead \|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121117035658/http://eetimes.com/electronics-products/processors/4105543/Nvidia-takes-charge-for-bad-chips-but-who-is-to-blame- \|archive-date=17 Nov 2012 \|access-date=23 Jun 2025 \|website=EE Times}}</ref> Nvidia had stated in an email that one of their many packaging partners, Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Co. Ltd. (TSMC), was responsible. However, a subsequent email backpedaled on this response. In the next email, Nvidia stated that they "worked closely" with TSMC on the packaging and material, and hence took full responsibility. DigiTimes attempted to ask TSMC and some of Nvidia's other packaging partners about the defective chips, but TSMC declined a response, citing "client confidentiality", and the other partners did not know anything about the issue because the chips were from an older generation by that point.<ref>{{Cite web \|last=Lee \|first=Ingrid \|last2=Shen \|first2=Steve \|date=4 Jul 2008 \|title=Nvidia contract makers in Taiwan low-key over defective chip reports \|url=http://www.digitimes.com/bits_chips/a20080704PD210.html \|url-status=dead \|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080704211726/http://www.digitimes.com/bits_chips/a20080704PD210.html \|archive-date=4 Jul 2008 \|access-date=23 Jun 2025 \|website=DIGITIMES}}</ref>		On the same day, EE Times published an article where Nvidia explained more about what the cause of the problem was.<ref>{{Cite web \|last=LaPedus \|first=Mark \|date=2 Jul 2008 \|title=Nvidia takes charge for bad chips, but who is to blame? \|url=http://eetimes.com/electronics-products/processors/4105543/Nvidia-takes-charge-for-bad-chips-but-who-is-to-blame- \|url-status=dead \|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121117035658/http://eetimes.com/electronics-products/processors/4105543/Nvidia-takes-charge-for-bad-chips-but-who-is-to-blame- \|archive-date=17 Nov 2012 \|access-date=23 Jun 2025 \|website=EE Times}}</ref> Nvidia had stated in an email that one of their many packaging partners, Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Co. Ltd. (TSMC), was responsible. However, a subsequent email backpedaled on this response. In the next email, Nvidia stated that they "worked closely" with TSMC on the packaging and material, and hence took full responsibility. DigiTimes attempted to ask TSMC and some of Nvidia's other packaging partners about the defective chips, but TSMC declined a response, citing "client confidentiality", and the other partners did not know anything about the issue because the chips were from an older generation by that point.<ref>{{Cite web \|last=Lee \|first=Ingrid \|last2=Shen \|first2=Steve \|date=4 Jul 2008 \|title=Nvidia contract makers in Taiwan low-key over defective chip reports \|url=http://www.digitimes.com/bits_chips/a20080704PD210.html \|url-status=dead \|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080704211726/http://www.digitimes.com/bits_chips/a20080704PD210.html \|archive-date=4 Jul 2008 \|access-date=23 Jun 2025 \|website=DIGITIMES}}</ref> In August 2008, Nvidia's CEO Jen-Hsun Huang explained how the company would handle the defect in an interview during Nvision 2008, claiming that Nvidia would take some responsibility for the defect and pay manufacturers to help consumers fix their devices.<ref>{{Cite web \|last=Scath (Reuploader) \|date=25 Aug 2008 \|title=Nvision: Nvidia CEO Talks About Chip Failure \|url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QZB6kxxgnOQ&t=275 \|url-status=live \|access-date=27 Jun 2025 \|website=YouTube}}</ref>

	Joel Hruska from Ars Technica explained that if Nvidia ''was'' trying to cover up the defect- as Demerjian claimed- with this report to the SEC, they not only attempted to avoid responsibility and accused their suppliers of causing the problem, they also committed financial fraud by intentionally lowballing their expected financial losses. This is a major accusation that could have had severe consequences for Nvidia, and could have been dangerous for the company.<ref name=":11">{{Cite web \|last=Hruska \|first=Joel \|date=16 Jul 2008 \|title=NVIDIA denies rumors of faulty chips, mass GPU failures \|url=https://arstechnica.com/gadgets/2008/07/nvidia-denies-rumors-of-mass-gpu-failures/ \|url-status=live \|access-date=8 Jun 2025 \|website=Ars Technica}}</ref> However, it is difficult to verify if Nvidia was lying or simply not fully aware of the scale of Bumpgate. Nvidia's public acknowledgement of the defect in the SEC report is consistent with when Dell<ref name=":8" /> and HP<ref name=":7" /> discovered the problem. Although Sony never made a statement on the "Yellow Light of Death", this is even consistent with when they switched the PlayStation 3 to the non-defective 65nm RSX.<ref name=":6" /> The only company it does not appear consistent with is Apple, who discovered the defect in their Macbook Pro systems after their own investigation in September 2008.<ref name=":9" /> Even so, it is possible that Nvidia did not know that the GeForce 8600M GT GPUs in the 2007-2008 Macbook Pro were impacted yet when Apple asked them about it, because the situation was still developing.		Joel Hruska from Ars Technica explained that if Nvidia ''was'' trying to cover up the defect- as Demerjian claimed- with this report to the SEC, they not only attempted to avoid responsibility and accused their suppliers of causing the problem, they also committed financial fraud by intentionally lowballing their expected financial losses. This is a major accusation that could have had severe consequences for Nvidia, and could have been dangerous for the company.<ref name=":11">{{Cite web \|last=Hruska \|first=Joel \|date=16 Jul 2008 \|title=NVIDIA denies rumors of faulty chips, mass GPU failures \|url=https://arstechnica.com/gadgets/2008/07/nvidia-denies-rumors-of-mass-gpu-failures/ \|url-status=live \|access-date=8 Jun 2025 \|website=Ars Technica}}</ref> However, it is difficult to verify if Nvidia was lying or simply not fully aware of the scale of Bumpgate. Nvidia's public acknowledgement of the defect in the SEC report is consistent with when Dell<ref name=":8" /> and HP<ref name=":7" /> discovered the problem. Although Sony never made a statement on the "Yellow Light of Death", this is even consistent with when they switched the PlayStation 3 to the non-defective 65nm RSX.<ref name=":6" /> The only company it does not appear consistent with is Apple, who discovered the defect in their Macbook Pro systems after their own investigation in September 2008.<ref name=":9" /> Even so, it is possible that Nvidia did not know that the GeForce 8600M GT GPUs in the 2007-2008 Macbook Pro were impacted yet when Apple asked them about it, because the situation was still developing.
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	===Claims===		===Claims===
	Class members claimed that Nvidia had manufactured defective GPUs and knowingly failed to compensate them.		Class members claimed that Nvidia had manufactured defective GPUs and knowingly failed to compensate them. <!-- Expand with more details on class members' claims. -V -->

	~~Main~~ claims ~~of the suit~~.

	===Rebuttal===		===Rebuttal===
	Nvidia denied ~~all~~ allegations of wrongdoing ~~and tried to defend their actions~~. <!-- ~~Needs expansion; what specifically did~~ Nvidia ~~do to defend themselves?~~ -V -->		Throughout the lawsuit, Nvidia continually denied allegations of intentional wrongdoing. <!-- Expand with the response of Nvidia or counterclaims. -V -->

	~~The response of Nvidia or counterclaims.~~

	===Outcome - Settlement and Class Member Appeal===		===Outcome - Settlement and Class Member Appeal===
	Nvidia opted for a settlement<ref>{{Cite web \|date=2010 \|title=Frequently Asked Questions - What can I get from the settlement? \|url=http://www.nvidiasettlement.com/faq.html \|url-status=dead \|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20101001080625/http://www.nvidiasettlement.com/faq.html \|archive-date=1 Sep 2010 \|access-date=13 Jun 2025 \|website=The NVIDIA GPU Litigation}}</ref>- though, asserted that the settlement was not an admission of wrongdoing. Consumers who participated as settlement class members were presented with three options to be compensated, with all benefits paid for by Nvidia:		Nvidia opted for a settlement<ref>{{Cite web \|date=2010 \|title=Frequently Asked Questions - What can I get from the settlement? \|url=http://www.nvidiasettlement.com/faq.html \|url-status=dead \|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20101001080625/http://www.nvidiasettlement.com/faq.html \|archive-date=1 Sep 2010 \|access-date=13 Jun 2025 \|website=The NVIDIA GPU Litigation}}</ref>- though, still asserted that the settlement was not an admission of wrongdoing. Consumers who participated as settlement class members were presented with three options to be compensated, with all benefits paid for by Nvidia:

	#A replacement GPU inside their affected notebook;		#A replacement GPU inside their affected notebook;
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	==Consumer response==		==Consumer response==
	[Summary and key issues of prevailing sentiment from the consumers and commentators that can be documented via articles, emails to support, reviews and forum posts. General Consumer Response (frustration at/satisfaction with Microsoft, Sony, etc.)]		===Microsoft (Xbox 360) Consumer Response===

	===Xbox 360~~/Microsoft~~ Consumer ~~response~~===
	At first, consumers were angry at Microsoft. During the months that the company would not acknowledge the widespread "Red Ring of Death", many consumers felt as if they'd been tricked and made a bad investment when they purchased an Xbox 360. However, when Microsoft extended the warranty on Xbox 360s experiencing an E74 error to three years after purchase, consumer sentiment improved. In Chapter 5 of ''Power On: The Story of Xbox,''<ref name=":3" /> hardware engineers for Xbox during this era explained the problem that caused the "Red Ring of Death" in enough detail for consumers to understand, leaving many consumers who remembered dealing with this issue feeling further validated and restoring some trust in Microsoft and the Xbox brand.		At first, consumers were angry at Microsoft. During the months that the company would not acknowledge the widespread "Red Ring of Death", many consumers felt as if they'd been tricked and made a bad investment when they purchased an Xbox 360. However, when Microsoft extended the warranty on Xbox 360s experiencing an E74 error to three years after purchase, consumer sentiment improved. In Chapter 5 of ''Power On: The Story of Xbox,''<ref name=":3" /> hardware engineers for Xbox during this era explained the problem that caused the "Red Ring of Death" in enough detail for consumers to understand, leaving many consumers who remembered dealing with this issue feeling further validated and restoring some trust in Microsoft and the Xbox brand.

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	Although the majority of Xbox 360 consoles affected by Bumpgate were repaired by Microsoft as part of their extended warranty program, there were some that managed to slip through the cracks, so consumers today still need to be informed. It is generally recommended by retro console enthusiasts to purchase Xbox 360 consoles manufactured after May 2008 (or marked "Q2 2008") and avoid consoles manufactured before this point, but the Tonasket (AKA "Jasper Kronos" or "Jasper V2") motherboard revision is generally considered to be the most reliable of the original "phat" model Xbox 360 consoles.<ref>{{Cite web \|last=Nadaman \|last2=et al. \|date=8 Jun 2025 \|title=Xbox 360 - Buying Guide \|url=https://consolemods.org/wiki/Xbox_360:Buying_Guide \|url-status=live \|access-date=14 Jun 2025 \|website=ConsoleMods Wiki}}</ref>		Although the majority of Xbox 360 consoles affected by Bumpgate were repaired by Microsoft as part of their extended warranty program, there were some that managed to slip through the cracks, so consumers today still need to be informed. It is generally recommended by retro console enthusiasts to purchase Xbox 360 consoles manufactured after May 2008 (or marked "Q2 2008") and avoid consoles manufactured before this point, but the Tonasket (AKA "Jasper Kronos" or "Jasper V2") motherboard revision is generally considered to be the most reliable of the original "phat" model Xbox 360 consoles.<ref>{{Cite web \|last=Nadaman \|last2=et al. \|date=8 Jun 2025 \|title=Xbox 360 - Buying Guide \|url=https://consolemods.org/wiki/Xbox_360:Buying_Guide \|url-status=live \|access-date=14 Jun 2025 \|website=ConsoleMods Wiki}}</ref>

	===PlayStation 3~~/Sony~~ Consumer Response===		===Sony (PlayStation 3) Consumer Response===
	Consumers who experienced the "Yellow Light of Death" were upset with Sony for their poor response. Some, such as PS3 modding and repair enthusiast "RIP Felix", described Sony's response as "gaslighting"<ref name=":2" />- saying that Sony had manipulated consumers into thinking that there was no widespread defect. The six-page letter from Ray Maguire to the BBC following their Watchdog segment takes a tone that supports Felix's claim<ref name=":12" /><ref name=":13" />; By 2009, Sony had stopped producing PS3s with the defective 90nm RSX- which left many consumers suspicious that Sony was trying to cover up the problem to avoid taking responsibility for it.		Consumers who experienced the "Yellow Light of Death" were upset with Sony for their poor response. Some, such as PS3 modding and repair enthusiast "RIP Felix", described Sony's response as "gaslighting"<ref name=":2" />- saying that Sony had manipulated consumers into thinking that there was no widespread defect. The six-page letter from Ray Maguire to the BBC following their Watchdog segment takes a tone that supports Felix's claim<ref name=":12" /><ref name=":13" />; By 2009, Sony had stopped producing PS3s with the defective 90nm RSX- which left many consumers suspicious that Sony was trying to cover up the problem to avoid taking responsibility for it.

Vindicator4021: Added some more details in Nvidia's company response. Also found the original Dell blog post!

2025-06-24T00:33:08Z

Added some more details in Nvidia's company response. Also found the original Dell blog post!

Show changes

Vindicator4021: Added the "See Also" section, with some links to some of the companies mentioned in the article.

2025-06-20T18:21:16Z

Added the "See Also" section, with some links to some of the companies mentioned in the article.

← Older revision		Revision as of 18:21, 20 June 2025
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	[[File:Underfilled Die.png\|alt=The image shows a diagram of a computer processor. On the bottom, there is a green rectangle labeled "substrate". On top of the substrate, there is a black rectangle labeled "chip", which refers to the die. Between the die and the substrate, there are small silver bumps equally spaced apart, encased within a white "filling". The bumps are the solder bumps connecting the die to the substrate, and the white filling is the underfill- meant to strengthen the solder bumps.\|thumb\|A diagram of a computer processor. When the underfill becomes too soft at any point in the processor's normal operating temperatures, the solder bumps under the die ("chip") can crack, disconnecting the die from the substrate. This leads to the processor failing, and in turn, leads to a critical system failure for the device it's in.]]		[[File:Underfilled Die.png\|alt=The image shows a diagram of a computer processor. On the bottom, there is a green rectangle labeled "substrate". On top of the substrate, there is a black rectangle labeled "chip", which refers to the die. Between the die and the substrate, there are small silver bumps equally spaced apart, encased within a white "filling". The bumps are the solder bumps connecting the die to the substrate, and the white filling is the underfill- meant to strengthen the solder bumps.\|thumb\|A diagram of a computer processor. When the underfill becomes too soft at any point in the processor's normal operating temperatures, the solder bumps under the die ("chip") can crack, disconnecting the die from the substrate. This leads to the processor failing, and in turn, leads to a critical system failure for the device it's in.]]
	'''Bumpgate''', also known as '''Nvidiagate''', was a scandal where [[Nvidia]] and ATI Graphics Processing Units (GPUs) were prone to high failure rates due to a design flaw that led to cracked solder bumps under the die.<ref name=":0" /> Despite the "Nvidiagate" name, this defect not only affected many Nvidia GPUs made from approximately 2006 to 2010, but it also affected ATI GPUs from 2006 to 2008. Among retro console enthusiasts, the defect is best known to have been the likely culprit behind the high failure rate of Nvidia GPUs in [[Sony]]'s early PlayStation 3 models<ref name=":4">{{Cite web \|last=RIP Felix \|first= \|date=23 Dec 2022 \|title=A PS3 Story: The Yellow Light of Death \|url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Za7WTNwAX0c \|url-status=live \|access-date=2 Jun 2025 \|website=YouTube}}</ref> and ATI GPUs in [[Microsoft]]'s early Xbox 360 models.<ref name=":3" /> Individuals interested in other retro computers may know of the defect from certain models of Dell and HP laptops manufactured as early as 2005 and as late as 2010, as well as certain Apple Macbook Pros made from May 2007 to September 2008.<ref name=":16">{{Cite web \|title=Affected Models \|url=http://www.nvidiasettlement.com/affectedmodels.html \|url-status=dead \|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20101001080616/http://www.nvidiasettlement.com/affectedmodels.html \|archive-date=1 Oct 2010 \|access-date=7 Jun 2025 \|website=The NVIDIA GPU Litigation}}</ref>		'''Bumpgate''', also known as '''Nvidiagate''', was a scandal where [[Nvidia]] and ATI Graphics Processing Units (GPUs) were prone to high failure rates due to a design flaw that led to cracked solder bumps under the die.<ref name=":0" /> Despite the "Nvidiagate" name, this defect not only affected many Nvidia GPUs made from approximately 2006 to 2010, but it also affected ATI GPUs from 2006 to 2008. Among retro console enthusiasts, the defect is best known to have been the likely culprit behind the high failure rate of Nvidia GPUs in [[Sony]]'s early PlayStation 3 models<ref name=":4">{{Cite web \|last=RIP Felix \|first= \|date=23 Dec 2022 \|title=A PS3 Story: The Yellow Light of Death \|url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Za7WTNwAX0c \|url-status=live \|access-date=2 Jun 2025 \|website=YouTube}}</ref> and ATI GPUs in [[Microsoft]]'s early Xbox 360 models.<ref name=":3" /> Individuals interested in other retro computers may know of the defect from certain models of Dell and [[HP Inc.\|HP-Compaq]] laptops manufactured as early as 2005 and as late as 2010, as well as certain [[Apple]] Macbook Pros made from May 2007 to September 2008.<ref name=":16">{{Cite web \|title=Affected Models \|url=http://www.nvidiasettlement.com/affectedmodels.html \|url-status=dead \|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20101001080616/http://www.nvidiasettlement.com/affectedmodels.html \|archive-date=1 Oct 2010 \|access-date=7 Jun 2025 \|website=The NVIDIA GPU Litigation}}</ref>

	==Background==		==Background==
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	Some consumers who dealt with the "Yellow Light of Death" paid Sony to repair their systems, but others decided to consider it a loss. For consumers whose systems failed after the "Slim" models came out, some of them chose to re-purchase the cheaper, allegedly more reliable Slim models. At the time, it was assumed that these models were not prone to "Yellow Light of Death" (they have since been confirmed completely non-defective), but there was still some uncertainty among the community at the time. However, others gave up on Sony entirely, switching to other platforms- particularly, the Xbox 360.		Some consumers who dealt with the "Yellow Light of Death" paid Sony to repair their systems, but others decided to consider it a loss. For consumers whose systems failed after the "Slim" models came out, some of them chose to re-purchase the cheaper, allegedly more reliable Slim models. At the time, it was assumed that these models were not prone to "Yellow Light of Death" (they have since been confirmed completely non-defective), but there was still some uncertainty among the community at the time. However, others gave up on Sony entirely, switching to other platforms- particularly, the Xbox 360.

	==== Consumers perform their own repairs ====		====Consumers perform their own repairs====
	As a result of the poor response from Sony, consumers largely took things into their own hands. When the PS3 was still supported, informed consumers were sure to warn prospective buyers that the "backwards compatible" and "phat" models of PS3 were prone to the "Yellow Light of Death", that Sony wouldn't fix it for free, and even if they were willing to send it in for repairs, the system would be reset. In the United Kingdom, there was the BBC Watchdog segment that- while misguided on the cause of the problem- did inform consumers across the UK about the issues, so they knew to avoid these early PS3s and choose a newer Slim model if they wanted a PS3.		As a result of the poor response from Sony, consumers largely took things into their own hands. When the PS3 was still supported, informed consumers were sure to warn prospective buyers that the "backwards compatible" and "phat" models of PS3 were prone to the "Yellow Light of Death", that Sony wouldn't fix it for free, and even if they were willing to send it in for repairs, the system would be reset. In the United Kingdom, there was the BBC Watchdog segment that- while misguided on the cause of the problem- did inform consumers across the UK about the issues, so they knew to avoid these early PS3s and choose a newer Slim model if they wanted a PS3.

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	If a product does not last because of a defect, then the company should respect their customer's investment by honoring the warranty- or by recalling the product if the defect is found to be common, as with Bumpgate. Nvidia's SEC report<ref name=":10" /> shows that they appeared to have this intention, and the company informing Dell<ref name=":8" /> and HP<ref name=":7" /> of the defect also seem to demonstrate this. In addition, based on the fact that Bumpgate affected some non-Nvidia processors (such as the Xbox 360's ''ATI'' graphics processor<ref name=":3" />), Nvidia was likely not fully responsible for the underfill defect. In fact, they alleged in the SEC report that it was their packaging company that caused the problem. However, this did not quell consumers' anger at Nvidia, and a class action lawsuit was filed. Unfortunately, the results of that lawsuit and subsequent settlement left consumers still angry and frustrated at the company- especially those who received insufficient compensation, like those who ended up with a budget laptop to replace their high-end laptop.<ref name=":15" /> This only fueled consumer distrust for Nvidia. Although the defect may not have fully been Nvidia's fault, their failure to properly compensate some Class Members when they agreed to settle was unacceptable to many consumers.		If a product does not last because of a defect, then the company should respect their customer's investment by honoring the warranty- or by recalling the product if the defect is found to be common, as with Bumpgate. Nvidia's SEC report<ref name=":10" /> shows that they appeared to have this intention, and the company informing Dell<ref name=":8" /> and HP<ref name=":7" /> of the defect also seem to demonstrate this. In addition, based on the fact that Bumpgate affected some non-Nvidia processors (such as the Xbox 360's ''ATI'' graphics processor<ref name=":3" />), Nvidia was likely not fully responsible for the underfill defect. In fact, they alleged in the SEC report that it was their packaging company that caused the problem. However, this did not quell consumers' anger at Nvidia, and a class action lawsuit was filed. Unfortunately, the results of that lawsuit and subsequent settlement left consumers still angry and frustrated at the company- especially those who received insufficient compensation, like those who ended up with a budget laptop to replace their high-end laptop.<ref name=":15" /> This only fueled consumer distrust for Nvidia. Although the defect may not have fully been Nvidia's fault, their failure to properly compensate some Class Members when they agreed to settle was unacceptable to many consumers.

			== See Also: ==

			* [[Nvidia]]
			* [[Microsoft]]
			* [[Sony]]
			* [[HP Inc.\|HP]]
			* [[Apple]]

	==References==		==References==

Vindicator4021: Removed the "Misdiagnosis/Poor Repair of Faults" section; spread its information to more specific consumer response segments. Also added a subsegment under Sony's consumer response that details how consumers performed their own repairs and discovered the cause of the fault.

2025-06-20T18:14:00Z

Removed the "Misdiagnosis/Poor Repair of Faults" section; spread its information to more specific consumer response segments. Also added a subsegment under Sony's consumer response that details how consumers performed their own repairs and discovered the cause of the fault.

Show changes