Nvidia RTX Pro 6000 left unusable after modular PCIe connector snaps in transit

A $10,000 Nvidia RTX Pro 6000 was rendered effectively useless after its modular PCIe connector snapped during transport. Even though the main board and GPU survived, Nvidia does not offer spare parts for this model, leaving the card as a very expensive paperweight.

Repair specialist NorthbridgeFix broke down the case on his YouTube channel, showing an RTX Pro 6000 whose PCIe connector board had snapped clean in half under the card’s own weight. He added that he had seen a similar failure before while repairing an RTX 5090 Founders Edition with a comparable modular layout. Transport turns into a stress test for hardware this heavy, and this unit didn’t pass it.

The issue is compounded by the fact that Nvidia does not sell standalone, replaceable PCIe modules. The GPU and the primary PCB may be intact, but without that piece the device won’t function. NorthbridgeFix criticized the decision to use a detachable connector without access to replacement modules, saying it undermines the very idea of modular design. It’s hard to argue that modularity helps much if it can’t be serviced.

Because the professional RTX Pro 6000 has no partner-built (AIB) versions like GeForce gaming cards, owners have no alternative design to fall back on. The safest move is to remove the card before transporting a workstation—otherwise a break like this could cost the full $10,000. For a card this heavy, that precaution seems prudent.