How Graphics Cards are made - Insane PowerColor Factory Tour

Questions and Answers

What is the purpose of the first machine in the power color factory?

The first machine in the power color factory is for validating SMD components.

What does the x-ray machine in the power color factory do?

The x-ray machine in the power color factory counts the amount of parts and checks if the part is correct.

What is the purpose of the x-ray machine in the incoming inspection at the power color factory?

The x-ray machine in the incoming inspection at the power color factory scans for any hazardous materials in the incoming parts.

What quality control measures are taken for PCBs in the power color factory?

The PCBs in the power color factory undergo quality control measures such as testing for flatness and measuring the size of the PCBs. Signup and view all the answers

What is the purpose of the RMA Department in the GPU production process?

The RMA Department is responsible for reworking faulty cards. Signup and view all the answers

What is the purpose of applying solder paste to the PCBs using a stencil?

The solder paste is applied to facilitate the soldering of BGAs onto the PCBs. Signup and view all the answers

What is the purpose of the reflow oven soldering process with 15 temperature zones?

The reflow oven soldering process ensures proper soldering of components on the PCBs by controlling temperature. Signup and view all the answers

What is the final step in the graphics card manufacturing process?

The final step involves inspecting and packaging the cards before shipment. Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Inside the GPU Production Process: RMA, Reworking, and Assembly Line

RMA Department room where faulty cards are reworked
Reworking process involves removing and replacing GPUs on PCBs
Solder paste is applied to the PCBs using a stencil
BGAs are aligned and soldered onto the PCBs
Employees in the assembly line are tested for ESD risk and wear ESD shoes
PCBs are vacuum-sealed and have humidity indicators to prevent damage
Graphics cards are born in the assembly line room
PCBs go through a soldering mask machine for solder paste application
Quality inspection checks if solder paste was applied correctly
Pick and place machines fit tiny components onto the PCBs
Reflow oven soldering process with 15 temperature zones
X-ray inspection to check solder quality and component placementInside the Graphics Card Factory: A Detailed Tour
The graphics card manufacturing process involves checking for correct gaps, removing unnecessary films, and ensuring proper cable placement and connector positioning.
After these initial checks, the GPU is powered up for the first time to verify if it displays a signal.
Following the initial test, 10% of the cards undergo a 24-hour burn-in test to monitor temperature and identify any potential issues.
The remaining 100 cards are tested for a little over an hour, running various benchmarks to ensure functionality.
Aging and reliability testing is also conducted to observe how the cards perform over time, using both newer and older models.
The final step in the manufacturing process involves a last inspection and packaging of the cards.
The inspection ensures that everything is in order before the cards are packaged and prepared for shipment.
The graphics cards being manufactured in this factory are the RX 7900 XTX Hellhound cards.
The cards are packaged in ESD (Electrostatic Discharge) packaging and placed in boxes.
The factory tour was rushed but aimed to provide an impressive and informative experience.
PowerColor provided the opportunity for the tour and video recording, showcasing the process of graphics card manufacturing.
The detailed tour gives viewers a glimpse into the impressive machinery and processes involved in creating graphics cards.