How Graphics Cards are made - Insane PowerColor Factory Tour

der8auer EN2 minutes read

The text details the rigorous quality control processes and assembly line procedures at a power color factory, including component validation, PCB inspection, reworking failed GPUs, and thorough testing protocols. Various stages such as soldering, inspection, thermal paste application, and burn-in tests are highlighted, emphasizing adherence to industry standards and meticulous attention to detail in GPU production.

Insights

  • PCBs undergo rigorous quality control measures, including flatness checks and size verification, to ensure they meet precise specifications before moving to production, highlighting the meticulous attention to detail in the manufacturing process.
  • A comprehensive testing and inspection regime is implemented throughout the production line, from component validation through reflow soldering and final assembly, with a focus on adherence to international standards and meticulous quality checks at each stage, underscoring the commitment to delivering high-quality products to consumers.

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Recent questions

  • How are PCBs tested for quality?

    PCBs undergo quality control for flatness and size, ensuring they meet specific measurements before production. Additionally, the solder mask application, soldering, and X-ray inspection are crucial steps in ensuring the quality of PCBs. Stencils are stored and inspected for wear and tear to guarantee proper solder paste application, contributing to the overall quality of the PCBs.

  • What is the process for GPU reworking?

    RMA rooms handle GPU failures, with reworking involving removing and reballing GPUs to ensure proper alignment and functionality. This meticulous process is essential in addressing any defects or issues with the GPUs, ensuring that they meet the required standards before being integrated into the final product.

  • How are SMD components placed on PCBs?

    Pick and place machines meticulously place SMD components onto PCBs, with high-speed machines capable of handling up to 77,000 pieces per hour. This automated process ensures precision and efficiency in placing the components on the PCBs, a critical step in the assembly of electronic devices.

  • What is the purpose of burn-in tests for GPUs?

    GPUs undergo burn-in tests for 24 hours to assess their performance and reliability under stress. This testing process helps identify any potential issues or defects in the GPUs, ensuring that only high-quality and reliable graphics cards are distributed to consumers.

  • How are industry standards maintained in GPU production?

    Industry standards dictate checking every single unit, with a specific amount from each batch inspected manually due to the time-consuming nature of this process. By adhering to these rigorous standards and conducting thorough inspections at various stages of production, the company ensures that the GPUs meet the required quality and performance benchmarks set by the industry.

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Summary

00:00

Inside a High-Tech Electronics Factory

  • The video showcases a visit to a power color factory during Computex, starting with incoming quality control.
  • The first machine validates SMD components, counting and verifying their correctness with an x-ray machine.
  • Incoming inspection tests external parts for hazardous materials, breaking down coolers and scanning for harmful elements.
  • Testing SMD parts involves checking inductors, resistors, and capacitors for capacity and adherence to international standards.
  • PCBs undergo quality control for flatness and size, ensuring they meet specific measurements before production.
  • RMA rooms handle GPU failures, with reworking involving removing and reballing GPUs to ensure proper alignment and functionality.
  • Employees in clean areas wear ESD shoes and undergo testing to prevent static risks before entering assembly lines.
  • The assembly line sees PCBs vacuum-sealed with humidity indicators, undergoing soldering and quality inspections.
  • Pick and place machines meticulously place SMD components onto PCBs, with high-speed machines handling up to 77,000 pieces per hour.
  • Reflow ovens solder components onto PCBs following specific temperature curves, with 3D cameras inspecting solder quality before sorting finished PCBs.

16:47

GPU Production Process and Quality Control Measures

  • Industry standards dictate checking every single unit, with a specific amount from each batch inspected manually due to the time-consuming nature of this process.
  • The PCBs pass through various stages, including the solder mask application, soldering, and X-ray inspection, with stencils stored and inspected for wear and tear to ensure proper solder paste application.
  • A second assembly line is being constructed to increase GPU production, with the assembly line involving visual inspections, cleaning, screw hole protection, IO panel attachment, backplate mounting, and thermal paste application using stencils for precise results.
  • The cooler installation process includes applying thermal pads, fixing the cooler, and conducting visual inspections to ensure correct placement and removal of protective films.
  • After initial startup checks, GPUs undergo burn-in tests for 24 hours, with only 10% subjected to this extended test due to space constraints, while the remaining cards undergo shorter testing periods.
  • Aging and reliability testing are conducted on older models to assess long-term performance, followed by final inspections and packaging of the graphics cards for distribution.
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