NVIDIA sounds grey-market alarm

Chip maker warns VARs against sourcing products from unauthorised suppliers

Graphics chip maker NVIDIA has warned VARs not to buy products from unauthorised suppliers following a spate of reports from customers about counterfeit goods.

In particular, the vendor is urging VARs to use only authorised NVIDIA Board Partners when sourcing its GeForce graphic processors, after concerns were raised by end users about their authenticity.

In a statement to ChannelWeb, NVIDIA said: "Several of our customers have contacted us to confirm the status of various [companies] attempting to sell-in products.

"They look to buy from authorised partners because they provide the best sales and technical support," it continued.

The vendor said VARs that fail to heed its warnings could risk reputational damage, as counterfeit products are often of lower quality and less reliable.

A full list of NVIDIA Board Partners can be found here.