Graphics specialist Nvidia has sounded warnings to the channel to buy through authorised partners to avoid running into problems with counterfeit products.

The grey market has proved to be a headache for vendors across the full spectrum of the channel and Nvidia becomes the latest in a long line of manufacturers urging partners to steer clear of non-authorised suppliers offering prices that are usually too good to be true.

"Reseller who do not purchase from authorised partners run the risk of putting substandard products in their customer's hands. That can only lead to higher returns rates and damaged relationships with consumers," said Fiona Faulkner, senior director for sales for GeForce EMEAI.

She added that the problems reseller's faced buying remarked products would be to leave the customer with an inferior chip, "sold in the guise of a higher-end part".

The graphics card maker is urging resellers to check its list of authorised partners online to avoid potential confusion.