Soldato
You repeatedly say "ex mining card", but the truth is it could happen with any 2nd hand card. The fact it was used for mining is irrelevant, so why keep mentioning it?
Of course it can happen to any secondhand card, infant mortality, just plain worn out, overclocked overvolted, hamfisted application of aftermarket coolers, etc, the list goes on. I'm mentioning mining cards, because the thread is about mining cards and why you shouldn't buy them. I stuck my 10 pennyworth in due to my experience with an ex-mining card showing proof of what "COULD" happen if you're not careful.