Introduction
The Nvidia RTX 5090 Founders Edition has emerged as a notable addition to the graphics card landscape, drawing attention for its robust design and specifications. This review provides insights into the card's physical attributes, cooling mechanisms, and power requirements, while also highlighting its potential impact on PC gaming and graphics performance.
Design and Build Quality
The RTX 5090 Founders Edition measures approximately 12 inches in length, 5.3 inches in width, and 2 inches in depth, maintaining a similar footprint to its predecessor, the RTX 4090. However, it is notably shorter and designed as a two-slot card, which may differ from future models produced by other manufacturers. The card's construction is solid, characterized by a heavy, dark grey metal casing that conveys a sense of durability and power. This heftiness raises concerns about its stability when installed, relying solely on the PCIe slot and two screws for support.
Cooling System
Nvidia has implemented an advanced cooling solution for the RTX 5090, with air intake positioned below the card and exhaust venting from the top. This design is intended to optimize airflow in typical PC setups, where airflow generally moves from bottom to top. Despite its intimidating weight, Nvidia assures users that the cooling system will effectively manage temperatures during high-performance tasks, which is crucial for maintaining optimal performance in demanding gaming scenarios.
Packaging and Accessories
The packaging of the RTX 5090 is designed to reflect its size and importance, featuring a corrugated cardboard box that securely houses the GPU without the need for an anti-static bag. This tight fit prevents any movement during transport. Included with the GPU is a short 4x PCIe 5.0 adapter, which requires either four PCIe 8-pin connectors or a robust 600W PCIe Gen 5 cable for proper operation. This highlights the need for users to ensure their power supply units (PSUs) are adequately equipped, as the RTX 5090 necessitates a minimum of 1000W system power, a significant upgrade from the 850W typically sufficient for the RTX 4080 Super.
Connectivity Options
In terms of connectivity, the RTX 5090 is equipped with three DisplayPort 2.1 outputs and a single HDMI 2.1b port. The positioning of the 16-pin power connection at an angle may facilitate installation in smaller cases, although it can complicate setups where space is limited. Users should be prepared for potential adjustments to their existing configurations to accommodate this new GPU.
Conclusion
The Nvidia RTX 5090 Founders Edition stands out with its formidable design and enhanced cooling capabilities, poised to make a significant impact in the realm of high-performance gaming and graphics processing. With its substantial power requirements and unique features, it is essential for enthusiasts to consider their system configurations before upgrading. As the demand for powerful graphics solutions continues to grow, the RTX 5090 represents a critical advancement in Nvidia's ongoing evolution of GPU technology, setting the stage for future developments in the industry.