The Nvidia RTX 5090 Founder’s Edition, launching in January 2024 for a hefty $2,000, presents a fascinating paradox in the current GPU landscape. While graphics cards have generally trended towards increasing size, power consumption, and cost, the 5090 FE bucks the trend, at least in terms of physical dimensions, by returning to a two-slot design reminiscent of the RTX 3080 Ti FE. This compact form factor makes it an intriguing prospect for small form factor (SFF) PC enthusiasts, offering flagship performance in a surprisingly small package. An experiment integrating the 5090 FE into a 12.7-liter Ncase M1 chassis demonstrated its SFF viability, albeit with caveats.
The installation process in the compact Ncase M1 required some maneuvering, including removing and reattaching the GPU bracket and leaving the side panel ajar to accommodate the new 12V-2×6 power connector. While this setup proved functional, it highlights the challenges of adapting existing SFF cases to the latest hardware. Despite these physical constraints, the 5090 FE, paired with a 1000-watt power supply, delivered exceptional 4K gaming performance, often more than doubling the frame rates achieved by an RTX 3080 FE in the same system. This significant performance leap showcases the raw power of the 5090 and the effectiveness of Nvidia’s “double flow through” cooler, even within a confined space.
Benchmark comparisons between the SFF system with the 5090 FE and an open-air test bench equipped with a top-tier CPU revealed interesting performance dynamics. At 4K resolution, the SFF system often matched the open-bench performance, indicating the GPU’s capabilities weren’t significantly hampered by the compact enclosure. However, at 1440p, the SFF system’s older CPU became a bottleneck, resulting in lower frame rates than the open-bench system, particularly in CPU-intensive titles. This disparity underscores the importance of CPU selection for maximizing the 5090’s potential, especially at lower resolutions.
Despite the impressive 4K performance in the SFF build, several factors temper the enthusiasm for the 5090 FE in this context. The $2,000 price tag represents a significant investment, more than double the launch price of the RTX 3080. Additionally, the card’s substantial power draw, reaching up to 575 watts under load and even exceeding that with the entire system, raises concerns about power efficiency and heat generation within compact enclosures. While the two-slot design is a welcome departure from the trend of oversized GPUs, the unique power connector introduces compatibility challenges for older SFF cases.
The RTX 5090 FE’s performance demonstrates a significant generational leap, offering more than double the horsepower of the RTX 3080 in many scenarios. This makes it a compelling upgrade for SFF enthusiasts willing to invest in the latest hardware and address the power and compatibility challenges. However, the exorbitant price and power consumption make it an unrealistic option for most gamers. Moreover, the lack of similarly compact designs from other Nvidia board partners further reinforces the 5090 FE’s status as an anomaly rather than a trendsetter.
The 5090 FE’s small form factor, while laudable, doesn’t fully negate the broader concerns about GPU trends. While it offers a glimpse into the possibilities of powerful, compact graphics cards, its high cost and power consumption reinforce the need for more affordable and efficient solutions for SFF PCs and the broader gaming market. The 5090 FE serves as a powerful, yet expensive, reminder that the industry still needs to address the ongoing issues of affordability and sustainability in GPU design. It is a compelling piece of hardware, but one that highlights the limitations of current technology and market dynamics.
