The Nvidia GeForce RTX 5090 Founders Edition, arriving this month, boasts a redesigned aesthetic and enhanced cooling compared to its predecessor, the RTX 4090. The most immediate difference is the packaging. Gone is the traditional box, replaced by a smaller, bone-shaped gray cardboard container nestled within a larger brown cardboard box. This outer box, emblazoned with the tagline “Inspired by gamers. Enhanced by AI. Built by Nvidia,” also houses the new power adapter cable. This cable utilizes an updated 12VHPWR connector, accommodating either four standard PCIe eight-pin power connectors or the newer 12V-2×6 cable. Importantly, while the 12V-2×6 offers minor pin length adjustments, existing 12VHPWR cables remain compatible with the RTX 5090.
The RTX 5090 maintains the length and width of the RTX 4090 but significantly reduces its thickness, transitioning from a three-slot to a two-slot design. This slimming down is a notable achievement, especially considering the card’s flagship status. This reduction in size necessitates a cooling overhaul. Nvidia has implemented a dual flow-through fan system, drawing cool air from below and expelling it upwards. Unlike the RTX 40-series Founders Edition, the RTX 5090 lacks a rear exhaust, instead employing small side slots to manage airflow and prevent recirculation of heated air.
The internal layout has also been reconfigured. The RTX 5090’s PCB is centrally located, surrounded by substantial heat pipes fed by the dual fans. This design not only facilitates the smaller form factor, earning the card small form factor certification and broadening its compatibility with various cases, but also allows for a repositioned side-angled power connector. This placement alleviates potential clearance issues with PC side panels. The rear of the card features three DisplayPort 2.1b ports and a single HDMI 2.1b port – notably inverted compared to previous models, requiring users to adjust cable orientation accordingly.
Aesthetically, the RTX 5090 carries the Founders Edition tradition of white LED illumination along the top and side. The metal housing sports a subtly darker gray than the standard RTX 40-series Founders Edition, yet lighter than the RTX 40-series Super variants, achieving a refined balance between the two. This darker gray lends a more sophisticated and less stark appearance to the card. While demonstrations of the illuminated card within a PC case are currently restricted, unofficial small form factor builds provide a glimpse into its compact integration.
The shift to a two-slot design is a significant engineering accomplishment for Nvidia, especially considering the power expected from the RTX 5090. This reduction in physical footprint significantly expands the card’s compatibility with smaller PC cases, making high-end gaming more accessible for users with space constraints. The redesigned cooling system, featuring the dual flow-through fans, is crucial in maintaining optimal temperatures within this smaller form factor. While the lack of a rear exhaust might raise some concerns, the implemented side slots appear designed to mitigate potential heat buildup.
The repositioning of the power connector to the side demonstrates a thoughtful approach to cable management. This seemingly minor change can greatly simplify installation, particularly in compact cases where cable routing can be challenging. The inverted display ports might be a slight inconvenience for some users, requiring cable flipping, but it’s a relatively minor adjustment in the grand scheme of things. The darker gray color choice adds a touch of premium feel to the RTX 5090 Founders Edition, distinguishing it from its predecessors while maintaining a sleek and modern aesthetic.
The updated 12VHPWR connector and accompanying adapter cable, while potentially confusing for some, demonstrate a commitment to evolving power delivery standards. The compatibility with existing 12VHPWR cables, despite minor pin adjustments in the 12V-2×6, is a welcome feature that avoids forcing users to upgrade their existing power supplies immediately. The bone-shaped packaging is a quirky touch that adds a bit of personality to the product presentation.
The RTX 5090 Founders Edition represents a significant evolution in design and engineering for Nvidia’s flagship GPUs. The smaller form factor, redesigned cooling system, and thoughtful cable management features indicate a focus on user experience and wider compatibility. While the full performance capabilities remain to be seen, the external changes alone suggest a promising next generation of graphics cards. The anticipation surrounding the full review and performance benchmarks is palpable, as the gaming community eagerly awaits the opportunity to experience the RTX 5090’s full potential.
The careful attention to detail in the design and cooling aspects of the RTX 5090 Founders Edition suggests that Nvidia is not only pushing the boundaries of performance but also striving to provide a more refined and user-friendly product. The transition to a two-slot design opens up a world of possibilities for small form factor enthusiasts and demonstrates a commitment to catering to a wider range of users. The emphasis on efficient cooling within a smaller footprint is a testament to Nvidia’s engineering prowess.
While the inverted display ports and the new power connector might require minor adjustments for some users, these are minor considerations in comparison to the overall improvements offered by the RTX 5090 Founders Edition. The darker gray color choice is a subtle yet effective aesthetic enhancement that adds a touch of sophistication to the card’s appearance. The bone-shaped packaging, while perhaps unconventional, is a memorable detail that adds to the overall product experience.
The focus on compatibility with existing 12VHPWR cables is a consumer-friendly move that avoids unnecessary expenses for users who have already invested in compatible power supplies. The emphasis on improved cooling and a smaller form factor suggests that the RTX 5090 is designed not only for raw performance but also for sustained performance over extended gaming sessions.
The anticipation surrounding the full review and performance benchmarks is understandable, as the gaming community eagerly awaits the opportunity to experience the RTX 5090’s full capabilities. The redesigned Founders Edition promises a significant leap forward in both performance and design, and its arrival is sure to be a defining moment in the evolution of PC gaming.
The smaller size, enhanced cooling, and attention to detail in the RTX 5090 Founders Edition suggest that Nvidia is not just iterating on previous designs but is actively seeking to improve the overall user experience. The two-slot design, repositioned power connector, and refined cooling system are all indicative of this commitment to providing a more user-friendly and versatile product. The full review and performance benchmarks will undoubtedly be highly anticipated, as the gaming world awaits the opportunity to witness the RTX 5090’s true potential.
