Nvidia RTX 5090 vs RTX 4090: A Detailed First Look at the Next-Gen GPU

Nvidia’s highly anticipated GeForce RTX 5090 Founders Edition graphics card is set to launch later this month. While performance benchmarks and in-depth reviews are still under wraps, the initial impressions of its design and hardware changes are already making waves.

A New Packaging Design for the RTX 5090

One of the first noticeable differences with the RTX 5090 is its revamped packaging. Unlike the RTX 40-series Founders Edition, Nvidia has opted for a more compact, bone-shaped gray cardboard shell housed within a larger brown box. The outer box features the tagline: “Inspired by gamers. Enhanced by AI. Built by Nvidia.” Inside, you’ll find a new power adapter cable that supports both the updated 12V-2×6 connector and the older 12VHPWR standard. The new connector features shorter sensing pins and slightly longer conductor terminals, but it remains backward compatible with existing 12VHPWR cables.

Slimmer and More Compact Design

The RTX 5090 retains the same width and length as the RTX 4090 but is significantly slimmer, now fitting into a two-slot form factor compared to the three-slot design of its predecessor. This reduction in size is a testament to Nvidia’s engineering, making the RTX 5090 more versatile for smaller PC cases.

Overhauled Cooling System

To accommodate the slimmer design, Nvidia has introduced a new cooling system for the RTX 5090. The card now features dual flow-through fans that pull cool air from below and exhaust it upwards into the case. Unlike the RTX 40-series, there’s no rear exhaust, but small side slots help create an airflow boundary to prevent warm air from recirculating. The PCB is centrally located, surrounded by large heat pipes that benefit from the improved airflow. This design also makes the RTX 5090 compatible with small form factor cases, and the angled power connector further aids in tight builds.

Port Configuration and Aesthetic Updates

At the rear, the RTX 5090 includes three DisplayPort 2.1b ports and one HDMI 2.1b port. Interestingly, Nvidia has flipped the ports upside down, which may require users to adjust their cable management. The card also features white LED lighting on the top and sides, along with a darker gray metal housing that strikes a balance between the lighter RTX 40-series Founders Edition and the black RTX 40-series Super variants.

Final Thoughts

The Nvidia RTX 5090 Founders Edition showcases significant design improvements over the RTX 4090, from its slimmer form factor to its innovative cooling system and refined aesthetics. While we await performance benchmarks, the RTX 5090 is shaping up to be a compelling upgrade for gamers and creators alike.

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