Nvidia has finally announced their GeForce RTX Ampere 30 Series GPUs, and their new flagship is the RTX Ampere 3090. This GPU absolutely dwarfs any previous, current generation, graphics card released by Nvidia, as it features a massive 10,496 CUDA Core count and an FP32 computing power of 36 teraflops. To put these numbers into perspective, that is a 127% increase in shader units and 120% increase in FP32 compute performance when compared to the Nvidia RTX Titan. Adding to this advantage is the Ampere architecture with Samsung’s 8nm processing method, upgraded GDDR6X VRAM, PCI Express Gen4 compatibility, 2nd generation Ray Tracing, and 3rd generation Tensor cores. Indeed, this GPU is set to become the high-resolution, high-framerate king that gamers have been waiting for. With its ability to process 8K resolution gaming at 60FPS, and perhaps even a stable 144 FPS framerate at 4K resolutions, the RTX Ampere 3090 is an expensive, yet powerful flagship GPU worthy of the next generation of games that are set to launch later this year. Since this graphics card is set to launch on September the 24th, we still have plenty of time to analyze the best aftermarket model in order to make the best possible choice. This is why we have compiled a comprehensive list of all announced AIB RTX Ampere 3090s and listed them in alphabetical order with a description of what each manufacturer has to offer. Do note that some specifications have not yet been announced, as certain features and boost clock speeds have not yet been confirmed.
RTX 3090 Aftermarket (AIB) Card List
ASUS GeForce RTX 3090 ROG STRIX Gaming OC
To begin of our list, we have the hardware manufacturer ASUS, with their ROG STRIX OC model. This GPU will feature two overclocking modes to increase the 1,400 MHz base clock speed of the RTX 3090: a gaming mode, with a 1,695 MHz boost clock, and an OC mode, with a 1,725 MHz boost clock – up from the reference card’s 1,700 MHz. Plenty of RGB lighting will be included, on the side of this GPU, with the light leaking underneath the fans. The lighting display can be customized via ASUS’s ArmourCrate software, which, together with GPU Tweak II, a graphics-card tuning program, X-Split, a streaming application, a 6-month WTFast subscription for network optimization, and QuantumCloud (a strange choice from ASUS as this program does not seem to be the most trustworthy; it uses your GPU’s processing power and provides negligible monetary returns) comprise the software included with the GPU. The cooling solution includes: an axial-tech triple fan design, with 13 and 11 bladed fans, a center fan that spins in reverse, in order to minimize turbulence, an enlarged 2.9 slot heatsink situated onto a surface polished heat spreader, a shortened PCB, and a wide, yet ventilated, backplate. Finally, the ASUS RTX 3090 ROG STRIX Gaming OC will include two HDMI 2.1 and three DisplayPort 1.4a ports.
ASUS GeForce RTX 3090 TUF Gaming & TUF Gaming OC
The other two models that ASUS will be releasing are the – nearly identical – TUF Gaming and TUF Gaming OC. The latter is only different in that it has the ability to overclock to the same speeds as the ROG STRIX Gaming OC variant (1,695 and 1,710 MHz). The RGB display here includes only a small TUF logo on the side, and the GPU will include all the same software mentioned for the ROG STRIX. The cooling solution for the TUF Gaming variants is a bit different, in that the fans will have double ball bearings and will be PWM controlled (only working at temperatures above 55 degrees Celsius). Also, the heatsink will have a slightly smaller 2.7 slot design, and a separate VRAM heatsink – which is absent in the ROG STRIX. Both these models are set to be slightly cheaper than their ROG STRIX counterpart (the TUF Gaming GPU will be priced similarly to the reference card).
EVGA GeForce RTX 3090 ICX3
The manufacturer with the most GeForce RTX Ampere 3090 models set to release so far is EVGA. They are ready to release five different designs: The Kingpin, which features a single fan together with a 240mm radiator, for both air and liquid cooling, the Hydro Copper, a hydrocooled GPU which uses a waterblock, the Hybrid, similar to the Kingpin though it uses a 120mm radiator, the FTW3, a tri-fan GPU with a plethora of ARGB lighting, and the XC3, a barebones triple fan model. Though EVGA has not yet released information about the majority of their RTX 3090 GPUs, we do know that the FTW3 will have ARGB lighting behind the GPU (logo), as well as on the front and side of the unit. These displays will be controlled via EVGA’s new Precision X1 software, which also includes in-game overclocking, fan control, an OC scanner, and GPU monitoring. The triple fanned models (the FTW3 and XC3) will include asynchronous fans with the best bearings in the RTX 30 market so far (hydro-dynamic bearings), a heatsink with through-hole fins, a unified copper block for the GPU and its VRAM – paired with semi-circular heatpipes, a ventilated PCB, and a backplate which includes micro-thin heatpipes. Price and boost clock speeds are TBC.
Galax / KFA2 RTX 3090 SG
A strong contender for this generation of Nvidia GPUs is Galax’s (KFA2)RTX 3090 SG. Despite the fact that this mode will cost the baseline price of the reference card, it will feature an overclocking speed of 1,710 MHz, slightly above the 1,695 reference. The KFA2 RTX 3090 SG has a sleek design, with RGB lighting going through three sets of translucent fan blades, making it ideal for vertical mounting – though horizontal mounting can also be utilized, as the model has an RGB-lit quote displayed on its side. Both RGB displays can be synchronized via Galax’s Xtreme Tuner, which also includes 1-click overclocking and system monitoring, and is even available as a mobile application so you don’t have to minimize any games or other windows to use the software. The cooling of this GPU is oddly unique. Other than the three 92mm fans, and its side and back ventilation, it also includes an 80mm clip-on fan that can be attached to the backplate in order to pull hot air away from the heatsink. Together with the fans, and their “Wings” fan-blade design made to optimize static pressure, this four-fan combination can create a very efficient cooling solution
GIGABYTE AORUS GeForce RTX 3090 Master & Xtreme
One of the largest aftermarket GPU manufacturers could not be absent from the AIB market, and GIGABYTE is ready to release four different RTX Ampere 3090 models; two of which are the RTX 3090 Master and RTX 3090 Xtreme. Current information about these models is very limited, and in terms of aesthetics, the only thing we know is that either the Master, the Xtreme, or both, will have an OLED display on the side of the GPU that will display the temperature of the GPU and perhaps other system metrics. Also, all RGB displays will be controllable via the AORUS engine software. When it comes to cooling, a bit more information has been released for these two models, and their cooling will be common between the two. This includes: three PWM controlled fans (one 100mm, two 115mm, double ball bearings) spinning in alternating directions, and mounted on “Wind Claw” mounts, designed to reinforce and focus the airflow toward the heatsink. The heatsink itself which will have fins with an angular and unequal design to better channel the airflow and enlarge the contact surface. Additionally, a large copper plate and composite heatpipes are used to better dissipate the heat through, and away from, the ventilated backplate. One last thing we do know is that the Xtreme will be the higher priced model, costing about $50 more than the Master variant.
GIGABYTE RTX 3090 Gaming OC & Eagle OC
The next two models that Gigabyte is set to release are the RTX Ampere 3090 Gaming OC and Eagle OC. The two GPUs have different exteriors but identical cooling. The Gaming OC will feature a small RGB display on the side of the GPU with GIGABYTE’s logo, while the Eagle OC will have the word “Eagle” lit up on the front of the GPU. These RGP displays will be customizable via the AORUS engine software as well. The Gaming OC variant will also include Dual BIOS, with a silent mode switch that will require a reboot in order to take effect. In regards to cooling, both graphics cards make use of GIGABYTE’s WINDFORCE 3X cooling system, which means three fans (two 90mm, one 80mm on the side), with the mid fan spinning in the opposite direction, and a “3D Active Fan” mode which is basically a PWM controller. All three fans will use a “3D stripe curve” and a triangular blade edge for what GIGABYTE claims will be smoother airflow dispersion. The bearings on these fans will be sleeve bearings with a graphene nano lubricant, providing them with a longer life span and quieter rotation. An extended heatsink will also be included, with seven copper composite heatpipes and a backplate that will be ventilated for better heat dispersion. The price and OC clock speeds are yet to be determined, though we do know that the Gaming OC will have an extended four-year warranty, and it appears that the Eagle OC will cost the same as the RTX 3090 reference card.
Inno3D RTX 3090 iChill X3 & X4
One of the more extravagant aftermarket options are Inno3Ds iChill X3 and iChill X4 RTX 3090 options. These models have nearly identical exteriors and cooling solutions, though there are some slight differences. In regards to the exterior, both GPUs will feature a customizable RGB display on the side of the GPU which will be Aura Sync, Mystic Light, and RGB Fusion compatible. The iChill X3 will also feature two acrylic RGB “tail fins” to add some extra flare, one of which has the iChill X3 logo on it, while the other is purposefully left blank so you can add a design of your preference. When it comes to the thermals of the GPU, both models make use of three 90mm fans – and no additional information is given about them other than that they are asymmetrical and make use of Inno3D’s “Scythe” design. Both models will also make use of seven heatpipes, a 1,664mm lengthwise heatsink which includes cooling fins with an ultra-smooth DGT surface and a copper base. The backplate has a studded surface and ventilation holes and is solid-die casted. The edge that the iChill X4 has in terms of cooling comes in the form of a fourth, 45mm fan which is mounted on the side of the GPU and used to cool the MOSFETs. Both the iChill X3 and iChill X4 are set to release with prices very close to the $1,399 reference card; the iChill X4 being slightly more expensive. Boost clock speeds are TBC.
Inno3D RTX 3090 Gaming X3
Not to be confused with the iChill X3, the Inno3D Gaming X3 is a more barebones option which removes the defining RGB lighting displays of the iChill models, has a slightly smaller 1,517mm long heatsink, a slightly smaller surface area, and it may, or may not, have a higher boost clock speed above the original 1,700 MHz of the reference card. Other than that, this GPU will include Inno3D’s TunnelIT GPU monitoring and overclocking software, and it may cost slightly less than the already reference-card priced iChill X3.
MSI RTX 3090 VENTUS 3X OC
Another giant in the AIB market is MSI, which is primed to release two distinct RTX Ampere 3090 models, one of which is the reference card priced VENTUS 3X OC. This model will not include any RGB lighting, and its cooling will utilize the previous generation TORX Fan 3.0 design. This fan design uses alternating fan blades, traditional and dispersion, in order to maximize static pressure and better cool the heatsink. To avoid unnecessary spinning, the fans will also utilize MSI’s “Zero Frozr”: another name for a PWM controller. Other than the fans, the VENTUS 3X OC will have precision-machined core pipes, and thermal pads on select board components in order to better control the thermals of the GPU. For all RTX 3090 models, emphasis was placed on keeping the GPU straight, hence the use of an anti-bending strap on its graphene backplate, with an additional, and optional, bracket that can be mounted underneath the GPU for extra support. Though we do know that the MSI RTX 3090 VENTUS 3X OC will have an increased boost clock speed that can be controlled via MSI’s “Dragon Center” and “Afterburner” software, the exact boost clock speed is yet to be released.
MSI GeForce RTX 3090 Gaming X TRIO
MSI’s higher end model, the Gaming X Trio, is quite similar to the VENTUS 3X OC, despite some its upgrades. Firstly, the GPU has an RGB display: a few RGB accents on the front, and an MSI logo and a stripe running along the length of the side. MSI’s Mystic Light software will be included in order for the Gaming X Trio can by synced with other MSI hardware. Additionally, this model has an upgraded TORX Fan 4.0 design, where the blades of the fan are paired in twos (linked on the outer ring) for a more focused airflow through the heatsink. The heatsink is also slightly different, as it makes use of a “wave-curved 2.0” fin design, with angled edges that allow the airflow to pass without any unnecessary acoustics. Other than that, it appears to be identical to the VENTUS 3X OC, though we do not know the boost clock speed of this model. Speculation is that it may cost more than $100 above the original reference card price.
Palit GeForce RTX 3090 Gaming PRO & Gaming PRO OC
Another two 3090 aftermarket models that will become available hail from the hardware manufacturer Palit Microsystems Ltd. These are the Gaming Pro and Gaming PRO OC; two identical models, except for the fact that one will have a higher boost clock speed of 1,725 MHz. Other than that, both models will have a stylish ARGB display running through the middle fan of its three-fan setup which can be tailored to your liking through their ThunderMaster software. The fans included will feature double ball bearings, TurboFan 3.0 (PWM), low-vibration mounts, and an IP5X dust resistance rating. Their heatpipes are designed in a double-U shape, with intention of creating a larger surface area. Two die casting molded aluminum alloy armor plates will also cover the circuit board for optimal heat dispersion. Like all RTX Ampere 30 series aftermarket models, the backplate will be ventilated, and these models will use a honeycomb-design bracket for better airflow. The Palit Gaming PRO is set to launch with a $1,399 price tag, while the OC version will cost $20-$30 more.
PNY GeForce RTX 3090 XLR8 Gaming Epic-X RGB
PNY is also looking to release their own custom RTX 3090 Ampere model: The XLR8 Gaming Epic-X RGB. Though very little information has been released by PNY in regards to the specifications of this RTX 3090 edition, we do see that it will have a triple fan cooling solution and an RGB display on the front of the GPU – unlike their RTX 3080 edition of this same graphics card which also has an RGB display on the side. The boost clock speed will remain the same with the reference RTX 3090 at 1,695 MHz, and the overall length is set to be 294mm, with a 2.7-slot height. Three DP 1.4a and one HDMI 2.1 ports will also be included. From the limited specifications known about the model, it would be safe to assume that it will be priced similarly to the reference card RTX 3090.
ZOTAC GeForce RTX 3090 Trinity
Finally, we have ZOTAC’s 3090 offering, the RTX Ampere 3090 Trinity. The Trinity will feature two ARGB displays: the ZOTAC graphic underneath the GPU, and a “ZOTAC Gaming” logo on the side. These displays will be synced via ZOTAC’s Spectra 2.0, while the overclocking can be initiated via their Gaming FireStorm software (this model will not have an increased boost clock speed). The cooling features the Trinity include: ZOTAC’s IceStorm 2.0, which includes three fans with eleven blades each, a PWM controller, and an Active Fan controller which allows the user to manually control the fans via FireStorm (and two of the three fans can operate independently from the third). The heatsink is separated into three groups of aluminum fin stack arrays with seven copper heatpipes placed in a custom layout, for maximal surface area and heat dissipation. The backplate is metal die-casted and ventilated. The ZOTAC RTX 3090 Trinity is set to cost similarly to the reference card, at $1,399.
Featured Ampere Builds
