AORUS GeForce RTX 5090 Master Ice review: extreme performance

The AORUS GeForce RTX 5090 MASTER ICE isn’t just another graphics card; it represents a pinnacle of engineering and design in the realm of high-performance graphics solutions. If you’re looking for cutting-edge technology combined with aesthetic appeal, this card is sure to capture your attention. With specifications that push the boundaries of performance, it stands out not just in power but also in its striking visual presentation.

Understanding the AORUS GeForce RTX 5090 MASTER ICE

The AORUS GeForce RTX 5090 MASTER ICE is heralded as one of the most powerful graphics cards available today. It not only boasts top-notch specifications but also features a remarkable design that sets it apart from its peers. The RTX 5090 is recognized as a flagship model within NVIDIA's lineup, yet variations like the MASTER ICE offer unique enhancements that elevate their performance and visual appeal.

This model is particularly appealing for enthusiasts who prefer a sleek, white aesthetic in their builds, providing a sophisticated touch to any gaming rig. Thus, it’s not just about raw power; the MASTER ICE combines form and function to create a visually stunning piece of technology.

Specifications of the AORUS GeForce RTX 5090 MASTER ICE

The specifications of the AORUS GeForce RTX 5090 MASTER ICE are impressive on paper and translate into real-world performance. Here are some of the key specifications:

• GPU: GB202 architecture, built on TSMC's 5nm N4 process.
• Transistor count: 92.2 billion transistors in a 744 mm² die, translating to a density of 123.9 million transistors per mm².
• CUDA Cores: 21,760 cores clocked at 2.655 MHz (Turbo mode).
• Memory: 32 GB of GDDR7 running at 28 Gbps with a bandwidth of 1.79 TB/s.
• Bus width: 512 bits.
• Power Consumption: Total Graphics Power (TGP) of 575 watts with a connector rated for 600 watts.
• Connectivity: Includes three DisplayPort 2.1b ports and one HDMI 2.1b output.
• Dimensions: 36 cm in length, 15 cm wide, and 7.5 cm tall, occupying four expansion slots.
• Warranty: Four years.
• Price: Starting from €2,919.

External Analysis of the AORUS GeForce RTX 5090 MASTER ICE

At first glance, the size of the AORUS GeForce RTX 5090 MASTER ICE is striking. With dimensions that require four expansion slots, its 36 cm length facilitates an impressive cooling system. This model features three advanced "Hawk Fan" cooling fans, designed with a unique blade structure to enhance airflow efficiency.

The fans showcase a remarkable 53.6% increase in air pressure and a 12.5% boost in airflow volume, all while maintaining a quieter operation. Their ability to spin alternately reduces turbulence between adjacent fans, improving overall airflow. Additionally, these fans utilize double-ball bearings for increased reliability and longevity, remaining off during low GPU workloads.

Moreover, the card features a customizable RGB LED lighting system that enhances its visual appeal. The lighting remains deactivated when the fans are off, illuminating only when in operation, creating a visually striking effect.

Cooling System and Design Innovations

Underneath the cooling fans is a substantial heatsink that contacts critical components, including the GPU, memory, and power system. This contact is facilitated by a high-performance thermal paste that maximizes heat transfer efficiency. Unlike typical thermal pads, GIGABYTE employs a proprietary server-grade thermal gel, enhancing thermal conductivity and longevity.

The heatsink base incorporates a vapor chamber that effectively distributes heat across a series of heat pipes, optimizing cooling through a uniquely designed aluminum fin structure. This design not only enhances the cooling performance but also contributes to the overall durability of the card.

The AORUS GeForce RTX 5090 MASTER ICE also includes an additional fan, mounted on top of an air vent designed to extract heat efficiently. This fan is user-installable and connects easily to the motherboard, adding an additional layer of cooling capability while contributing to the card's overall aesthetic with RGB lighting.

Architectural Advancements and New Technologies

Incorporating NVIDIA's latest architecture, the AORUS GeForce RTX 5090 MASTER ICE showcases a range of technological advancements:

• DLSS 4 for enhanced image quality and stability.
• Shader Execution Reordering (SER) for improved efficiency in ray tracing.
• Fifth-generation Tensor cores that significantly boost AI and rendering capabilities.
• Advanced memory architecture using GDDR7 to improve bandwidth and performance.

Testing Setup and Components Used

To accurately assess the performance of the AORUS GeForce RTX 5090 MASTER ICE, a well-balanced system is essential. The following components were utilized for testing:

• Motherboard: GIGABYTE X870E Aorus Master.
• Processor: Ryzen 7 9800X3D, featuring 8 cores and 16 threads.
• RAM: G.SKILL Trident Z5 NEO RGB at 6000 MT/s.
• Cooling: Corsair CUE LINK TITAN 360 RX RGB liquid cooler.
• SSD: WD Black SN850 and Samsung 990 Pro.
• Power Supply: Corsair HX1500i with 80 Plus Platinum certification.

Performance Analysis of the AORUS GeForce RTX 5090 MASTER ICE

Benchmark Testing

The AORUS GeForce RTX 5090 MASTER ICE undergoes rigorous benchmarking to evaluate its capabilities. Here’s how it stacks against the GeForce RTX 5090 Founders Edition:

Blender Performance

In Blender, the AORUS model achieves 7,637, 4,007, and 3,803 samples per minute in various scenes, outperforming the Founders Edition due to its factory overclock.

3DMark DLSS Testing

In 3DMark tests, the AORUS card shows a significant advantage with nearly 25 FPS more than the Founders Edition when DLSS is activated.

Gaming Performance

When tested in real-world gaming scenarios, the AORUS GeForce RTX 5090 MASTER ICE continues to excel:

• In Gears 5, it outperforms the RTX 4090 by 42% at 4K resolution.
• In Star Wars Outlaws, it achieves a 29.63% lead in 4K.
• Red Dead Redemption 2 sees the AORUS card hitting 138 FPS compared to the 4090’s 108 FPS.

Temperature, Power Consumption, and Efficiency

The AORUS GeForce RTX 5090 MASTER ICE maintains impressive thermal performance, running cooler than its competitors even under heavy loads. The maximum recorded power draw is around 605 watts, which is typical given its advanced specifications and performance capabilities.

Final Thoughts on the AORUS GeForce RTX 5090 MASTER ICE

Overall, the AORUS GeForce RTX 5090 MASTER ICE emerges as a leader in the high-performance graphics card market. Its exceptional cooling system, coupled with robust performance metrics and an aesthetically pleasing design, makes it a worthy investment for gamers and content creators alike. While its price may be steep, the value it offers through superior performance and build quality justifies the cost for serious enthusiasts.

For those interested in visualizing this powerful graphics card in action, check out this informative video that showcases its features:

GeForce RTX 5070 Ti EAGLE OC ICE SFF 16G review without compromises

GeForce RTX 5070 review: MFG makes a difference

Win Sapphire Nitro+ B580A Motherboard and RX 9070 XT Bundle