Best GeForce RTX 3090 Graphics Cards for 2021
Finding the best GeForce RTX 3090 is complicated because NVidia has outsourced produc...
The NVidia GeForce RTX 3090 ( Amazon ) is the most recent and fastest gaming graphic card, outperforming the previous gaming monarch, the GeForce 3080, by about 10-15%. It is keeping a hold on the consumer market due to proving unrivaled performance. It features a massive 24GB GDDR6X memory and is the only Ampere architecture GPU that supports NVidia SLI. Finding the best GeForce RTX 3090 is complicated because NVidia has outsourced production rights to several leading companies. Each manufacturer has tuned the GPU exclusively, resulting in somewhat varying performance and characteristics.
These companies package them individually with all the essential components and supply them to the retail market. Since all the leading manufacturers obtain their graphic cards from the source (AMD/Nvidia), they must differentiate their goods, either by price or by characteristics, while selling to customers. As prices are already very competitive, the manufacturers compete on performance and additional features. Typically, performance is increased by supplying a slightly overclocked GPU that promises to perform better than the standard version. Other additions usually include manual overclocking headroom, RGB lighting, upgraded cooling solution, outstanding outlook, and change in clearance/size. Check out our shopping suggestions to help you choose the Best GeForce RTX 3090 for unmatched performance.
Quick Shopping Tips:
SIZE: Just as not all PC cases are created the same, identical GPUs from various manufacturers frequently have varying sizes. Some have an extensive or multiple fan design that takes up more space than your PC allows. These size differences are crucial when installing a full-sized GPU in your PC case. So it’s a good practice to measure your PC clearance along with adequate room for cabling while comparing with your desired GPU.
PRICE: The pricing is a significant decision element when picking between the identical GPU from various manufacturers. Saving a few hundred dollars on a high-end GPU implies that you may use this money towards other performance-enhancing equipment or features. However, the most affordable product is not always the best option. It is best if you make it a habit to buy from a reputable manufacturer and evaluate the performance differences to see whether the price increase is justified.
OVERCLOCKING: GPU manufacturers often slightly raise the stock frequency of the GPU to boost the performance by a few percent. These advantages are generally modest, but they help manufacturers distinguish out from the competition. These are often advertised as ‘OC’ or Overclocked variants. Since they are usually marketing gimmicks and don’t have a detrimental effect on real-world performance, you should not base your GPU decision exclusively on this factor.
COOLING: A well-designed thermal solution will go a long way toward offering good performance under intense loads and preventing your GPU from throttling or malfunctioning owing to temperatures that are above the tolerance zone. It has a direct impact on the GPU’s overclocking capabilities. Manufacturers improve their cooling efficiency by installing additional fans or improving the liquid cooling design.
WARRANTY: The manufacturer’s warranty demonstrates their confidence in their goods. Reputable GPU manufacturers often offer 2 to 3 years of warranty, which is sometimes extensible and transferable through registration. Top GPU manufacturers employ high-quality equipment that provides dependable performance under stress and lasts for a more extended period. It is recommended that you get a high-quality GPU from a recognized manufacturer for your peace of mind.
Best GeForce RTX 3090 Graphics Cards at a glance:
Best Mid-Range GeForce RTX 3090
SPECIFICATIONS
Brand: MSI | Cores: 10496 Units | Core Frequency: 1785 MHz (OC) | Memory Type: GDDR6X | Memory Clock: 19.5 Gbps | Memory Width: 384 bits | Memory Size: 24 GB | Power Consumption: 370 Watt | Dimensions: 13.9 x 2.2 x 5.5 Inches | Warranty: 3 Years
✓TORX FAN 4.0
✓Developed for 4K and 8K gaming
✓2nd generation hardware-accelerated ray-tracing
✗No control over fan speed
✗compatibility issues with small cases
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MSI GeForce RTX 3090 GAMING X TRIO 24G is an overclocked variant of the RTX 3090 with an increased power limit and slightly overclocked processing unit. It might be challenging for newcomers to understand why the identical GPU from various manufacturers differs significantly in price. However, it’s true, and the MSI trio is the best mid-range GeForce RTX 3090 among the various 3090 models due to its balanced features and value proposition.
When we look closely, we find that the performance gain over the Founder’s edition is merely 5% at best, while the price boost is almost the same percentage or more. However, there are certain areas where it stands out. The new Torx fans focus the airflow much better than the conventional fans and help cool the GPU while overclocking. Rest assured, this best GeForce RTX 3090 can smoothly play GPU intensive 4K titles without a hiccup.
The standard 3090 was released with a 12 pin connector which was quite peculiar. However, MSI decided to go with the standard 8-pin connectors (three of those) to power this GPU. The GPU only requires dual connectors to power itself in the normal mode; still, the third connector provides room for the GPU while overclocking. Furthermore, the GPU only goes as high as 74C in normal mode, leaving plenty of room for overclocking. It is an excellent choice for power users.
Best Overall GeForce RTX 3090
SPECIFICATIONS
Brand: ASUS | Cores: 10496 | Core Frequency: 1725 MHz (OC) | Memory Type: GDDR6X | Memory Clock: 19.5 Gbps | Memory Width: 384 bits | Memory Size: 24 GB | Power Consumption: 350 Watt | Dimensions: 16 x 9.2 x 3.5 Inches | Warranty: 3 Years
✓24 GB VRAM
✓3rd gen Tensor cores
✓GPU Tweak II technology
✗No Crossfire Support
✗No notable gains over founders edition
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TUF is well-known for its exceptional build quality and extreme durability. ASUS TUF Gaming GeForce RTX 3090 OC is a custom-made GPU made by ASUS under its TUF lineup and offers the same attributes TUF is famous for and is the best overall GeForce RTX 3090. The GPU features the standard dual 8-pin connector design that can deliver 300W, while 75W is available through the PCIe slot to power this beast. The GPU’s twin ball bearing architecture and military-grade capacitors provide extended, interruption-free gaming seasons lasting many years. Furthermore, ASUS’s GPU tweak-2 software enables low-level customization of GPU settings and thermal profiles, as well as comprehensive system monitoring.
The GPU is only marginally overclocked, with a 25Hz boost in frequency above the Founders version. However, the high-quality components and overall sturdy build make up for the minor limitations in performance. Simply said, this GPU is designed to last a decade. The improved fan and heatsink design enable more precise thermal control, keeping the GPU cool and silent. Under low temperatures, the quiet fan mode turns off the triple fans for whisper-silent operation. TUF can withstand more abuse than others and is a must-have for quality-conscious consumers.
Best Flagship GeForce RTX 3090
SPECIFICATIONS
Brand: Gigabyte | Cores: 10496 | Core Frequency: 1755 MHz (OC) | Memory Type: GDDR6X | Memory Clock: 19.5 Gbps | Memory Width: 384 bits | Memory Size: 24 GB | Power Consumption: 365 Watt | Dimensions: 12.6 x 5.08 x 2.17 Inches | Warranty: 4 Years
✓Four display ports
✓Protection enhancing metal backplate
✓NVIDIA Ampere Streaming Multiprocessors
✗Higher power consumption
✗No VR ready premium features
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The RTX 3090 founders edition was released using the newest Ampere architecture previously confined to server stations. However, owing to an influx of custom-made 3090s from leading manufacturers, it was not the best GeForce RTX 3090 on the market. Because of its significantly higher OC than competitors and titan class performance, the Gigabyte GeForce RTX 3090 GAMING OC is the best flagship GeForce RTX 3090.
Gigabyte provides two overclocked choices for the 3090: Eagle OC and Gaming OC. The former is the low-end variety, while the latter is the boosted variation, which has a turbocharged clock of about 60Hz over the regular FE version. The GPU cooler has been modified with the WINDFORCE cooling system as predicted to accommodate the increased frequency and provide wiggle space for advanced users.
The Gaming OC is somewhat more extensive than the Founder’s Edition and takes up three slots, so double-check your PC case dimensions before spending a fortune on this beauty. The fans employ graphene-lubricated bearings with double the MTBF of traditional approaches. Gigabyte provides a 4-year warranty duration with registration, compared to 2-years for competitors, and offers superior durability over an extended period.
Best Budget GeForce RTX 3090
SPECIFICATIONS
Brand: Zotac | Cores: 10496 | Core Frequency: 1695 MHz (OC) | Memory Type: GDDR6X | Memory Clock: 19.5 Gbps | Memory Width: 384 bits | Memory Size: 24 GB | Power Consumption: 350 Watt | Dimensions: 17.01 x 11.61 x 3.9 Inches | Warranty: 2 Years
✓SLI-ready & VR ready
✓SPECTRA 2.0 RGB Lighting
✓Active Fan Control with FREEZE Fan Stop
✗No adaptive vertical sync
✗Turns hot at maximum speed
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The previous GeForce 3080 could already handle 4K gaming; however, the newer GeForce 3090 can manage some 8K gaming and present extremely detailed visuals for enthusiasts. ZOTAC GAMING GeForce RTX 3090 Trinity is a fantastic attempt by ZOTAC to cater to the budget end of the flagship market while still offering incredible value to its consumers, and it’s the best budget GeForce RTX 3090.
Zotac used a novel GPU cooler with three fans resting comfortably on the heatsink and running independently at various speeds for the most efficient airflow and the best cooling performance. To spice up the looks, Zotac included LEDs on the sides and rear of the GPU that you can control individually. The processing power is similar to the original RTX 3090 due to identical clock speeds; however, a small overclocking room is present for the overclockers due to better coolers.
The graphic benchmarks are where Zotac showed its true prowess. It’s an overkill for 1080p and 2K gaming and doesn’t pose any significant gains at lower resolutions. However, Zotac’s GPU outperformed the RTX 3080 and the Titan with a noticeable margin and aced at 4K gaming. You can get a decent 70+ FPS on the most resource-intensive AAA titles with its fastest 24GB GDDR6X memory and advanced tensor cores. It is the most economical RTX 3090 for 4K gaming.
Best Performance GeForce RTX 3090
SPECIFICATIONS
Brand: EVGA | Cores: 10496 | Core Frequency: 1800 MHz (OC) | Memory Type: GDDR6X | Memory Clock: 19.5 Gbps | Memory Width: 384 bits | Memory Size: 24 GB | Power Consumption: 350 Watt | Dimensions: 14.94 x 9.33 x 4.29 Inches | Warranty: 3 Years
✓Dual BIOS
✓Micro-thin heat pipes
✓Air-through PCB design
✗No support for daisy chain supply
✗Driver issues on some motherboards
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EVGA FTW3 GeForce RTX 3090 Ultra is the most superior offering from EVGA and the best performance GeForce RTX 3090 among all the other options due to its high overclocking capacity and greater power limit. The improved power limit is achieved by increasing the power stages while overclocking is enhanced cooling. The FTW3 has a customized high-efficiency cooling solution that allows factory boosted frequency of 1800 MHz and custom overclocking to even higher levels.
EVGA has used high-quality components for the GPU and features a metal backplate to prevent bowing or cracking of the PCB due to its weight and mishandling. It is built on the Nvidias Ampere architecture that supports HDMI 2.1, capable of handling up to 8K resolutions on a single wire. It has integrated H.265 codec support and can power up to two displays simultaneously at 8K. The GPU also supports the multi-GPU setup and maybe the last one of the GPUs to support the SLI, it has a pc power up boost.
EVGA’s best GeForce RTX 3090 has a dual BIOS that allows you to switch between regular and OC mode. The standard is better suited for routine work and is more silent as the fans are turned off at lower temperatures. However, the OC mode does not support the fan stop function but does an excellent job controlling thermals while overclocking. The card has three 8-pin connections that supply a maximum power of 450W, so you won’t be limited by power while overclocking. In a nutshell, it is the strongest card for 8K gaming right now.
Best Premium GeForce RTX 3090
SPECIFICATIONS
Brand: ASUS | Cores: 10496 | Core Frequency: 1890 MHz (OC) | Memory Type: GDDR6X | Memory Clock: 19.5 Gbps | Memory Width: 384 bits | Memory Size: 24 GB | Power Consumption: 350 Watt | Dimensions: 12.53 x 5.51 x 2.27 Inches | Warranty: 3 Years
✓Advanced AI algorithms
✓Extreme overclocking headroom
✓Super Alloy Power II power stages
✗No Metal Frontplate
✗No FREEZE Fan Stop
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Even though the Founder’s Edition RTX 3090 is a great GPU, gaming manufacturers chose to improve on it even more. Being one of the finest motherboard and GPU manufacturers, ASUS frequently takes the top place by providing the most premium product. ASUS ROG Strix GeForce RTX 3090 White OC is another example of ASUS’s artistry and the best premium GeForce RTX 3090 of all time.
ASUS has revolutionized the GPU business by blurring the distinction between gaming and professionally competent graphics cards. ASUS GPUcanf high-end professional rendering and encoding tasks and produced the most spectacular UHD visuals at 4K on the most demanding titles, using the most recent Studio drivers. 8K gaming is also on the horizon, thanks to Nvidia’s DLSS, which uses AI deep learning to upscale 4K displays. Games have yet to exploit this capability fully.
The architecture of the RTX 3090 is frequently confused with that of the older RTX 3080, but the RTX 3080 uses a Turing architecture (12mm). In contrast, the RTX 3090 uses the newest ampere architecture, which is fabricated on 8mm. It has twice the capacity, doubled performance per watt ratio, and is the future of Nvidia’s graphic chips. The ASUS’s OC edition provides a massive 200 MHz of clock boost over the regular edition and includes all ASUS optimization tools. It is the most premium GPU for top enthusiasts and pros.
Best Enthusiast GeForce RTX 3090
SPECIFICATIONS
Brand: ASUS | Cores: 10496 | Core Frequency: 1725 MHz (OC) | Memory Type: GDDR6X | Memory Clock: 19.5 Gbps | Memory Width: 384 bits | Memory Size: 24 GB | Power Consumption: 30 Watt | Dimensions: 12.53 x 5.51 x 2.27 Inches | Warranty: 3 Years
✓Tri-slot surface design
✓Stainless Steel Bracket
✓Dual PWM Fan Connect headers
✗No HDCP Support
✗A High-speed HDMI cable is required
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ASUS offered two 3090 versions, one of which was an overclocked version, while the other was the regular ASUS ROG Strix GeForce RTX 3090. Both have a comparable construction, with everything identical except for the frequency increased in the OC edition. In addition, the regular variant also has a boosted OC mode with slight clock increases. The standard version is the Best Enthusiast GeForce RTX 3090, mainly because it permits manual overclocking, which is preferred by pros.
ASUS made the best GeForce RTX 3090 with the highest performance per watt ratio and twice the FP32 (Single Precision floating-point format) output compared to the top during GPUs due to the latest Ampere architecture. The GPU only takes up 350W on average, with a power limit of an incredible 480W. This considerable power limit allows for extreme overclocking and an immense performance boost. Additionally, we need an 850W supply to get the machine ready for extreme gaming in Ultra-HD.
The GPU is an outstanding performer, averaging 100+ frames per second in 4K gaming with ultra-high settings. Due to power restrictions (maxed out at 480W), the GPU peaked at 2040 MHz when overclocking, but the temperature remained far below the limit at 68C. Even in silent mode with fans set at low speeds, the maximum temperature measured was a mere 73C. It has a fantastic overclocking headroom and exceptional thermal performance, earning it a 5-star rating.
Best Value Budget GeForce RTX 3090
SPECIFICATIONS
Brand: PNY | Cores: 10496 | Core Frequency: 1695 MHz (OC) | Memory Type: GDDR6X | Memory Clock: 19.5 Gbps | Memory Width: 384 bits | Memory Size: 24 GB | Power Consumption: 350 Watt | Dimensions: 11.57 x 4.41 x 2.2 Inches | Warranty: 3 Years
✓PCI Express Gen 4
✓Game Ready Drivers
✓Microsoft DirectX 12 Ultimate
✗No speed setup manual
✗Noisy fans under overclocking
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PNY is a prominent producer of memory cards, flash drives, SSDs, and professional graphics cards. It has earned itself in the videogame industry with its RTX XLR8 (pronounced “accelerate”) graphic cards. PNY XLR8 Gaming REVEL EPIC-X RGB GeForce RTX 3090 is their most recent endeavor, and it is the best value budget GeForce RTX 3090 with an innovative design, revamped aesthetics and vivid RGBs.
It features similar specifications and an identical clock speed as the Founder’s edition, so we expect an equivalent level of performance from it as the standard version on stock settings. Although the GPU allows manual overclocking up to some extent (limited by power limit) but being a value-centric GPU, don’t expect miracles. It is still the most efficient card out there, with idle power of just a few watts while delivering flagship performance at just 350W.
Aside from the apparent limitations, the lower power limit of 350W offers certain advantages. The card is cooler and quieter, and a mere 750W power supply can power it. It is still the fastest GPU available, with fantastic gaming performance and impressive FPS on top titles. If you get the PNY 3090, you will not be worried about reducing FPS beyond the playable level within the next 3 to 5 years.
GeForce RTX 3090 is the fastest gaming GPU and the first GPU to enable 8K gaming via integrated DLSS technology. It’s based on the Ampere architecture featuring 2nd gen RT and 3rd Gen Tensor cores capable of twice as much potential as Turing architecture. Although RTX 3090 is distinguished as the fastest gaming GPU, its score in professional applications and tasks is also off the charts. It can outperform even the top Workstation graphic cards in their applications. The GPU allows you to work on intensive graphics rendering, encoding, or 3D modeling tasks during the day and play Borderlands 3 on extreme settings in UHD at night without switching the machines.
As is evident today, there are several 3rd party variations of the 3090, all of which provide comparable or greater performance than the Founder’s edition introduced by NVIDIA itself. Although all of the alternatives provided before are the finest in their respective categories, we have further categorized the following suggestions for your convenience into the best GeForce RTX 3090 and the most value-centric RTX 3090 from all the available options. ASUS ROG Strix GeForce RTX 3090 OC is unquestionably the finest since it is overclocked right out of the box and retains the ROG’s legendary durability and performance. ZOTAC GAMING GeForce RTX 3090 Trinity offers the most valued proposition, which has the most visually appealing design, triple independently controlled fans, and sturdy build quality.
Which is the best RTX 3090?
ASUS ROG Strix GeForce RTX 3090 is the best 3090 among all options due to its highest power limit of 480W provided by ASUS. This limit allows the GPU to be overclocked manually to a maximum of 2040W without jeopardizing the card’s health. ASUS has incorporated a robust cooling strategy into the GPU through a triple cooling fan design, which assists during high overclocking than the Founder’s edition’s single fan.
How good is the RTX 3090?
Good is an understatement for RTX 3090. It is the fastest and the most efficient GPU ever produced for the consumer market. It can outperform top workstation GPUs in most professional tasks and excel at 4K gaming in the most resource-hungry games. EVGA FTW3 GeForce RTX 3090 Ultra is one of the top performers among custom RTX 3090s with slightly overclocked cores out of the box and enhanced cooling fans to accommodate overclocking margin.
Where can I buy a RTX 3090?
The RTX 3090 can be bought online from any major retailer or Nvidia’s official website if you want the Founder’s edition. However, Amazon is the most prominent market supplier, offers the best rates and the best after-sales service that you can access via the provided links in each recommendation. Gigabyte GeForce RTX 3090 GAMING OC is the fastest 3090 with boosted clock and offers the most extended warranty of 4-years among all 3rd party RTX 3090s.
Should I buy an RTX 3090?
If you are a die-hard gamer who demands the greatest FPS and smoothest gaming at 4K, buy it. If you are an enthusiast searching for the best graphics and 8K HDR compatibility to upscale your media or games, this is for you. If you are a professional content producer who also enjoys video games and does not want to spend money on two different devices for each reason, purchase an ASUS TUF Gaming GeForce RTX 3090 OC. It will meet all of your needs.
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