The long-awaited NVIDIA GeForce RTX 40 series GPUs were announced yesterday night at the GTC September 2022 keynote and oh boy, here’s another round of applause to the revolutionary AI tech that broke the linear scaling of “Increase X amount of hardware to get Y amount of performance gain”.
Following the official announcement let’s see what other NVIDIA partners are launching as well. Due to the launch only covering the GeForce RTX 4090 and RTX 4080, head over to that post for a quick hardware specs refresh while we talk mostly features in this post.
Oh, we’ll fill this post up regularly when other brands slowly showcase their offerings respectively.
MSI – SUPRIM, SUPRIM LIQUID, GAMING TRIO, VENTUS
MSI will be covering 4 different types of series at launch which are the premium class SUPRIM and SUPRIM LIQUID, hardcore gaming and RGB-focused GAMING TRIO, and the performance-focused VENTUS.
The SUPRIM cards are equipped with the FROZR 3S air cooling solution that consists of TORX FAN 5.0, up to 10 core pipes, and airflow control fins running the new wave-curved 3.0 edges and air antegrade fins for the best heat removing cycle. For the RTX 4090 and RTX 4080 16GB, they are given a vapor chamber while the RTX 4080 12GB boasts a massive nickel-plated copper baseplate. But looks-wise, they are succeeding the armored aesthetic coupled with the RGB Mystic Light system for customizable dynamic lighting options. Size-wise, your casing will easily eat up 3.75 slots for the RTX 4090 while the RTX 4080 takes either 3.75 or 3.5 slots at best. Additionally, the Dual BIOS setting let you hit up different hardware-based tuning with ease.
In the hybrid family, the SUPRIM LIQUID series combines the best of both worlds by shifting 2 cooling fans over to the radiator while one remains on the card itself. The advantage of this is that you won’t need a full tower case as it is slim and easy to fit in the most compact form factor chassis. As of now, only the RTX 4090 gets this treatment.
The popular GAMING TRIO lineup got a slight revamp in their design as well in conjunction with the big Ada Lovelace reveal. First, of course, the use of TORX Fan 5.0 with pairs of fan blades bound together with an outer link, forming a rim that focuses airflow into the updated TRI FROZR 3 cooling system. All models in this series feature nickel-plated copper baseplate and brushed-metal backplate for additional structural integrity. They also have support for Dual BIOS and RGB Mystic Light just like before. The slots taken by them are the same for RTX 4090 at 3.75 slots and 3.25/3 slots for the RTX 4080 16GB/12GB.
Taking away all flashy aesthetics just for the performance along is the VENTUS family fitted with 3x TORX 4.0 fans that powers a robust cooling system. They come in an even slimmer form which only takes 3 and 2.5 slots for the RTX 4080 variants.
GIGABYTE AORUS – XTREME WATERFORCE, MASTER, GAMING OC, WINDFORCE
For GIGABYTE’s eagle head AORUS department, what they have announced are apparently only the RTX 4090 for now because they are prepping for the October launch while the RTX 4080 is slated for November so we’ll only talk about the prestigious MASTER model for now.
The GeForce RTX 4090 MASTER is using the new WINDFORCE Bionic Shark Fan cooling design that enforces an additional 30% static pressure while reducing noise levels by up to 3dB at once while the massive heatsink module with angular fins provides a more direct contact area. Pairing this with the vapor chamber in addition to multiple heat pipes and an enlarged screen cooling fan, enjoy the best of both worlds with ease in this new powerful architectural masterpiece.
The signature triple-ring RGB lights and RGB Halo make a return for the MASTER and GAMING OC models too with addressable lighting effects situated on the rotating fans to spice up any rig they are going into with the LCD Edge View (AORUS exclusive) offering yet another level of customization by inserting any custom text, images, GIFS, or system stats.
ASUS – ROG Strix, TUF Gaming
ASUS’s long-running ROG Strix and TUF Gaming family welcomes the addition of the GeForce RTX 40 series starting this year and everyone on the launch list is included – RTX 4090, RTX 4080 16GB, and RTX 4080 12GB. The design is what caught the eye at first, apparently.
The ROG Strix models showcased a new design that focuses on delivering aesthetics on the rear end of the GPU unit surrounded by RGB LEDs encased within a see-through cavity. Known for cranking the power graph as much as they can, the RTX 4090, for example, is getting a 500W TDP rating which is 50W more than the default resulting in better gaming performance. However, they are able to achieve 5°C lower temperature through aggressive cooling handled by the 4x8mm + 3x6mm heat pipes working in tandem with the specially-patented vapor chamber design.
The tough like no tomorrow TUF Gaming sports a rather minimalistic look though as the only RGB element is situated at the side shining the logo and strip. But in terms of sheer size, they are actually thicker than the ROG Strix card at 3.65 slots and that’s really big. The die-cast unibody shroud hooked to an aluminum backplate provides a durable structure and protects the PCB from sagging from the get-go. The massive vent on the edge provides up to 20% more airflow when compared to the previous RTX 3090 Ti cards.
Palit – GameRock, GamingPro
For Palit’s case, they will be releasing their GeForce RTX 4090 and RTX 4080 cards for the GameRock and GamingPro lineup.
Dubbed the Midnight Kaleidoscope, the crystalline design returns to GameRock with a different take by adding in a touch of Starlight Black for enhanced RGB light disperse across the GPU unit. The all-new Gale Hunter Fan Blades and Winglet Fantail combined with composite heat pipes and vapor chamber makes it a great GPU for looks and performance. Palit also listed specific SKUs for this series too which are GameRock OC, GameRock, and GameRock OmniBlack and all 3 are available for both RTX 4090 and RTX 4080 16GB.
The 2nd card in the photo is the GamingPro (and specific GameRock SKUs for that matter) model dedicated to the RTX 4080 12GB versions. Although not as flashy as its crystal counterpart, at least there are still some hints of RGB lighting here and there served in a nice and simple design. Users will be able to pick from one of the available models including GameRock OC Classic, GameRock OC, GameRock Classic, GameRock, GamingPro OC, and GamingPro.
COLORFUL – Vulcan, Neptune, NB EX
On to COLORFUL, the iGame GeForce RTX 40 series will debuting the Vulcan, Neptune, and BattleAx trio at the beginning while adding more members into the ADVANCED and ULTRA lineups so we’ll be sharing the former three for now and all of them will have options of RTX 4090, RTX 4080 16GB, and RTX 4080 12GB so definitely appreciated.
Featuring the new Hurricane Scythe Fan, the improved fan design chills off what could be the thickest card out of all within the three series. On the side, two low-key RGB strips faintly provide some backlighting while the iGame LCD Screen does most of the customization jobs here with moving pictures and whatnot. Although it is given a hollow back panel for better airflow, the overall integrity is strengthened with additional support frames. Additionally, enjoy 1-click-OC in the form of a physical button on the back of the GPU.
On the other hand, the Neptune series shifts all the fans towards the 360mm radiator hosting three 120mm PWM fans that shines as white as the card itself yet both operational units come with RGB of their own. Only occupying 2 slots, those who are looking for liquid-cooled GPUs sucking heat off the GPU die and VRAM should not miss out on this, especially in full white builds.
Lastly, the “no looks full performance” NB EX model is here to save the day that makes sure buyers are getting their penny paid transformed into precious in-game FPS and not useless lights. The three 98mm fans do their job well though, assuming.
ZOTAC – AMP Extreme AIRO, Trinity OC, Trinity
ZOTAC also joined the fray by revealing the regulars Trinity and AMP series but with a little twist for the GeForce RTX 40 cards and look no further than their “slipper-like” aesthetic. The unusual oblong shape design really cut away the corners, literally.
First, ZOTAC will be pushing the flagship ceiling to another new level via the AMP Extreme AIRO rocking the exclusive counter-rotating fan design to blast away heat efficiently. The use of premium materials also means that it has extremely stable power delivery and durability combined with a slick new all-around RGB lighting that really signs off the feeling of “The King” in GPU tiering.
The Trinity and Trinity OC does what they do ever since their debut and the same can be said of these new generation cards too. Large heatsinks, great fan layout, and spinning orientation, RGB elements – anything that you expect from the older iterations are now better yet familiar.
All 3 series will produce members of the RTX 4090, RTX 4080 16GB, and RTX 4080 12GB for a wide selection.
PNY – XLR8
The lone guy among all the hot brands, PNY will be adopting a single design and use it across the RTX 4090, RTX 4080 16GB, and RTX 4080 12GB under a single XLR8 series. Propped with a 4-way RGB strip spreading out from the middle fan, a total of 9 heat pipes are given to the strongest 2 models while the RTX 4080 12GB gets 7. However, all 3 are equipped with triple 100mm twin ball bearing fans and an aluminum backplate.
Gainward – Phantom, Phantom Reunion, Phoenix
Gainward’s announcement sees the RTX 4090 getting an exclusive treatment in the sense of only debuting within the Phantom series while the RTX 4080 will be appearing in flavors of Phantom, Phantom Reunion, and Phoenix.
Those who like full black cards will definitely enjoy the Phantom series’s design because it is designed to be stealthy as possible but the designers are a bit of a teaser because there are a couple of lighting strips on the cooler to emit some lights while the side logo emits a tint of ARGB. The new Cyclone Fan takes advantage of the higher thermal output while the Wing Tip converges air current to maximize airflow. Adding together Diffuser Fins, Hyper Conductive Heat Pipes, and Ultra-Dense Protection Plate, experience great power with a touch of nightshade.
The Phantom Reunion, on the other hand, sports the original Phantom cooler design and is available for the RTX 4080s instead.
The bright and burning Phoenix models crank up the ARGB game to the maximum by fully lighting up the front plate and you can make some great patterns alongside other ARGB components thanks to Auto Sync technology. The cooling tech and components are more or less the same as the Phantom series though.
INNO3D – iCHILL Frostbite, iCHILL Black, iCHILL X3, X3 OC, X3
INNO3D is releasing a full suite of air-cooled and liquid-cooled GeForce RTX 40 series cards which are mostly iChill cards.
The king model of the launch is the iCHILL Frostbite packing the best design for a full liquid-cooled system. The innate design reduces the thickness of the thermal pad without sacrificing cooling efficiency from a hardware perspective and it is further augmented by software-controlled water flow guided through nickel-plated copper parts with increased acid resistance. The patented sealing screws are flush with the surface of the terminal while the cover is embedded in the acrylic block.
For the hybrid cooling featuring an AIO design, the iCHILL Black is the choice here with revised looks, radiator design, and improved pump efficiency.
Back to the standard air-cooling cards, the iCHILL X3 is kinda your usual “gamer-class” model that features a unique logo combining a hexo-triangular pattern shone by a nice row of LEDs. Props to INNO3D, the card is compatible with Aura Sync, Mystic Light, Polychrome, and RGB Fusion so you don’t need to have full in-house parts just for the RGB sync game. 98mm scythe blades spin to maximize airflow with a large vapor chamber branching out to 9 heat pipes directing heat off the die and VRAM.
For the ones that prioritize card slot sizes, the X3 OC (and non-OC) applies the design used by the GeForce RTX 3090 Ti XC/OC because it is just that subtle yet significant because it can perform as good as other models but consumes less space in general.
