For PC enthusiasts who crave the absolute best, the best RTX 3090 graphics cards are a dream come true. Equipped with state-of-the-art cooling systems, robust power delivery, and customizable RGB lighting, these cards offer not only exceptional performance but also a visually stunning aesthetic. With their massive memory capacity and support for advanced technologies like DLSS and HDMI 2.1, the RTX 3090 graphics cards are the epitome of future-proofing your gaming rig.
Building a high-performance PC Setup for gaming, content creation, and similar intensive tasks? Well, the chance is you are on the hunt for a powerful GPU that can handle any high-intensity workloads you throw at it. In that case, you must have come across, the NVIDIA RTX 3090, one of the most powerful CPUs on the market. It can effortlessly handle anything presented to it.
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BEST RTX 3090 Graphics Cards
However, even though NVIDIA, the maker of the RTX 3090 makes its own version of the GPU, called the ‘Founders Edition’, other manufacturers, make different versions of the GPU, with more features and sometimes added performance, which broadens the choices of the consumers. Therefore, finding a suitable option can be difficult for the average Joe. But, fear not! Today we will be talking about the best versions of the RTX 3090 you can buy, across various use cases and price points.
Check out our article on the best gaming monitors to find the perfect display that complements your RTX 3090 graphics card, providing you with an unparalleled gaming experience
1. Asus ROG Strix OC
Want something that is solid all across the board? The Asus ROG Strix OC is built well, delivers amazing gaming performance with amazing specifications, looks great, and stays cool. Also comes with a 3-year warranty.
Key Features
- With a base clock of 1395 MHz, a boost clock of 1860 MHz, and an overclock of 1905 Mhz, this graphics card will chew through any intensive tasks.
- The chassis is made up of high-quality aluminum, which makes it feel premium.
- Its simple industrial design, with the RGB lighting, makes it look amazing.
- It has an increased surface area, three powerful fans as well as a huge heat sink that ensures that the card stays cool and silent.
- The GPU Tweak II software makes it easy to tweak the graphic card and monitor its performance and heat dissipation, as well as overclocking.
- Comes with a 3-year manufacturer’s warranty.
- Has 3 Display Ports and 2 HDMI ports, which increases compatibility and versatility.
- Draws 400W of power.
Pros
- A premium and attractive design
- Amazing performance out of the box
- One of the highest boost clocks in the industry
- The highest overclocking headroom among the bunch
- Easy to configure and manage
- It runs quiet and cool
- Comes with a warranty
- Comes with good-quality RGB lighting
Cons
- Requires a big and strong motherboard
- Not for those who desire a minimalist design
- Quite expensive
2. EVGA GeForce RTX 3090 FTW3 Ultra
Want something that has more RGB? Then the EVGA FTW3 Ultra is what you are looking for. It is quite powerful with a high clock speed, good heat dissipation, and a smaller size than other cards in this segment. And of course, you get the bright bold RGB lights all over the GPU.
Key features
- With a base clock of 1695MHz base clock, a boost clock of 1800 MHz which can be overclocked to 1830 MHz, this is one of the fastest RTX 3090s in the market.
- It is built well, with high-quality plastic and aluminum.
- The icx3 cooling system consists of an aluminum heatsink, and 3 powerful fans, which keep the GPU cool and silent.
- It is full of high-quality RGB lights which can be easily configured using the Precision X1 software.
- It has display 1 HDMI port and 3 display ports.
- Comes with 3 years of manufacturer’s warranty.
- Draws 400W of power.
Pros
- Great performance out of the box
- A durable design with good-quality RGB LEDs
- High base clock
- Remains cool
- The quietest 3090
- Has the best software for easy configuration
- Comes with a manufacturer’s warranty
- EVGA has a great customer support
- Cheaper than most other options
Cons
- The abundance of plastic makes it look cheap
- The design and RGB are not for everyone
- Lack of quality and consistency among units
3. MSI Gaming GeForce RTX 2090 Suprim X
Want the most powerful GPU money can buy? Well, look no further! The MSI Gaming GeForce RTX 2090 Suprim X is an absolute beast. It is the fastest GPU tested yet, with a premium stylish looking design and quiet operation, this is for the ones who want unparalleled performance.
Key Features
- With a base clock of 1395 MHz, a boost clock of 1860 MHz, and an overclock of up to 1950 MHz, this beast is the most powerful GPU money can buy.
- Built with high-quality aluminum, the Suprim X looks and feels amazing
- It has high-quality RGB LED lights that look subtle yet attractive
- Its big 13.2-inch surface areas and 3 wide fans ensure that the card remains cool and quiet
- The MSI Dragon Center software makes configuring the card seamless
- Comes with a 3-year manufacturer’s warranty
- Comes with 3 Display ports and one HDMI port
- It draws 450W of power
Pros
- The most powerful GPU on the market
- Insane clock speeds with high headroom for overclocking
- Amazing build quality with high-quality RGB LED lights, make it one of the best-looking GPUs
- Remains quiet and cool
- Easy to configure and monitor
- Comes with a manufacturer’s warranty
Cons
- Very expensive
- Draws an insane amount of power
- Requires 3, 8-pin connectors
- Its huge size warrants a bigger case and motherboard
4. PNY GeForce RTX 3090 XLR8 Gaming
Want something that is practical? The PNY RTX 3090 XLR8 is a good choice. It is powerful, low profile yet good-looking, and cheaper than most options in this segment.
Key Features
- A base clock of 1395 Mhz, and a boost clock of 1695 MHz, enable respectable performance
- It is made up of high-quality aluminium which makes it look and feel premium
- It has high-quality bright RGB LEDs in the middle, which look quite unique
- Due to its larger surface area, deep heat sink, and 3 massive fans, the PNY remains quiet and cool
- Comes with the Velocity XLR8 software to tweak and customize the GPU
- Comes with a mounting bracket to help it easily install in a case
- Comes with a 3-year warranty
- Comes with 3 display ports and 2 HDMI port
- Draws 350W of power
Pros
- Performs well and fulfills the needs of any high-end user
- Great build quality as well as visually appealing
- Respectable Clock speeds
- Large overclocking headroom
- One of the quietest variants of the 3090
- Includes mounting bracket
- Comes with a manufacturer’s warranty
- Draws less power than its competitors
- One of the cheapest in this segment
Cons
- Least powerful out of the bunch
- It’s quite bulky, therefore you need a large case and GPU bracket to mount it properly
- Has heating issues when overclocked
- The software is clunky and un-intuitive
5. Gigabyte GeForce RTX 3090 Gaming OC 24G
Do you want amazing performance without breaking the bank? Then take a look at the Gigabyte GeForce RTX 3090 Gaming OC 24G. This behemoth is one of the fastest GPUs you can buy, looks understated, and maintains decent temperatures while being cheaper than most of its competitors.
Key Features
- With a base clock of 1755 Mhz, a Boost clock of 1860 MHz, and an overclock of 1905 MHz this GPU is one of the most powerful in the market
- The card is made up of high-quality aluminium, with only one RGB LED strip, which makes it look understated yet great
- This card has 3 huge fans, and a vapor chamber for cooling which helps the card run at low temperatures, while also remaining quiet
- The Fusion 2.0 software makes it easy to configure the GPU and the RGB
- Comes with a 4-year warranty
- Draws 420W of power
- Comes with 2 display ports and 2 HDMI ports
Pros
- One of the most powerful GPUs in the market
- Great out-of-the-box performance
- One of the highest GPU clock speeds
- A very huge overclocking headroom
- Bright and high-quality RGB LED lights
- Easy to configure and customize
- Has great build quality
- Maintains low temperatures
- Remains quite
- Has the longest manufacturer’s warranty
Cons
- The card is one of the bulkiest, which requires strong brackets to handle its weight
- A large case is required to house this
- Lacks in terms of RGB lights
- Moderately priced
6. ZOTAC Gaming GeForce RTX 3090 Trinity OC
The ZOTAC Gaming GeForce RTX 3090 Trinity OC is one of the best choices if you want an all-around performer. It is powerful, looks amazing, and has great build quality while boasting a great cooling system and being relatively cheap.
Key Features
- A base clock of 1395 Mhz, and a boost clock of 1695 MHz, enable solid performance
- The Trinity boasts a metal chassis and back plate, with great RGB illumination, which makes the GPU look amazing
- It is cooled by the Ice Storm 2.0 cooling system, which consists of 3 powerful fans and a pass-through back plate. It is quite efficient as well as effective
- The Firestorm software helps to configure and customize this GPU to your liking, as well as enables overclocking
- Comes with 3 display ports and 1 HDMI port
- Comes with a 3-year manufacturer’s warranty
- Draws 350W of power
Pros
- Gives high-end performance to its users
- Great build quality
- Great RGB lighting
- Respectable Clock speeds
- Large overclocking headroom
- Efficient cooling system
- Comes with a manufacturer’s warranty
- Affordable than other GPUs with similar features
- Provides good software for customization
- Draws less power than the competition
Cons
- Fans get noisy under load
- Doesn’t have the best performance
- A huge size requires a big case and an expensive motherboard
7. ASUS TUF Gaming NVIDIA GeForce RTX 3090 OC Edition
Do you want a GPU that is pure performance for the money? Meet, the ASUS NVIDIA GeForce RTX 3090 OC Edition. It looks understated yet classy, is built well, has amazing cooling performance, and gives out a great performance while being quiet and being one of the cheapest 3090s. The best value-for-money option.
Key Features
- A base clock of 1395 Mhz, and a boost clock of 1770 MHz, which can be overclocked to 1900MHz give out an amazing performance
- The TUF comes with a high-quality aluminum metal chassis and back plate, with a simple design without any RGB. Ideal for those who want something minimal
- It has an increased surface area, three powerful bearing fans as well as a huge heat sink. This makes the TUF capable of the lowest temperatures in this segment
- The GPU Tweak II software helps to configure and customize this GPU to your liking, as well as enables overclocking
- Comes with 3 display ports and 2 HDMI port
- Comes with a 3-year manufacturer’s warranty
- Draws 350W of power
Pros
- It is a very powerful
- Great build quality
- Amazing clock speeds
- Large overclocking headroom
- Amazingly efficient cooling system
- Comes with a manufacturer’s warranty
- More affordable than other GPUs with similar features
- Provides good software for customization
- Draws less power than the competition
- Relatively small size
Cons
- Not the most attractive in terms of looks
- The lack of RGB might turn away some buyers
For gamers looking to build a well-rounded gaming rig, it’s crucial to pair a high-performance graphics card like the RTX 3090 with a compatible CPU and reliable RAM. To optimize the performance of your CPU, such as the Ryzen 5 1600, be sure to check out our comprehensive article on the best RAM for Ryzen 5 1600.
Buyer’s Guide
To discover the ideal graphics cards that deliver optimal performance for 1080p gaming at high refresh rates, head over to our comprehensive article on the best graphics cards for 1080p 144Hz. This guide will help you choose a graphics card that strikes the perfect balance between performance and value for your specific gaming needs.
While looking for high-performance GPUs look for the following:
- Clock Speed
The clock speed of a GPU is a good metric of how fast or powerful the GPU is. It is measured in Megahertz (MHz). Generally, the higher the clock, the faster the GPU. GPU clocks are of two types: Base clock (GPUs default speed) and boost clock (GPU maximum speed). The boost clock is always higher than the base clock as that is when the GPU is running at maximum power.
- Overclocking
Overclocking as the name suggests, means increasing the clock speeds of a GPU, for better speed and performance. In the case of a powerful GPU such as the RTX 3090, you want to squeeze every bit of power out of your GPU, and overclocking helps the GPU run at its highest potential. Therefore, a GPU with good overclocking capabilities is recommended.
However, overclocking also uses a lot of power as well as heats up the GPU. So be careful and ensure that your PC has enough cooling to handle the heat generated and that your power supply can deliver enough power
- Cooling System
Make sure that the GPU you are buying has a good cooling system, as high-end GPUs generate a large amount of heat and without cooling, they will overheat and affect performance as well as damage other parts
- Power Consumption
Generally, the more powerful a GPU is, the more power it will consume. Since the 3090s are very powerful cards, they will draw lots of power. So, make sure that the power supply in your system can deliver enough power for ideal performance
- Design and Build Quality
While looks are subjective, you should ensure that the GPU you choose has good build quality as well as practical design, so that it lasts long and doesn’t create a hassle while using.
- Software
Most GPUs come with software to customize RGB or enable overclocking, which enhances the user experience. Therefore, make sure that the GPU you choose has good software
- Warranty
Make sure that the brand you are buying the GPU from provides a warranty so that if the GPU develops a problem, it can be resolved for free.
FAQ’s
Q1: What is an RTX 3090 graphics card?
A1: The RTX 3090 is a high-end graphics card manufactured by NVIDIA. It belongs to the GeForce RTX 30 series and is designed for enthusiasts and professionals who demand top-tier performance in gaming and content creation.
Q2: What makes the RTX 3090 graphics cards special?
A2: The RTX 3090 graphics cards stand out due to their exceptional performance capabilities. They offer a significant amount of memory, a high number of CUDA cores, and advanced ray tracing and AI features. These cards are ideal for 4K gaming, demanding professional applications, and immersive virtual reality experiences.
Q3: What are the key features of the RTX 3090 graphics cards?
A3: The RTX 3090 graphics cards come with features like real-time ray tracing, DLSS (Deep Learning Super Sampling), NVIDIA Reflex, and advanced cooling solutions. They also support technologies like HDMI 2.1 and PCIe 4.0, ensuring compatibility with the latest gaming displays and motherboards.
Q4: What power supply do I need for an RTX 3090 graphics card?
A4: The RTX 3090 requires a robust power supply due to its high power consumption. It is recommended to have a power supply with a capacity of at least 750 watts or higher, ensuring stable and reliable power delivery to the graphics card.
Q5: Can I use an RTX 3090 graphics card with my existing PC setup?
A5: To use an RTX 3090 graphics card, you will need to check the compatibility with your motherboard and ensure that your system has enough physical space to accommodate the card, as it is larger than standard graphics cards. Additionally, verify that your power supply can provide sufficient wattage to support the card’s power requirements.
Q6: Are RTX 3090 graphics cards worth the price?
A6: The RTX 3090 graphics cards are among the most powerful consumer-grade GPUs available, offering unrivaled performance. However, they come at a premium price. Whether they are worth it depends on your specific needs and budget. If you require top-tier performance for gaming or professional workloads and are willing to invest in high-end hardware, the RTX 3090 can provide an exceptional experience.
Q7: Which is the best RTX 3090 graphics card?
A7: The “best” RTX 3090 graphics card can vary based on factors like cooling solutions, factory overclocking, and additional features. Popular models include those from ASUS, MSI, Gigabyte, EVGA, and Zotac. It is recommended to read reviews, compare specifications, and consider your specific requirements before choosing the ideal RTX 3090 graphics card for your needs.
Q8: Can a GPU fit on all PCs?
A: No. Each GPU has a different, size, port, or slot, that might not be available on all PCs. Therefore, GPUs can only fit in PCs that support them
Q9: How do I check what programs and applications my GPU can run?
A: GPUs supported by other applications can be found on the application page, where you can check if your GPU can properly run it
Q10: How do I check which GPU I have on my PC?
A: For that, press the ‘Windows + R Key’, which will open the ‘Run’ dialogue box. On this type ‘dxdiag’, which, will display the CPU you are using
Q11: How do I install GPU drivers and related software?
A: Sometimes, these are automatically downloaded on your PC. If they aren’t, then you can go to the website of the company/product, where the software is provided for installation
Q12: Is RGB important in a GPU?
A: Not at all. RGB lights are purely cosmetic and have no effect on the GPU
Q13: How do I overclock a GPU?
A: GPU software oftentimes has an in-built function to overclock it. However, you can also overclock it by opening the BIOS on your PC
Q14: Do all GPUs have a warranty?
A: Not all brands provide a warranty on their GPUs. Therefore, make sure that the GPU has a warranty, by checking it on the product page
Wrapping Up
That’s it for now dear reader!! Hopefully, this article provided you with good options to choose from, as well as explained which things to keep in mind while looking for a GPU. I hope your hunt for the ideal GPU has finally ended and now you can enjoy the cutting edge of graphical technology while working on your powerful workstation.
Kiran Kotte is a 25 years old Youtuber. He is a tech geek and also codes sometimes. He writes on various topics like Technology, Blogging, Web designing, and SEO. He runs various other blogs under various niches.