When it comes to graphics card, NVIDIA’s latest flagship, the RTX 4090 is unbeatable. The 4090 can deliver incredible results when playing in 4K like nothing we have ever seen before. The GPU is the main component to any good gaming rig and by far the most expensive part, so it is important to get the best RTX 4090 graphics card for your hard earned money. Do you want the 4090 with the most value? Maybe specific features? Or maybe you only want the fastest model.
While perofrmance between the 4090 models is negligible, we will showcase the very best 4090 GPUs available for a variety of wants and needs. Of course if you are still on the fence about building your own PC, you can always check out the best RTX 4090 prebuilt gaming PCs instead. If not, read on.
Best 4090 graphics card: First look
Should you buy an RTX 4090 graphics card?
To put it simply, if you are looking for the best graphics card for gaming, the RTX 4090 is what you need. This model is extremely powerful and is designed for high-performance, no matter the task. Gaming, rendering, machine learning, the RTX 4090 can do it all.
The new flagship comes with NVIDIA’s latest DLSS 3 software, which uses AI to boost frame rates. Even without this tech you can hit incredible numbers, no matter the resolution, however DLSS 3 is one massive perk. When shopping for any GPU, you first need to be aware of what you actually need. If you are looking to play in 4K or just want the very best, the RTX 4090 is all you are going to need for quite some time.
If you decide the amazing RTX 4090 is for you, make sure you get the best PSU for the 4090 here as it is quite thirsty for power.
Best overall RTX 4090 graphics card: ASUS ROG Strix OC
ASUS ROG Strix RTX 4090 OC
Core Clock Speed
2,640 MHz boost
CUDA Cores
16,384
Memory Size
24GB GDDR6X
Dimensions
357.6 x 149.3 x 70.1mm
PSU Required
1000W
TDP
450W
- Efficient cooling
- High-performance
- Aesthetically excellent
- Costs more money than other models
For the best performance, the ASUS ROG Strix OC RTX 4090 really is the best choice. The rectangular neopunk style design isn’t too shabby either.
The upgraded cooling in this GPU features a new vapor chamber and milled heat spreader, which was designed to improve heat transfer and quicker dissipation.
Best liquid-cooled RTX 4090: MSI Liquid Suprim Liquid X
MSI Suprim Liquid X RTX 4090
Core Clock Speed
TBD
CUDA Cores
16,384
Memory Size
24GB GDDR6X
Dimensions
Card: 280 x 140 x 43 mm, Rad: 274 x 121 x 55 mm
PSU Required
850W
TDP
450W
- Best cooling system
- Smaller card size
- Need space for the radiator
The MSI Suprim X line doesn’t need any introduction, they are always top-of-the-line models. This card has a rapid clock speed compared to some of the competition and has the potential to last longer thanks to its advanced cooling solution.
Be warned though, you’ll need some extra space in your case to fit this inside!
Best value RTX 4090 GPU: Zotac Trinity
Zotac GeForce RTX 4090 Trinity
Core Clock Speed
Boost: 2,520 MHz
CUDA Cores
16,384
Memory Size
24GB GDDR6X
Dimensions
356.1 x 165.4 x 71.4 mm
PSU Required
1000W
TDP
450W
- Best budget option
- Optimized airflow
- Reasonable quality but not considered the best
When spending as much as this on a GPU, it is understandable to look for the odd savings where possible. The Zotac Trinity 4090 model offers that saving, being one of the few models to be close to the MSRP.
Performance is still excellent, in fact the differences will be barely noticeable to the majority.
Best 4090 for vertical mounting: Gigabyte AORUS Master
Gigabyte AORUS RTX 4090 Master
Core Clock Speed
1710 MHz
CUDA Cores
16,384
Memory Size
24GB GDDR6X
TDP
450W
- Most aesthetically pleasing model, ideal for vertical mounting
Gigabytes AORUS Master RTX 4090 is one of the more sought-after cards for those that want the best performance and nicest looking PC build. Outside of watercooling blocks, nothing can beat the Master in terms of looks.
Performance-wise, you get a rapid 1710MHz clock speed and exceptional results.
RTX 4090 Founders Edition graphics card
NVIDIA GeForce RTX 4090 Founders Edition
Core Clock Speed
2520 MHz
CUDA Cores
16,384
Memory Size
24GB GDDR6X
TDP
450W
- A piece of GPU history
- Overpriced
We had to throw in the original RTX 4090 FE model, its a beauty. For anyone wanting what we consider a piece of art in their new gaming PC, the Founders Edition is the way to go. This card is overpriced in comparison to the others, so we cant recommend it any higher but it is an exquisite piece of engineering.
RTX 4090 card vs RTX 3090
The RTX 4090 card is about 60% faster than the RTX 3090 Ti, with an average of 50% higher frame rates in-game, although this number varies heavily depending on the title. the power, the size, the specs, everything is bigger and better in the 4090. This stems from the latest architecture from NVIDIA, also known as Ada/Lovelace and the shift from Samsung’s 8nm process back to TSMC’s 5nm process.
The best RTX 4090 card is a significant leap over the RTX 3090, no matter if its an esport title or a drain on your resources. this means that gamers can now play any game, in any setting, in the highest resolution while playing with Ray Tracing on.
Which 4090 model is fastest?
The fastest RTX 4090 graphics card is the MSI Suprim Liquid X is, running at 2625MHz, which also comes with a 240mm AIO. Just behind is the ASUS ROG Strix OC, running at 2610MHz. Both f these are high-quality options but you can expect to pay more for the feaster cards out there, so be aware of that before deciding which to go for.
Is an RTX 4090 overkill?
Many deem the RTX 4090 as overkill but that is because the needs of the many is not blistering 4K performance or insane amounts of deep learning. For those that want the best graphics and performance, the RTX 4090 is not overkill by any stretch, its glorious.
A more cost effective option could be AMD’s RX 7900XTX but it will not out perform the 4090.
Is the RTX 4090 graphics card overpriced?
Slightly yes. the MSRP was set for $1599, however, we have never seen it this low. The pricing went over $2000 at launch, however, has dropped significantly since, making now an ideal time to buy an RTX 4090 card. the 4090’s price is not for the faint-hearted as the entire card costs more than your average gaming PC
How big is the RTX 4090 GPU?
The RTX 4090 Founders Edition is a 3-slot GPU(61mm) and features a length of 304mm, and width of 137mm. Some of the aftermarket models which you can see above tend to be even bigger, by quite a distance. This can create potential clearance issues, so always check the GPU models spec you want with your cases max GPU clearance before buying. We advise you to get the RTX 4090 card you like and grab a new PC case instead of compromising.
Final word
The selections above are considered to be the very best RTX 4090 graphics cards money can buy. They promise high-performance for years to come, insane graphical fidelity, and truly brilliant features. If you can afford one of these GPUs for gaming, you are going to have one hell of a time, just make sure you pair these with a 4K gaming monitor.
