Nvidia's latest powerhouse, the GeForce RTX 5090 Founders Edition, is set to arrive later this month. We've got our hands on one and are excited to share a first look at its design, comparing it to its predecessor, the RTX 4090.

Packaging Redesign

The first thing that catches our attention is the revamped packaging. Gone is the familiar boxy design of the RTX 40-series; instead, the RTX 5090 comes nestled in a sleek, bone-shaped gray cardboard shell, housed within a larger brown cardboard box. The outer box proudly sports Nvidia's motto: "Inspired by gamers. Enhanced by AI. Built by Nvidia."

Power Adapter and Connectivity

Inside the box, we find a new power adapter cable featuring an updated 12VHPWR connector. To power the RTX 5090, you'll need either four regular PCIe eight-pin power connectors or a new 12V-2x6 cable. Thankfully, existing 12VHPWR cables will work seamlessly with the RTX 5090.

Slimmer, Smarter Design

The RTX 5090 itself boasts a slimmer profile, shrinking from a three-slot to a two-slot card while maintaining the same width and length as the RTX 4090. This feat of engineering is made possible by Nvidia's revamped cooling system, featuring double flow-through fans that draw in cool air from below and exhaust it above the card.

Cooling and Airflow

The RTX 5090's PCB is now centrally located, surrounded by substantial heat pipes that leverage the dual flow-through fans for optimal cooling. This design allows for a small form factor certification, making the RTX 5090 suitable for a variety of compact cases. Nvidia has also thoughtfully repositioned the power connector to the side, facilitating easier installation in cases with tight side panel clearance.

Display Outputs and LEDs

At the rear of the card, you'll find three DisplayPort 2.1b ports and a single HDMI 2.1b port. Note that Nvidia has flipped the ports upside down, so be prepared to adjust your cable management accordingly. The RTX 5090 also features white LEDs along the top and side, adding a touch of elegance to its design. The metal housing boasts a refined, darker gray hue, striking a balance between the lightness of the RTX 40-series and the darkness of the RTX 40-series Super variants. Stay tuned for our upcoming review, where we'll dive into the RTX 5090's performance, benchmarks, and more. 

Where to Buy: Partner Manufacturers

The Nvidia GeForce RTX 5090 will be available from various partner manufacturers, including:

• ASUS: ROG Strix, TUF Gaming, and Dual series
• MSI: Gaming X, Ventus, and Suprim series
• ZOTAC: AMP, Trinity, and Gaming series
• Gigabyte: AORUS, Gaming OC, and WindForce series
• PNY: XLR8 Gaming and GeForce series

These manufacturers will offer custom-designed versions of the RTX 5090, with varying cooling solutions, clock speeds, and price points.