Best RTX 3090 Ti graphics card in 2022
Which big boy is right for you?
With the release of the new Nvidia flagship, we take a look at which card takes the spot for the best RTX 3090 Ti. Taking point as the flagship it has the potential to take the spot for the best graphics card. With its top range Ampere specs as well as behemoth cooling to keep it under wraps.
Also seen as a test for the upcoming RTX 40 series, as it features pin compatibility for that range. As well as utilizing the new 12VHPWR connector that all next-generation GPUs are expected to be using.
So although it may be at the top end of the selection it is unlikely to be aimed at the average user. With the limit pushes and surprising result of comparing the 3090 vs 3090 Ti there is only a few that may be interested. Especially with the extreme launch price set at $1,999/£1,879.
Our Top Picks
Best RTX 3090 Ti
In-depth Review
Asus GeForce RTX 3090 Ti ROG Strix LC OC
Asus GeForce RTX 3090 Ti ROG Strix LC OC
If you’re looking for the top of line performance, then the best RTX 3090 Ti is the Asus GeForce RTX 3090 Ti ROG Strix LC OC. ROG brings uncompromised performance to the table as usual. It makes sure that the card performs under all situations with its cooling solution and factory overclock.
To keep the 450W graphics processor under wraps and working well. As this is a lot of energy to dissipate away with insufficient cooling it may thermal throttle and lower the performance of the card. So while other brands opt for larger air cooling solutions this Strix card goes for integrated water cooling. This gives much more efficient cooling with much more capacity. While also moves the bulk of the cooling away from the card to prevent sagging and allows for better space management with the GPU taking up fewer slots.
Along with great cooling, it offers the top range of performance for the 3090 Ti. As it has the best out of the factory overclock. One of the only varying factors between custom board manufacturers is the clock rate and cooling solutions. So combining both good cooling and overclock it can easily outperform the competition. As the cooling will keep it from throttling and the overclock give it the extra boost in FPS.
MSI NVIDIA GeForce RTX 3090 Ti SUPRIM X
MSI NVIDIA GeForce RTX 3090 Ti SUPRIM X
For an air-cooled top-of-the-range card, we take a look at the MSI NVIDIA GeForce RTX 3090 Ti SUPRIM X. It brings both great performances with the cooling solution provided. Although compared to water-cooled it does require a large heatsink which brings the thickness up to three and a half slots.
Even though it may not have the same efficient cooling it can still get the job done. Even though it may take up a lot more slots than a water-cooled option it can still keep the card cool. Although if you want to have any other add-in PCIe cards you may struggle to compete for space. The Tri Frozr 2S solution is what is required and along with three Torx fans, it can efficiently cool the GPU to ensure no drop in performance.
With the large scale, it also offers great performance, as along with the Strix it is factory clocked the highest. With a boost clock of 1,950MHz, it leads ahead with others as a high clock card. This gives it the edge in performance over the lower clocked choices.
Additionally, the design of the card is very stylish and different. With grey metal and dashes of RGB, it offers something else unique. While also giving personalization and support. As to keep up the stiffness and prevent the card from bending, the IO bracket has been extended to three slots. Which could help prevent the card from bending in the long term.
EVGA RTX 3090 Ti FTW3 Black
EVGA RTX 3090 Ti FTW3 Black
For a cheaper option without the flashiness and extras, there is the EVGA RTX 3090 Ti FTW3 Black. With all the performance of the 3090 Ti and the already high cost, it might be enough to just get the entry option. EVGA offers a simple design and performance for the same price.
The FTW3 aims for simplicity, with a cheap and wavey design that doesn’t try anything flashy. With another three a half slot card it also has plenty of cooling capacity. With the three fans on the front bringing through plenty of air in to keep the temperatures down.
Although not overclocked out of the box it means that the performance compared to the other offerings is going to be lower. But with the several heat pipes and large heatsink, it does allow for good cooling, which may mean you can utilize it for some overclocking. As currently, the boost clock reaches the stock of 1,860MHz.
Gigabyte Aorus RTX 3090 Ti XTREME Waterforce
Gigabyte Aorus RTX 3090 Ti XTREME Waterforce
For even higher water cooling capacity you can get the Gigabyte Aorus RTX 3090 Ti XTREME Waterforce. With a larger water capacity, there is a lot to be gained in performance with this card. Even though it’s not the fastest out of the box it has plenty more potential.
Initially, it only reaches a boost clock of 1,935MHz which is 15 less than the top-end cards can achieve. However, with such a large cooling solution that is likely to be pushed further. As well as minimizing the size of the graphics card by moving away all the cooling from the card itself and leaving the cold plate to move the heat away.
However, the radiator installed into the card is a large 360mm one. This means it requires a lot more space to install and although you can fit more PCIe cards, the radiator may be harder to fit. Especially if you’re also planning on using an AIO on your CPU, fitting both into one case may prove a challenge. Or even channeling the cable through the right spaces can prove hard to achieve so may not be ideal for you.
Zotac RTX 3090 Ti AMP Extreme Holo
Zotac RTX 3090 Ti AMP Extreme Holo
Zotac RTX 3090 Ti AMP Extreme Holo offers a good entryway into the 3090 Ti space. An offering of sleek build and minimal design keeps costs down but performance up alongside it.
The Zotac option improves upon the reference boost by 2%, increasing it to 1,890MHz. The IceStorm 2 cooling design is utilized to keep the thermal capacity under wraps. It makes sure the performance is kept up even on the more budget-friendly option.
Although the card offers some color to it, the RGB patch on the side brings a highlight to the GPU. Although you have to be cautious with it, as it only has a 2 slot IO bracket. This may not sound too bad it could lead the card to bend over time with the sheer weight of it. So there could be a need for another bracket or solution to prevent that from occurring.
Final Word
With the release of this BFGPU, there is a lot to consider. With the high launch price and power of the card, it might be a lot to go through first. So we have summarized the best RTX 3090 Ti selection. If you want the tip-top there is plenty of option especially with great cooling so you can find something to suit your needs.