Best RTX 4090 GPUs in 2024 – Our top picks
In the world of gaming and graphics processing, the hunt for the ultimate gaming experience continues to drive innovation and competition. We find ourselves amidst a wave of impressive new graphics card and CPUs, particularly from manufacturers Nvidia, AMD, and Intel. At the forefront of this wave is the Nvidia GeForce RTX 4090 graphics card, representing a high-caliber performance and substantial improvement for gaming gamers. The same is true for both creatives and content creators.
With the market flooded by new releases, enthusiasts are left wondering which RTX 4090 graphics card stands out from the rest. In this comprehensive guide, we embark on a journey to uncover the best RTX 4090 GPU, meticulously examining their features, capabilities, and value for money. So, let’s dive in.
Products at a Glance
How we picked the best RTX 4090 GPUs
In selecting the best RTX 4090 GPUs, we undertook a very rigorous selection process. Our approach began with comprehensive research into the latest GPU tech, industry trends, and gamers’ demands. We then considered factors such as raw performance, thermal management, power efficiency, and innovative features that truly make a difference to your experience. Through extensive benchmarking tests and real-world usage scenarios, we gauged each card’s ability to deliver excellent gaming experiences, solid rendering, and be a reliable purchase that could be used for multiple years. Lastly, we took into account expert reviews and market trends to ensure our selections reflect not only the best technical specs but also practicality and value for those at home.
As is the case with most of our guides, we like enthuse our own thoughts and takeaways from a product into our guides. We have been able to do quite thoroughly with the Nvidia RTX 4090 as we have conducted a comprehensive RTX 4090 review which is available now. Our in-house experts have taken a deep dive into the key specs and performance benchmarks which demonstrate the true capabilities and possibilities of this graphics card. We highly recommend checking it out.
Interested in more graphics card guides? We also have a guide to the best graphics cards overall and the best budget graphics cards. Be sure to check them out.
Product Reviews
- 3rd-gen DLSS and ray tracing
- Fastest GPU currently available
- Excellent for content creation
- One of the most expensive GPUs on the market
- Overkill for most simple gaming functions
- Despite excellence for content creators, it is primarily a gaming GPU
Our top choice among the best RTX 4090 GPUs is the ASUS ROG Strix RTX 4090 OC. The scarcity of the 4090 FE is currently an issue, making it beneficial to be aware of alternative options that offer great value. The TUF Gaming OC 4090 is one such option, as it offers solid performance and features at a reasonable price. While it is slightly more expensive than the FE, it is likely to be in stock more frequently. Therefore, if you are in search of a reasonably priced 4090, keeping an eye out for the TUF Gaming OC alongside the FE is recommended.
ASUS’s TUF OC 4090 boasts a strong VRM and a 600W power limit, like the FE, enabling easy overclocking. Additionally, it comes with a factory overclock, featuring a boost clock of 2.59GHz, making it perform well right out of the box. Though it runs a bit hotter than some pricier 4090 cards, it should still remain below 70c while gaming if the rest of your setup runs cool. In conclusion, the TUF Gaming 4090 OC is a fantastic plug-and-play option that offers excellent value for its price, especially if purchased near its MSRP.
- Dual BIOS
- Advanced cooling system and thermal management
- RGB lighting
- Performance not quite as strong as ASUS ROG Strix
- Like most RTX 4090 models, this brand is particularly expensive
If you’re looking for an RTX 4090 GPU with good thermal management, then we think that the ZOTAC Gaming GeForce RTX 4090 AMP Extreme AIRO is a solid option.
Much like the name suggests, the GPU features the IceStorm 3.0 Advanced Cooling system that promises to keep your device cool while executing intense tasks like gaming or video editing. Plus, you get active fan control, which should let you personalize your experience. Coming to the performance, the graphics card boasts a boost clock speed of 2580 MHz along with 24GB GDDR6X VRAM, which should handle demanding games and deliver richly textured graphics at the same time.
As far as the aesthetics are concerned, the GPU features Spectra 2.0 ARGB Lighting along with an RGB-lit backplate, which should add flair to your setup, when paired with some of the best cases for RTX 4090. Another added perk here is the GPU support stand that comes with the graphics card, which should come in handy if you’re struggling with space or adjustments in your setup.
- Semi-passive cooling system
- Exceptional overclocking performance
- Extremely large
- Power consumption overkill
The ASUS GeForce RTX 4090 TUF Gaming OC is a powerful graphics card with factory overclocking that delivers excellent performance for demanding games and creative work. It features a semi-passive cooling system with three fans that activate under load, keeping the card cool while offering a quiet operation. You can even choose between prioritizing performance or quiet operation with the dual BIOS settings. These features will truly bring the best out of my games.
However, this card comes with a few drawbacks. First, its high power consumption (TGP 450~475W) necessitates a powerful PSU (at least 850 watts), which can increase your electricity bill and limit compatibility with lower-wattage PSUs. Second, the card is quite large and heavy (348.2 x 160 x 72.6 mm, 2.2 kg) so make sure your case has enough space and a sturdy mount to prevent sagging.
- Competes well with similar GPUs
- Excellent power consumption for a raw GPU
- Excellent Founder's Edition build quality
- Possibly overkill for your needs
- Incredibly large physical size
- Founder's Editions are notoriously difficult to find in both the US and UK. You may need to act fast with this brand.
Our final choice for the best Nvidia RTX 4090 is the RTX 4090 Founder’s Edition. There is not much to say that hasn’t already been said about this impressive GPU. Let’s quickly run down the important points though. It boasts the latest Nvidia Ada Lovelace architecture and 24GB of GDDR6X memory, offering significant performance improvements over previous generations. This translates to smooth, high frame rate gameplay at even the highest resolutions, including 8K HDR.
Not only is it great for gaming, but the 4090 is also suited for creative tasks like video editing and 3D rendering. The increased processing power and memory allow for faster content creation and handling of complex workloads. Additional features include DLSS (Deep Learning Super Sampling) and ray tracing technologies. DLSS uses AI to upscale images, boosting performance without sacrificing quality. Ray tracing simulates realistic lighting effects, creating more immersive visuals in games and applications. Additionally, the Founder’s Edition capitalizes on its strong build quality which just adds to the robustness and reliability of the product as a whole.
Furthermore, despite the heavy price, these top-of-the-line GPUs are an investment that should stay relevant for several years. However, it is important to consider that the amount of power implemented by the RTX 4090 Founder’s Edition may be overkill for your needs from a GPU. Lastly, alongside its large price tag is its large physical size. Some have even said it is impractically big, so please bear this mind when purchasing.
Considerations for the Nvidia RTX 4090
The NVIDIA RTX 4090 stands as a robust GPU engineered for high-performance computing tasks such as gaming, rendering, and machine learning. In contemplating buying the best RTX 4090 GPUs, several features should be up for consideration. Let’s take a look at some of the most important ones:
Price
As a premier GPU offering, the RTX 4090 commands a premium price point. Those looking to purchase should conduct a thorough assessment of their budget and determine whether the RTX 4090 aligns with their performance expectations. The RTX 4090 is a high-end product rather than a budget-friendly option. If you want to make sure you get the best deal on your RTX 4090 then we recommend several things:
- Purchase cards during sale periods. The best sale periods are during Black Friday and during Spring Sales, though many websites like Amazon will put on other sale periods throughout the year.
- Make sure to strike while the price is low. To check the price history of a product, we recommend using an application called Camelcamelcamel. This should help you see when a price is dropping and identify patterns of sales.
Purpose
Tailored for high-performance computing tasks including gaming, rendering, and machine learning, the RTX 4090’s suitability hinges on the intended purpose. Prospective buyers should consider why they need a GPU and determine whether the RTX 4090 aligns with these performance requirements and overall needs. If you are considering using the RTX 4090 as a gaming GPU and are looking to build a PC around your model, you may be interested in our picks for the best RTX 4090 gaming PCs – it should add some clarity to your choices.
VRAM
GPU’s memory capacity is important to consider. With a substantial 24 GB of GDDR6X memory, the RTX 4090 excels in handling resource-intensive tasks, making it a great choice for professionals grappling with large datasets or rendering complex 3D scenes. Moreover, the inclusion of advanced features such as ray tracing and AI image enhancement positions the RTX 4090 as one of the foremost GPUs available. To better understand graphics cards and VRAM, we have a dedicated VRAM and graphics cards article that breaks down this factor in more detail.
System requirements and motherboard compatibility
Given its robust capabilities, the RTX 4090 requires a compatible system to operate at a good level. Prospective buyers should diligently review system requirements, specifically specifications like power supply and compatibility with motherboard configurations. Furthermore, exploring compatible RTX 4090 motherboards can aid in selecting a suitable platform for seamless integration into existing setups. Luckily, we have a whole guide dedicated to the best motherboards for RTX 4090.
Cooling and Noise
Under sustained heavy loads, the RTX 4090 may generate considerable heat, underscoring the importance of effective cooling mechanisms to ensure consistent performance. Additionally, prospective buyers should factor in potential noise emissions, as certain RTX 4090 models may create high noise levels under intense performance conditions. To help with cooling, we have a dedicated article for the best PC fans for the RTX 4090.
Brand and Model
Lastly, consideration should be given to the brand and model of the RTX 4090 you wish to pick. Different manufacturers may offer features or variations in build quality, warranting comprehensive research and comparison before finalizing a purchase. Luckily, in this guide, we have already done that for you.
What is the best graphics card for the RTX 4090?
When picking the best graphics card for the RTX 4090, the ASUS ROG Strix RTX 4090 OC is a solid pick amongst a whole host of options. For it’s DLSS, ray tracing, fast performance, and overall versatility – it should be the first choice for most gamers, creators, and creatives.
Our Verdict
Overall, we think that the ASUS ROG Strix RTX 4090 OC is a solid pick amongst the best RTX 4090 GPUs, which should make it an excellent choice for demanding applications and intense gaming. Its cooling system is particularly noteworthy, with exceptional thermal management that keeps the card running cool and quiet. The GPU comes with a massive 24GB VRAM, which should enable easy overclocking. Plus, you get a boost clock speed of 2.59GHz, which should deliver smooth gaming performance. And as far as aesthetics are concerned, the edges are laced with RGB light, which should give it that “gamer” look.