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Best RTX 3090 graphics cards in 2024 – The top picks

The best RTX 3090 GPUs available today, all in one place
Last Updated on March 8, 2024
Best RTX 3090 GPU

As the demand for high-performance graphics cards continues to surge, enthusiasts and professionals alike seek the pinnacle of graphical performance. In the realm of gaming, content creation, and scientific computing, the Nvidia GeForce RTX 3090 stands as one of the first symbols of the companies power and capability. With time passing, the RTX 3090 GPU has evolved, presenting enthusiasts with a range of options boasting enhanced features, improved cooling solutions, and optimized performance. Join us as we delve into the realm of the best RTX 3090 graphics cards.

Products at a Glance

Ranking the top Nvidia RTX 3090 graphics cards may seem like a daunting task, but we’ve accomplished it by focusing on key aspects such as cooling efficiency, graphical performance, and overall build quality. This task is no easy feat, but we’ve done so by scrutinizing standout features that distinguish the superior GPUs from the weaker contenders. While it may appear that all RTX 3090 GPUs are comparable, the reality is that there are discernible differences in performance among them. Hopefully, this curated list will help you maximize the value of your purchase.

Interested in more buying guides? We also have the best graphics cards and best budget graphics cards available for you. Be sure to check them out.

Nvidia RTX 3090 Review Round-Up

Our Recommended

Best RTX 3090 graphics cards in 2024 – The top picks

1
PROS
  • Axial-tech cooling
  • Amazingly powerful
CONS
  • Large
  • Expensive

Our top choice for the best RTX 3090 graphics cards is the ASUS TUF RTX 3090 OC. ASUS, renowned for its reliability and strong presence in the PC market, particularly through its ROG STRIX branding, holds a reputable standing in the gaming community. If you prioritize a long-standing history in the gaming marketplace when selecting a new 3090 graphics card, ASUS serves as an excellent starting point.

Delving into performance, the ASUS TUF RTX 3090 OC stands out as a factory overclocked model. With a boosted clock speed of 1770MHz and 24GB of GDDR6X memory, this card guarantees seamless gameplay for current and upcoming titles. As for cooling, the Axial-tech based cooling system showcases a new design facilitating enhanced airflow and thermal dissipation, while maintaining minimal noise levels due to its dual ball bearing reliant design. This ensures optimal cooling performance at subsonic frequencies, making it one of the most efficient cooling solutions among current 3090 cards on the market.

Regarding pricing, while the ASUS TUF OC 3090 doesn’t fall into the budget category typical of 3090 cards, its competitive pricing relative to its cooling efficiency and design features makes it an attractive option. Ultimately, the ASUS TUF Gaming RTX 3090 OC offers outstanding gaming performance, including 8K gameplay with stable framerates, alongside a durable cooling system and technical design, all housed within an aesthetically pleasing casing distinguished by its understated and simplistic design.

2
PROS
  • Incredibly powerful
  • Slightly lower price than other cards
  • Factory overclock
CONS
  • Still expensive
  • Heavy

When it comes to 3090 performance, right now we are in the infancy of what we can see and expect from these cards – but that doesn’t mean there aren’t already clear contenders for the crown of ‘most powerful’, and the overclocked Gaming 3090 from Gigabyte is a close second to the power of the MSI Gaming Trio.

Clock speeds first – and of course, this has a factory boosted clock of 1755MHz and the requisite 24gb of GDDR6X RAM installed in it. What does this deliver? Well, the same game beating performance you would expect from a top tier graphics card, with UHD 4K environments pushed out with no real worries from the card itself, and with extra room to maneuver in high-end environments once gaming software has caught up to this cards hardware.

Then you have to talk about how this card looks. Personally, I think that this is the best-looking card on the list, it’s got a little bit of RGB for those who like that (and Fusion 2.0, so that RGB can be customized!), as well as a monochromatic color scheme that really works as part of any PC.

That’s just how it looks though, when you examine aspects like the triple fan cooling design that helps to keep this card working at optimal performance even when it’s pumping out high fidelity gaming, you appreciate the sleek design that couples with the stop-start integration of the fans to ensure quiet performance when in use.

Then there is the rigidity and overall longevity of the card itself, supported with a metal backplate to help the card sit comfortably within the motherboard without damaging the PCI-E slots too much. Why does this matter? Because this is probably the heaviest card on this list. I’m sure you have already seen the memes and images of these cards, so you might already understand why its weight would be an important factor.

3
PROS
  • IceStorm 2.0 Cooling
  • Still amazingly poweful
CONS
  • It's the least expensive, but still expensive

For those seeking power and value in a 3090, the ZOTAC RTX 3090 Trinity is worth considering. Despite Zotac’s lower profile compared to industry leaders like MSI and ASUS, overlooking them solely based on brand recognition would be unwise. The ZOTAC RTX 3090 Trinity offers competitive performance with a factory-boosted clock speed of 1695MHz and the standard 24GB of GDDR6x RAM. Its features include ray tracing, 8K resolution support, and high frame rates. Notably, its onboard IceStorm 2.0 cooling system efficiently regulates temperatures during demanding tasks. In summary, the ZOTAC RTX 3090 Trinity provides exceptional performance without breaking the bank.

4
PROS
  • Best performing card
  • Great looking
CONS
  • Very expensive

Right off the bat, I can tell you that this card is going to give you an out of the box overclocked performance bench of 1785MHz, alongside the 24gb of GDDR6x RAM that comes in a 3090. However, this card utilizes it well – possibly better than others in this list to the extent that we would call it the fastest and most consistently high performing card on the market today (for general gamer use. You can expect 4K UHD performance with the factory overclock alone, and the 24gb of GDDR6x means that you are going to struggle to find yourself a task that this card won’t be able to tackle.

All of that raw performance power is of course offset by potential heating issues, but you don’t need to worry. This card is all set to go with the fresh design of the MSI Tri Frozr 2 cooling solution, so, along with more efficient core pipes and improved fans you can expect a greater heat dissipation, with the core pipes themselves designed to channel heat from the GPU into the heatsink directly, which has a huge impact on how this card performs in regards to thermal optimization.

We can’t talk about thermal solutions without talking about the overall design of the card though, and for all those gamers out there, you will be happy to learn that this card as some RGB slapped onto it just to improve in-game frame rate. That’s how RGB works. Seriously though, this a good-looking card, and it even has reinforced PCI-E slots so you don’t need to worry about the actual casing warping once it’s plugged into your motherboard.

Best RTX 3090 graphics cards – Features and considerations

When selecting the best RTX 3090 GPU, several features and considerations should be taken into account to ensure that it aligns with your specific needs and preferences. Here are some key factors to consider:

Performance

Look for GPUs with high clock speeds, ample CUDA cores, and efficient memory configurations to ensure optimal performance in gaming, content creation, and other GPU-intensive tasks.

Cooling abilities

Efficient cooling is crucial to maintain stable performance and prolong the lifespan of your GPU. Consider models with robust cooling solutions, such as large heatsinks, multiple fans, or liquid cooling systems, to keep temperatures in check during heavy workloads.

Build quality

Opt for GPUs from reputable manufacturers known for their quality craftsmanship and reliable components. A well-built GPU not only performs better but also offers better durability and longevity.

Overclocking potential

If you’re interested in overclocking your GPU for additional performance gains, look for models with unlocked power limits, robust VRM designs, and adequate cooling to handle the increased power and heat output.

Connectivity

Consider the connectivity options offered by the GPU, including the number and type of display outputs, as well as the presence of features like HDMI 2.1 and DisplayPort 1.4a for high-resolution and high-refresh-rate displays.

Price-to-performance ratio

Evaluate the price-to-performance ratio of different RTX 3090 GPUs to ensure that you’re getting the best value for your money. Consider factors such as performance, features, and warranty coverage when comparing prices.

Reviews and user feedback

Before making a final decision, read reviews and user feedback to gain insights into real-world performance, reliability, and customer support experiences with the GPU models you’re considering.

By carefully considering these features and considerations, you can choose the best RTX 3090 GPU that meets your performance needs, budget constraints, and personal preferences.

What is the best RTX 3090 graphics card?

With premium performance and specs, the ASUS RTX 3090 TUF OC stands out as one of best RTX 3090 graphics cards. Furthermore, its quality build, effective cooling, and impressive overclocking features make this the standout GPU for the RTX 3090.

Our Verdict

When it comes to the best RTX 3090 graphics cards, the ASUS RTX 3090 TUF OC stands out for its quality build, effective cooling, and impressive overclocking featuresWith premium components and a reliable triple-fan cooling system, it maintains stable performance even under heavy loads. Its sleek design and neutral color scheme make it visually appealing and easy to integrate into any setup. Delivering smooth performance for gaming, graphics rendering, and AI tasks, it’s backed by ASUS’s strong customer service and warranty support. Overall, the RTX 3090 TUF offers a winning combination of reliability, performance, and simplicity, making it a top choice for enthusiasts and professionals alike.