Best RTX 3090 GPUs in 2024 – Our top picks
By now, you may be familiar with the RTX 3090. Although it is not quite at the top of Team Green’s lineup anymore, it still does more than enough to attract GPU enthusiasts looking for strong VRAM and solid 4K performance. Based on our own hands-on experience and third-party analysis, we have compiled a list of the best RTX 3090 graphics card variants. We’ve got each card ready below to let you know exactly what you are getting your hands on if you end up reaching into your wallet. Right, let’s get started, shall we?
Products at a Glance
Before we introduce our RTX 3090 lineup, we wanted to walk you through our process for selecting each card and provide the key aspects that make this first-generation BFGPU the card that it is today. Firstly, we focused primarily on cooling efficiency, graphical performance, and overall build quality. This is because most of the integral features of the RTX 3090 are the same throughout each variant. For example, all RTX 3090s will lack DLSS 3 Frame Generation across the board, whereas cooling efficiency and graphical performance are tweakable between each variation. Another key aspect is providing choices for a range of uses. You will see from our product flags that each card is chosen for a specific purpose or person. We did this because we understand that no gamer is the same and everyone has their different reasons for buying a GPU.
As referenced previously, we have a full RTX 3090 review available now, which features a breakdown of key specs, performance benchmark/test results, and current pricing. We recommend checking that one out before diving into this guide as it is always best to be sure that this is a graphics card for you. So, what are the cards we’ve picked?
Product Reviews
- Strongest performing RTX 3090 variant in terms of VRAM and power
- Fashionable and modern design, aesthetically pleasing GPU
- Performs strongly on modern titles like CS2, Cyberpunk 2077, and Shadow of the Tomb Raider
- Price is not suitable for entry-level or budget-conscious users
- Other GPUs, like the RTX 4080 Super, provide strong value and performance
- Older GPUs are more difficult to find available in the marketplace
Right off the bat, We can tell you that this card is going to give you an out-of-the-box overclocked performance bench of 1785MHz, alongside the 24 GB of GDDR6x RAM that comes in a 3090. How do we know this? Well, this is the exact card featured in our review. 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 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 This is certainly one of the best-looking cards on the market still, despite it being considered past its prime. Additionally, 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.
As part of our review for this product, we tested games like Cyberpunk 2077 and CS2 to gauge how well it does at 1440p and 4K performance. In 4K, the MSI RTX 3090 came in at 44 FPS and 146 FPS respectively. These numbers are more than respectable, especially given how visually demanding games like Cyberpunk 2077 are. If 4K is your thing, and the RTX 3090 is the one you want, then the MSI RTX 3090 Gaming Trio X would be the best choice.
- Strong VRAM performance at 24GB
- Despite impressive factory overclock, price remains less than the MSI and ASUS versions
- Impressive overclocking performance
- A well-ventilated case is recommended
- Heavy weight, inconvenience for setups
- Some reviews indicate instability with performance
Our second choice for the RTX 3090 GPU is the Gigabyte RTX 3090 GAMING OC 24GB. Let’s talk about what this card has to offer. Starting with clock speeds first, 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 card’s hardware.
Then we have to talk about how this card looks. It’s got a small amount of RGB, for those who are fans, and Fusion 2.0 so that RGB can be customized. Furthermore, the monochromatic color scheme 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? This is probably the heaviest card on this list which can be a real inconvenience at times.
- IceStorm 2.0 cooling technology is extremely impressive
- ZOTAC prices come in under industry leaders ASUS and MSI
- While less expensive for an RTX 3090 model, the card is not considered mid-range in comparison to other GPUs
- Performance lags behind the MSI Gaming Trio X
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.
- Axial-tech cooling technology is excellent
- Amazingly powerful, second most to the MSI Gaming Trio X
- Impressive factory overclock
- A top of the range RTX 3090, a top of the range price
- The ASUS TUF variation has generally poor availability
Our final choice for the best RTX 3090 graphics card 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 the 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.
Considerations for the best RTX 3090 GPUs
When selecting the best RTX 3090 GPUs, several features and considerations should be taken into account to ensure that they align with your specific needs and preferences. Here are some key factors to consider:
Motherboards
While a top-tier motherboard won’t magically supercharge your RTX 3090, it can influence its performance. A good motherboard creates a strong foundation for the RTX 3090 to shine, but it’s one component of a balanced system. Don’t expect night and day differences unless you’re constantly pushing the GPU’s limits, and remember that a great motherboard won’t compensate for a weak CPU or insufficient RAM. Choose a motherboard that complements your overall system needs and budget to find the perfect balance for you. Looking for a motherboard to complement this GPU. We have the best motherboards for the RTX 3090 available here.
CPU
A strong CPU is vital when it comes to unlocking the full potential of your RTX 3090. The CPU handles background tasks in games and applications, feeding data to the GPU for processing. If the CPU is sluggish, it can bottleneck the RTX 3090, limiting its performance. This is because it can’t keep up with the GPU’s demands. In CPU-intensive tasks like simulations or complex AI, a powerful CPU takes the reins, freeing up the RTX 3090 to focus on rendering stunning visuals without getting bogged down by heavy calculations. In short, the CPU can be the key to the best performance. Similarly, we also have the best CPUs for the RTX 3090 so you find the right one for your system/
Price and value
Since GPU prices can fluctuate wildly, it’s wise to set a budget upfront and prioritize the features most important to you. Don’t worry, you can find excellent GPUs at various price points. By setting realistic expectations based on your budget, you’ll land a card that perfectly meets your needs without overspending. To get a GPU at the ideal price, track its history using a tool like Camelcamelcamel. This website shows you price fluctuations over time, allowing you to jump on a deal when the price dips. Additionally, consider buying during seasonal sales like Amazon Spring Sale or Black Friday to maximize your savings.
Furthermore, value is also important. Is the RTX 3090 the best GPU on the market for your budget? We have found in our review that is closest competitor, the RTX 4080 Super, is arguably a better GPU overall as it features DLSS 3.0 and increases ever so slightly on specs. Sold at a similar price, we would argue that this newer Nvidia model is better value in this situation.
What is the best RTX 3090 graphics card?
With premium performance and specs, the MSI Gaming Trio X and ASUS RTX 3090 TUF OC stands out as some of best RTX 3090 graphics cards.
Our Verdict
When it comes to the best RTX 3090 graphics cards, the MSI Gaming GeForce RTX 3090 Gaming X Trio stands out for its quality build, effective cooling, and impressive VRAM. With premium components and a reliable triple-fan cooling system, it maintains stable performance even under heavy loads. Overall, the MSI RTX 3090 offers a winning combination of reliability, performance, and simplicity, making it a top choice for gamers and creatives alike.