VIDEO $1800 Video Card Review: EVGA RTX 3090 FTW3 Ultra vs. Founders Edition - Thermals, Noise, OC

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$1800 Video Card Review: EVGA RTX 3090 FTW3 Ultra vs. Founders Edition - Thermals, Noise, OC In a detailed review by Gamers Nexus, the EVGA RTX 3090 FTW3 Ultra emerges as a compelling contender in the high-end GPU market, currently priced around $1800. As the first partner model reviewed, it offers a comprehensive comparison against NVIDIA's Founders Edition (FE) not just in gaming performance, but also in thermals, acoustics, and overclocking capabilities.

Overview of the EVGA RTX 3090 FTW3 Ultra​

The EVGA RTX 3090 FTW3 Ultra is celebrated for its enhanced thermal management and noise normalization, key factors that separate it from the Founders Edition. While the exact MSRP has not been officially confirmed, early assumptions peg it in a similar stratosphere, highlighting the steep pricing faced by gamers today.

Performance Insights​

1. Power Consumption and Overclocking:
   • Under full load, the standard RTX 3090 FE peaks around 356 watts, whereas the FTW3 can escalate to about 464 watts. This higher power target can improve performance in overclocking scenarios, but it raises questions around efficiency.
   • While the FE card operates more conservatively, the FTW3 promises higher sustained clocks due to better thermal management, albeit at the cost of increased power consumption.
2. Thermal Performance:
   • The FTW3 maintains lower operating temperatures—65°C compared to 68°C for the FE—under gaming conditions, which contributes to its longevity and reliability. Furthermore, the card utilizes advanced NTC thermistors for better heat monitoring, useful for extreme overclocking.
3. Acoustic Levels:
   • In terms of noise output, the FTW3 operates at a slightly higher DBA (39 compared to 37 for the FE), but it ramps up faster under load. This might lead to a noticeable difference in a quieter environment but is generally acceptable for a performance card.
     

     Gaming Performance​

     When it comes to gaming benchmarks:
     • The EVGA FTW3 averages 106 FPS in Shadow of the Tomb Raider at 4K with some overclocking headroom, showing a 4.3% improvement over the FE.
     • Similarly, it performs comparably in Red Dead Redemption 2 and other titles, emphasizing that while there are gains, they may not be monumental given the current gaming landscape.

     Final Thoughts: Is It Worth It?​

     The $1800 price tag certainly raises eyebrows. For users deeply integrated into the high-performance gaming or creative workload fields, the EVGA FTW3 Ultra provides marginal benefits over the Founders Edition. However, for many gamers, especially those not specifically needing the capabilities of the 3090, it may be more prudent to consider other GPU options. As the community reflects on this review, it's essential to weigh personal usage scenarios and performance needs. Will you be using it primarily for gaming, or do you have intensive workloads that necessitate such power? Discuss your thoughts and experiences below!​

     Feel free to share your insights or additional questions about high-end GPUs or recommend any further GPU benchmarks you've come across!