The MSI GeForce RTX 5090 32G Lightning Z is presented as MSI’s most extreme flagship graphics card, utilizing Nvidia’s GeForce RTX 5090 GPU. It features a large 360 all-in-one cooler and is noteworthy for its massive integrated 8-inch LCD display, which covers the entire card. This display, while a functional LCD monitor with a resolution of 1200×800, does not function as a touchscreen. Users can utilize the MSI Center software to monitor GPU health, temperature, and clock speed, and customize displays.
The card also boasts an attractive backplate featuring a reinforced carbon fiber design, adding both aesthetics and rigidity. However, consumers should be aware of the card’s weight, which exceeds 2.8kg, and with the cooler, surpasses 4.1kgs. Vertical installation is recommended using the included mount.
Performance benchmarks suggest the RTX 5090 offers significant improvements over the RTX 5080. The advanced card features double the CUDA cores (21,760 compared to 10,752) and double the VRAM (32GB versus 16GB). Furthermore, it includes a higher memory bandwidth (512-bit versus 256-bit).
These performance gains, however, correlate with increased power consumption. The full load average power consumption is estimated at around 574.13W, compared to the RTX 5080’s 360W (TGP). Given Nvidia’s stated total graphics power (TGP) for the RTX 5090 is around 575W, the device requires a minimum power supply of 1000W or higher.
Electrically, the card presents different options: the OC version offers up to 2730MHz, requiring an 800W power supply, while the Extreme option achieves up to 2275MHz and mandates a 1000W or higher power supply. Water cooling is described as a niche product category.
In terms of connectivity, the GPU supports multiple video outputs, including 3 x DisplayPort 2.1b and 1 x HDMI 2.1b, enabling display capabilities such as 4K @ 480Hz or 8K @ 120Hz with DSC, Gaming VRR, and HDR.
The testing results demonstrated exceptional capabilities. For instance, in the Cyberpunk 2077 benchmark, the MSI GeForce RTX 5090 32G Lightning Z achieved an astounding score of 177.50 fps at 4K (Ray Tracing: Overdrive with RTX and DLSS4). At 1440p and 1080p (with RTX off but DLSS on), the scores were 392.35 fps and 392.58 fps, respectively. Other scores recorded included 38,050 for Superposition 1080p optimized and 39,269 for Time Spy.
Cooling performance was also assessed, with MSI utilizing a Full-cover Cold Plate that covers the GPU, VRAM, and MOSFETs. This design maintained the GPU temperature at a cool 58 degrees Celsius, even at full load.
Due to its high performance, the MSI GeForce RTX 5090 32G LIGHTNING Z carries a limited run of only 1300 units, and its current price is listed at an eye-watering USD $6,000+.
Source: Funky Kit