What To Know
- In this comprehensive comparison, we pit the RTX 3090 FTW3 Ultra against the ROG Strix to determine which reigns supreme in the realm of graphics supremacy.
- The ROG Strix exudes a more aggressive aesthetic with a silver and black shroud, angular lines, and RGB lighting integrated into the shroud, fans, and backplate.
- Beyond performance and aesthetics, the RTX 3090 FTW3 Ultra and ROG Strix offer a range of features to enhance the user experience.
The NVIDIA RTX 3090, the pinnacle of graphics processing power, has two formidable contenders: the EVGA RTX 3090 FTW3 Ultra and the ASUS ROG Strix RTX 3090. Both cards boast impressive specifications and cutting-edge features, making it a tough choice for enthusiasts and gamers alike. In this comprehensive comparison, we pit the RTX 3090 FTW3 Ultra against the ROG Strix to determine which reigns supreme in the realm of graphics supremacy.
Performance: Speed and Power
The RTX 3090 FTW3 Ultra and ROG Strix deliver exceptional performance in both synthetic benchmarks and real-world gaming scenarios. Both cards feature the same GA102 GPU with 10,496 CUDA cores and 24GB of GDDR6X memory. However, EVGA’s FTW3 Ultra boasts a higher boost clock of 1860MHz compared to the ROG Strix’s 1890MHz.
In synthetic benchmarks, the FTW3 Ultra consistently outperforms the ROG Strix by a small margin. In 3DMark Time Spy Extreme, the FTW3 Ultra scores 10,200 points, while the ROG Strix achieves 9,950 points.
In real-world gaming, both cards provide incredibly smooth and immersive experiences. At 4K resolution with maximum graphics settings, the FTW3 Ultra and ROG Strix can easily handle demanding titles like Cyberpunk 2077 and Red Dead Redemption 2 with frame rates well above 60FPS.
Cooling: Keeping the Heat at Bay
Effective cooling is crucial for maintaining optimal performance and longevity. The FTW3 Ultra and ROG Strix employ different cooling solutions to dissipate heat from the GPU and memory modules.
The FTW3 Ultra utilizes a triple-slot cooler with three axial fans and a large heatsink. The fans are designed to operate at variable speeds, adjusting to the GPU temperature to minimize noise while maintaining cooling efficiency.
The ROG Strix, on the other hand, features a 2.9-slot cooler with three axial-tech fans and a vapor chamber. The vapor chamber distributes heat evenly across the cooler, enabling more efficient heat transfer.
Both cooling solutions perform admirably, keeping the GPU temperatures within safe operating ranges. However, the ROG Strix’s vapor chamber design provides slightly better cooling performance under sustained heavy loads.
Aesthetics: Style and Substance
Aesthetics play a significant role for enthusiasts who want to showcase their builds. The FTW3 Ultra and ROG Strix offer distinct visual designs to complement different tastes.
The FTW3 Ultra features a sleek black shroud with metallic accents and RGB lighting on the side and backplate. The RGB lighting can be customized using EVGA’s Precision X1 software, allowing users to create vibrant lighting effects.
The ROG Strix exudes a more aggressive aesthetic with a silver and black shroud, angular lines, and RGB lighting integrated into the shroud, fans, and backplate. The RGB lighting is synchronized with ASUS’s Aura Sync software, enabling users to create cohesive lighting across multiple ROG components.
Features: Enhancing the Experience
Beyond performance and aesthetics, the RTX 3090 FTW3 Ultra and ROG Strix offer a range of features to enhance the user experience.
The FTW3 Ultra includes a dual-BIOS switch, allowing users to toggle between performance and quiet modes. The card also features a built-in voltage measurement tool for advanced overclocking enthusiasts.
The ROG Strix boasts a dedicated hardware switch for performance and silent modes. Additionally, it supports NVIDIA’s Resizable BAR technology, which enables the CPU to access the entire frame buffer of the GPU for improved performance in certain games.
Overclocking: Pushing the Limits
For those seeking maximum performance, both the FTW3 Ultra and ROG Strix offer ample overclocking headroom. However, the FTW3 Ultra has a slight edge due to its higher power limit and improved cooling solution.
With careful tuning, the FTW3 Ultra can achieve stable overclocks of up to 2000MHz on the core and 2100MHz on the memory. The ROG Strix can typically overclock to around 1980MHz on the core and 2080MHz on the memory.
Price and Value
The RTX 3090 FTW3 Ultra and ROG Strix are priced similarly, with the FTW3 Ultra typically retailing for slightly less. Both cards offer excellent value for the performance and features they provide.
Ultimately, the choice between the two comes down to personal preferences and specific requirements. For those who prioritize raw performance and overclocking potential, the FTW3 Ultra is the better option. For those who prefer a more aggressive aesthetic, better cooling performance, and additional features like Resizable BAR support, the ROG Strix is the ideal choice.
Takeaways: The Ultimate Choice
The RTX 3090 FTW3 Ultra and ROG Strix are both exceptional graphics cards that deliver unparalleled performance and features. The FTW3 Ultra offers slightly higher performance and overclocking headroom, while the ROG Strix boasts superior cooling and a more comprehensive feature set.
Ultimately, the best choice depends on the individual’s priorities and preferences. For those who prioritize raw performance and overclocking capabilities, the RTX 3090 FTW3 Ultra is the ideal choice. For those who value aesthetics, cooling performance, and additional features, the RTX 3090 ROG Strix is the superior option.
Information You Need to Know
Q: Which card is better for 4K gaming?
A: Both the RTX 3090 FTW3 Ultra and ROG Strix provide excellent 4K gaming performance. However, the FTW3 Ultra has a slight edge due to its higher boost clock.
Q: Which card runs cooler?
A: The ROG Strix has a slight advantage in terms of cooling performance due to its vapor chamber design. However, both cards maintain safe operating temperatures under load.
Q: Which card has better RGB lighting?
A: The ROG Strix has more extensive RGB lighting options with integrated lighting on the shroud, fans, and backplate. The FTW3 Ultra also has customizable RGB lighting, but it is limited to the side and backplate.
