Scored using Graphics cards Methodology v3.0
Graphics cards Methodology v3.0
Mathematical & Unbiased Scoring
Products in this category are scored under Frontum Graphics cards Methodology v3.0: the technical score from the specifications is the base, and independent expert and video reviews (up to ±0.5 points), owner opinions (up to ±0.3) and best-of lists (up to +0.3) move it up or down.
Explore Graphics cards Methodology v3.0

Gainward GeForce RTX 4090 Glare OC review: 117 specs compared

Avg. price:~£2,030VRAM:24 GBMemory bus width:384 bitThermal Design Power (TDP):450 W

Gainward GeForce RTX 4090 Glare OC Review: Compare 117 technical specifications to see how this product ranks in the Graphics cards category and whether it is worth buying.

8.3/10

Overall score

Score
8.3/ 10
✕
What it is
Our main score for this model, 1–10. It combines specs, expert reviews, best-of lists and owners.
How we count it
Parts: Technical score 40%, Reviews score 25%, List score 25%, Sentiment score 10%
Marks: Each part gets a mark out of 10. For reviews, lists and owners, a typical model in this category gets about 8 and the best one gets 10.
No data yet: A part with no data shows "?". It counts as the mark of a weaker model in this category (4 in 5 models with data score higher). This way, models with reviews, lists and owners usually come out ahead.
Score distribution
▼
<55-66-77-88-99-10
Score components

40%

9.1

Technical score

25%

?

Reviews scoreNot enough data yet, so we use 7.6, the mark of a weaker model in this category

25%

?

List scoreNot enough data yet, so we use 7.5, the mark of a weaker model in this category

10%

9.0

Sentiment score

▲Better than 86% of graphics cards
6.1

Value for money

Value for money
6.1/ 10
✕
What it is
An indicator that combines the graphics card's overall rating with its cost.
When it matters
When you are looking for a graphics card that offers a strong balance of performance, features, and price.
Score distribution
▼
<55-66-77-88-99-10
Score components

70%

8.3

Overall score

30%

1.0

Price

▼Worse than 96%
9.1

Technical score

Technical score
9.1/ 10
✕
What it is
How good the specs are compared with the other models in this category, 1–10.
How we count it
Areas: We rate the specs in each area against the other models in this category.
Weighting: The areas that matter most to buyers count more. The shares are shown under Score components.
Share: The technical score is 40% of the overall score.
Score distribution
▼
<55-66-77-88-99-10
Score components

44%

9.9

Performance

24%

9.2

Memory

12%

7.1

Power

11%

9.7

Features

5%

4.2

Design

4%

9.5

Connectivity

▲Better than 87%
?

Reviews score

Reviews score
✕
What it is
Average grade from independent test sites, magazines and video reviewers, 1–10.
How we count it
Grades: Each review's own score is converted to 1–10; without one, we grade the review ourselves. Big test sites count more, short reviews half as much as full tests. A video review counts half.
Score: The average grade is 80% of the review mark; the number of reviews is the other 20% (1 review = 5, the typical number in this category = 8, the most-reviewed model = 10).
Enough data: With few reviews, the average grade is pulled toward the typical grade of this category. No reviews yet: 7.6 for now.
Share: Reviews count 25% of the overall score.
Score distribution
▼
<55-66-77-88-99-10
Grades by review (0)
We have not found an independent test of this model yet. Until we do, its review part counts as 7.6.
User ratings collected online are not part of this score.
No expert tests yet
?

List score

List score
7.5/ 10
✕
What it is
How often independent test sites, magazines and video reviewers put this model in their best-of lists for this category.
How we count it
Points: The model in the most lists of this category gets 10; the others get 8 to 10 in proportion. In no list yet: 7.5. Lists count 25% of the overall score.
Enough data: Every list counts, even a single one. With fewer than 5 best-of lists in the category, this part is left out.
Lists with this model (0)
Not in any best-of list yet, so this part counts as 7.5. Models in a list get 8 to 10.
Not in any best-of list yet
  • No image
No image
Where to buy
    N/A~ £2,030

What owners say about the Gainward GeForce RTX 4090 Glare OC

Based on 241 owners sharing their experience in online comments

78%positive9%mixed13%negative

Owners praise its exceptional gaming speed and longevity, while power draw and occasional driver problems remain the main drawbacks.

What owners dislike

  • Owners say frame rates can fall short in some demanding games and settings, especially at 4K or on very high-resolution VR headsets, where some need to drop settings badly.3
  • Owners report driver crashes, display errors and black screens at launch, and some features such as DLSS 3 frame generation not appearing for some users.3

Points mentioned by at least 3 owners, most mentioned first.

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Technical Specifications of graphics card Gainward GeForce RTX 4090 Glare OC

Technical score
Technical score
9.1/ 10
✕
What it is
How good the specs are compared with the other models in this category, 1–10.
How we count it
Areas: We rate the specs in each area against the other models in this category.
Weighting: The areas that matter most to buyers count more. The shares are shown under Score components.
Share: The technical score is 40% of the overall score.
Score distribution
▼
<55-66-77-88-99-10
Score components:

44%

9.9

Performance

24%

9.2

Memory

12%

7.1

Power

11%

9.7

Features

5%

4.2

Design

4%

9.5

Connectivity

9.1
Reviews score
7.6
List score
?
Value for money
Value for money
6.1/ 10
✕
What it is
An indicator that combines the graphics card's overall rating with its cost.
When it matters
When you are looking for a graphics card that offers a strong balance of performance, features, and price.
Score distribution
▼
<55-66-77-88-99-10
Score components:

70%

8.3

Overall score

30%

1.0

Price

6.1
3DMark Time Spy benchmark score
36,720 points
This graphics card scores 36,720 points in 3DMark Time Spy, which is higher than 96.4% of graphics cards.
3DMark Port Royal score
25,650 points
This graphics card scores 25,650 points in 3DMark Port Royal, which is higher than 92.8% of graphics cards.
PassMark (G3D) result
38,430 points
This graphics card scores 38,430 points in PassMark G3D, which is higher than 94.8% of graphics cards and equal to 0.6% of graphics cards.
PassMark (DirectCompute) result
26,333 points
This graphics card scores 26,333 points in PassMark DirectCompute, which is higher than 88% of graphics cards and equal to 2.7% of graphics cards.
FP32 performance
84.54 TFLOPS
This graphics card delivers 84.54 TFLOPS FP32 performance, which is higher than that of 96.3% of graphics cards and equal to that of 0.4% of graphics cards.
Show more
VRAM
24 GB
This graphics card has 24 GB of VRAM, which is more than 91.2% of graphics cards and equal to 5.5% of graphics cards.
Memory type
GDDR6X
This graphics card uses GDDR6X memory, which is newer than on 57.1% of graphics cards and equal to 22.4% of graphics cards.
Memory bus width
384 bit
This graphics card uses a 384 bit memory bus, which is wider than that of 89.7% of graphics cards and equal to that of 7% of graphics cards.
Maximum memory bandwidth
1,008 GB/s
This graphics card reaches 1,008 GB/s memory bandwidth, which is higher than that of 94% of graphics cards and equal to that of 2.9% of graphics cards.
Effective memory speed
21,000 MHz
This graphics card reaches an effective memory speed of 21,000 MHz, which is faster than that of 61.2% of graphics cards and equal to that of 12.4% of graphics cards.
Show more
PCI Express (PCIe) version
4
This graphics card supports PCIe 4, which is newer than on 22.5% of graphics cards and equal to 50.5% of graphics cards.
PCIe lanes
x16
This graphics card uses x16 PCIe lanes, which is more than 24.1% of graphics cards and equal to 75.9% of graphics cards.
DirectX version
12 Ultimate
This graphics card supports DirectX 12 Ultimate, which is more advanced than on 22.8% of graphics cards and equal to 77.2% of graphics cards.
Vulkan version
1.4
This graphics card supports Vulkan 1.4, which is more advanced than on 20.8% of graphics cards and equal to 79.2% of graphics cards.
OpenGL version
4.6
This graphics card supports OpenGL 4.6, which is more advanced than on 2% of graphics cards and equal to 98% of graphics cards.
Show more
Max displays supported
4
This graphics card supports up to 4 displays, which is more than 9% of graphics cards and equal to 88.2% of graphics cards.
Max digital resolution
7680x4320
This graphics card supports a maximum digital resolution of 7680x4320, which is higher than that of 9.2% of graphics cards and equal to that of 90.9% of graphics cards.
DisplayPort outputs
3
This graphics card offers 3 DisplayPort outputs, which is more than 21.7% of graphics cards and equal to 76% of graphics cards.
DisplayPort version
1.4a
This graphics card supports DisplayPort 1.4a, which is more advanced than on 19.3% of graphics cards and equal to 46.3% of graphics cards.
DisplayPort link rates
32.4 Gbps
This graphics card supports DisplayPort link rates up to 32.4 Gbps, which is faster than on 56.6% of graphics cards and equal to 20.9% of graphics cards.
Show more
Thermal Design Power (TDP)
450 W
This graphics card has a TDP of 450 W, which is higher than that of 94.3% of graphics cards and equal to that of 2.9% of graphics cards.
Power consumption while under peak load
450 W
This graphics card draws 450 W under peak load, which is higher than 93.6% of graphics cards and equal to 2.3% of graphics cards.
Recommended PSU wattage
850 W
This graphics card recommends a 850 W PSU, which is higher than that of 83.6% of graphics cards and equal to that of 11.9% of graphics cards.
Board power limit
450 W
This graphics card has a board power limit of 450 W, which is higher than that of 92.5% of graphics cards and equal to that of 2.6% of graphics cards.
PCIe power spec
450 W
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Size
362x 141.6x 69.7 mm
Length
362 mm
This graphics card is 362 mm long, which is longer than 99.6% of graphics cards and equal in length to 0.1% of graphics cards.
Height
155 mm
This graphics card is 155 mm tall, which is taller than 98.1% of graphics cards and equal in height to 0.3% of graphics cards.
Slot width
3.5 slot/s
This graphics card occupies 3.5 slot/s, which is wider than 90.4% of graphics cards and equal in width to 5.5% of graphics cards.
Weight
?
Show more

Gainward GeForce RTX 4090 Glare OC vs the average graphics card

246810TotalPerformanceMemoryFeaturesConnectivityPowerDesign
  • 88 more compute units
    This graphics card has more compute units than the average graphics card (128 vs 40). The average graphics card has 40 compute units.
    128 vs 40
  • 88 more ray tracing cores
    This graphics card has more ray tracing cores than the average graphics card (128 vs 40). The average graphics card has 40 ray tracing cores.
    128 vs 40
  • 2.25x higher memory bandwidth
    This graphics card has a higher memory bandwidth than the average graphics card (1,008 GB/s vs 448 GB/s). The average graphics card has a memory bandwidth of 448 GB/s.
    1,008 GB/s vs 448 GB/s
  • 12 GB more VRAM
    This graphics card has more VRAM than the average graphics card (24 GB vs 12 GB). The average graphics card has 12 GB VRAM.
    24 GB vs 12 GB
  • 3.49x higher texture rate
    This graphics card has a higher texture rate than the average graphics card (1,321 GTexel/s vs 378 GTexel/s). The average graphics card has a texture rate of 378 GTexel/s.
    1,321 GTexel/s vs 378 GTexel/s
  • 192 bit wider memory bus
    This graphics card has a wider memory bus than the average graphics card (384 bit vs 192 bit). The average graphics card has a memory bus width of 192 bit.
    384 bit vs 192 bit
  • 112 more ROPs
    This graphics card has more ROPs than the average graphics card (176 vs 64). The average graphics card has 64 ROPs.
    176 vs 64
  • 328 more TMUs
    This graphics card has more TMUs than the average graphics card (512 vs 184). The average graphics card has 184 TMUs.
    512 vs 184
  • 15.4% higher sentiment score
    9.0 vs 7.8
  • 88 more compute units
    This graphics card has more compute units than the average graphics card (128 vs 40). The average graphics card has 40 compute units.
    128 vs 40
  • 88 more ray tracing cores
    This graphics card has more ray tracing cores than the average graphics card (128 vs 40). The average graphics card has 40 ray tracing cores.
    128 vs 40
  • 3.49x higher texture rate
    This graphics card has a higher texture rate than the average graphics card (1,321 GTexel/s vs 378 GTexel/s). The average graphics card has a texture rate of 378 GTexel/s.
    1,321 GTexel/s vs 378 GTexel/s
  • 112 more ROPs
    This graphics card has more ROPs than the average graphics card (176 vs 64). The average graphics card has 64 ROPs.
    176 vs 64
  • 328 more TMUs
    This graphics card has more TMUs than the average graphics card (512 vs 184). The average graphics card has 184 TMUs.
    512 vs 184
  • 2.82x higher pixel rate
    This graphics card has a higher pixel rate than the average graphics card (454.1 GPixel/s vs 161.3 GPixel/s). The average graphics card has a pixel rate of 161.3 GPixel/s.
    454.1 GPixel/s vs 161.3 GPixel/s
  • 368 more AI cores
    This graphics card has more AI cores than the average graphics card (512 vs 144). The average graphics card has 144 AI cores.
    512 vs 144
  • 3.74x higher FP32 performance
    This graphics card has a higher FP32 performance than the average graphics card (84.5 TFLOPS vs 22.6 TFLOPS). The average graphics card has FP32 performance of 22.6 TFLOPS.
    84.54 TFLOPS vs 22.6 TFLOPS
  • 3% higher boost clock speed
    This graphics card has a higher boost GPU clock than the average graphics card (2,580 MHz vs 2,505 MHz). The average graphics card has a boost GPU clock of 2,505 MHz.
    2,580 MHz vs 2,505 MHz
  • 2.48x higher gaming score
    This graphics card has a higher gaming score than the average graphics card (36,720 points vs 14,779 points). The average graphics card has a gaming score of 14,779 points.
    36,720 points vs 14,779 points
  • 2.8x higher ray tracing score
    This graphics card has a higher ray tracing score than the average graphics card (25,650 points vs 9,148 points). The average graphics card has a ray tracing score of 9,148 points.
    25,650 points vs 9,148 points
  • 69.8% higher PassMark score
    This graphics card has a higher PassMark score than the average graphics card (38,430 points vs 22,638 points). The average graphics card has a PassMark score of 22,638 points.
    38,430 points vs 22,638 points
  • 16.4% higher base clock speed
    This graphics card has a higher base GPU clock than the average graphics card (2,235 MHz vs 1920 MHz). The average graphics card has a base GPU clock of 1920 MHz.
    2,235 MHz vs 1,920 MHz
  • 9.31x higher BF16 performance
    This graphics card has a higher BF16 performance than the average graphics card (330.3 TFLOPS vs 35.48 TFLOPS). The average graphics card has BF16 performance of 35.48 TFLOPS.
    330.3 TFLOPS vs 35.48 TFLOPS
  • 12,032 more FP32 units
    This graphics card has more FP32 units than the average graphics card (16,384 vs 4,352). The average graphics card has 4,352 FP32 units.
    16,384 vs 4,352
  • 2.75x higher FP64 performance
    This graphics card has a higher FP64 performance than the average graphics card (1.3 TFLOPS vs 0.48 TFLOPS). The average graphics card has FP64 performance of 0.48 TFLOPS.
    1.32 TFLOPS vs 0.48 TFLOPS
  • 2.18x higher compute score
    This graphics card has a higher compute score than the average graphics card (26,333 points vs 12,70.5 points). The average graphics card has a compute score of 12,070.5 points.
    26,333 points vs 12,070.5 points
  • 2.87x higher FP16 performance
    This graphics card has a higher FP16 performance than the average graphics card (84.5 TFLOPS vs 29.5 TFLOPS). The average graphics card has FP16 performance of 29.5 TFLOPS.
    84.54 TFLOPS vs 29.5 TFLOPS
  • 2.25x higher memory bandwidth
    This graphics card has a higher memory bandwidth than the average graphics card (1,008 GB/s vs 448 GB/s). The average graphics card has a memory bandwidth of 448 GB/s.
    1,008 GB/s vs 448 GB/s
  • 12 GB more VRAM
    This graphics card has more VRAM than the average graphics card (24 GB vs 12 GB). The average graphics card has 12 GB VRAM.
    24 GB vs 12 GB
  • 192 bit wider memory bus
    This graphics card has a wider memory bus than the average graphics card (384 bit vs 192 bit). The average graphics card has a memory bus width of 192 bit.
    384 bit vs 192 bit
  • Supports ECC memory
    This graphics card supports ECC memory, the average graphics card does not.
  • 3x larger L2 cache
    This graphics card has more L2 cache than the average graphics card (72 MB vs 24 MB). The average graphics card has 24 MB L2 cache.
    72 MB vs 24 MB
  • 10.5% faster memory speed
    This graphics card has a higher effective memory speed than the average graphics card (21,000 MHz vs 19,000 MHz). The average graphics card reaches an effective memory speed of 19,000 MHz.
    21,000 MHz vs 19,000 MHz
  • 20% smaller process node
    This graphics card uses a smaller manufacturing process than the average graphics card (4 nm vs 5 nm). The average graphics card uses a manufacturing process of 5 nm.
    4 nm vs 5 nm
  • 3.33x more transistors
    This graphics card has more transistors than the average graphics card (76,300 million vs 22,900 million). The average graphics card has 22,900 million transistors.
    76,300 million vs 22,900 million
  • 6 °C higher thermal ceiling
    This graphics card has a higher thermal ceiling than the average graphics card (89 °C vs 95 °C). The average graphics card has a thermal ceiling of 95 °C.
    89 °C vs 95 °C
  • 7 °C lower load temperature
    This graphics card has a lower load temperature than the average graphics card (60 °C vs 67 °C). The average graphics card has a load temperature of 67 °C.
    60 °C vs 67 °C
  • 2.09x higher TDP
    This graphics card has a higher TDP than the average graphics card (450 W vs 215 W). The average graphics card has a TDP of 215 W.
    450 W vs 215 W
  • Less advanced frame generation
    This graphics card has less advanced frame generation than the average graphics card (frame generation vs multi frame generation).
    frame generation vs multi frame generation
  • 79.8 mm longer card length
    This graphics card is longer than the average graphics card (362 mm vs 282.2 mm). The average graphics card has a length of 282.2 mm.
    362 mm vs 282.2 mm
  • 30 mm higher card profile
    This graphics card is taller than the average graphics card (155 mm vs 125 mm). The average graphics card has a height of 125 mm.
    155 mm vs 125 mm
  • 30.8% higher PSU requirement
    This graphics card has a higher PSU requirement than the average graphics card (850 W vs 650 W). The average graphics card has a PSU requirement of 650 W.
    850 W vs 650 W
  • 1 slot/s wider design
    This graphics card occupies more slots than the average graphics card (3.5 slot/s vs 2.5 slot/s). The average graphics card occupies 2.5 slot/s.
    3.5 slot/s vs 2.5 slot/s
  • 2.05x higher board power limit
    This graphics card has a higher board power limit than the average graphics card (450 W vs 220 W). The average graphics card has a board power limit of 220 W.
    450 W vs 220 W
  • 25% slower VRAM clock
    This graphics card has a lower VRAM clock than the average graphics card (1,313 MHz vs 1,750 MHz). The average graphics card runs its VRAM at 1,750 MHz.
    1,313 MHz vs 1,750 MHz
  • 3.9x more expensive
    Gainward GeForce RTX 4090 Glare OC is more expensive than the average graphics card (£2,030 vs £520).
    £2,030 vs £520
  • 21.5% worse value for money
    Gainward GeForce RTX 4090 Glare OC has worse value for money than the average graphics card (6.1 vs 7.4).
    6.1 vs 7.41
  • 1 years older
    This graphics card was released earlier than the average graphics card (2022 vs 2023).
    October 2022
    2022 vs 2023
  • 25% slower VRAM clock
    This graphics card has a lower VRAM clock than the average graphics card (1,313 MHz vs 1,750 MHz). The average graphics card runs its VRAM at 1,750 MHz.
    1,313 MHz vs 1,750 MHz
  • Less advanced frame generation
    This graphics card has less advanced frame generation than the average graphics card (frame generation vs multi frame generation).
    frame generation vs multi frame generation
  • 2.07x larger GPU die
    This graphics card has a higher GPU die size than the average graphics card (608 mm² vs 294 mm²). The average graphics card has a GPU die size of 294 mm².
    608 mm² vs 294 mm²
  • Older HDMI version
    This graphics card supports an older HDMI version than the average graphics card (2.1 vs 2.1a).
    2.1 vs 2.1a
  • Older NVDEC generation
    This graphics card has a lower NVDEC generation than the average graphics card (5 vs 6). The average graphics card offers NVDEC generation 6.
    5 vs 6
  • 2.09x higher TDP
    This graphics card has a higher TDP than the average graphics card (450 W vs 215 W). The average graphics card has a TDP of 215 W.
    450 W vs 215 W
  • 30.8% higher PSU requirement
    This graphics card has a higher PSU requirement than the average graphics card (850 W vs 650 W). The average graphics card has a PSU requirement of 650 W.
    850 W vs 650 W
  • 2.05x higher board power limit
    This graphics card has a higher board power limit than the average graphics card (450 W vs 220 W). The average graphics card has a board power limit of 220 W.
    450 W vs 220 W
  • 2.05x higher peak power draw
    This graphics card has a higher peak power draw than the average graphics card (450 W vs 220 W). The average graphics card has a peak power draw of 220 W.
    450 W vs 220 W
  • 66.7% higher idle power draw
    This graphics card has a higher idle power draw than the average graphics card (20 W vs 12 W). The average graphics card has an idle power draw of 12 W.
    20 W vs 12 W
  • 79.8 mm longer card length
    This graphics card is longer than the average graphics card (362 mm vs 282.2 mm). The average graphics card has a length of 282.2 mm.
    362 mm vs 282.2 mm
  • 30 mm higher card profile
    This graphics card is taller than the average graphics card (155 mm vs 125 mm). The average graphics card has a height of 125 mm.
    155 mm vs 125 mm
  • 1 slot/s wider design
    This graphics card occupies more slots than the average graphics card (3.5 slot/s vs 2.5 slot/s). The average graphics card occupies 2.5 slot/s.
    3.5 slot/s vs 2.5 slot/s

Third-party reviews

What customers like about Gainward GeForce RTX 4090 Glare OC

  • Incredible 4K performance, often maintaining over 100fps in modern AAA titles with max settings.
  • Quiet and cool operation, with many users reporting temperatures remaining under 65°C even during heavy gaming.
  • Excellent thermal design featuring a vapor chamber and 'Cyclone Fans' that keep noise levels low (around 34-35 dBa in quiet mode).
  • Strong overclocking potential, with some users reporting clock speeds hitting up to 3000MHz.
  • Includes a dual BIOS switch (Performance and Quiet modes) for flexible system tuning.
  • Surprisingly lightweight compared to other bulky aftermarket RTX 4090 models, reducing potential strain on the motherboard.

What customers don't like about Gainward GeForce RTX 4090 Glare OC

  • Extremely high price point, often considered 'overkill' for anyone not gaming at 4K or high-resolution ultrawide.
  • Massive physical dimensions (approx. 33cm in length and 3.5 slots thick) that may require a case upgrade.
  • High power consumption, requiring at least an 850W PSU, with recommendations for 1000W+ to handle transient spikes.
  • The standard version (non-GS) is sometimes limited to a 450W power limit due to a 3-pin adapter, unlike higher-end variants.
  • Occasional reports of fan whining or rattling noise when fans ramp up or down between specific speed percentages (e.g., 70-80%).
  • Underwhelming aesthetic for some users, specifically the lack of RGB on the backplate or simple packaging.

Verdict

The Gainward GeForce RTX 4090 Glare OC is a high-performance graphics card built on the NVIDIA Ada Lovelace architecture, featuring 16,384 CUDA cores and 24 GB of GDDR6X VRAM with a 384-bit memory interface. This factory-overclocked model reaches a boost clock of 2,580 MHz and offers an effective memory speed of 21 Gbps, delivering roughly 1 TB/s of bandwidth and 84.54 TFLOPS of raw processing power. Its primary strengths include exceptional 4K and 8K gaming performance, advanced DLSS 3 support with Frame Generation, and 3rd-gen Ray Tracing cores for superior lighting fidelity. However, the card is notably massive, requiring significant space in a PC case, and its high power consumption (450W TDP) demands a robust power supply, often exceeding a recommended 850W minimum.

Compare Gainward GeForce RTX 4090 Glare OC with other products in the Graphics cards category

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Graphic comparison of Gainward GeForce RTX 4090 Glare OC and other products in the Graphics cards category

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