Scored using Graphics cards Methodology v1.0
Graphics cards Methodology v1.0
Mathematical & Unbiased Scoring
Products in this category are scored under Frontum Graphics cards Methodology v1.0: technical specifications plus authentic consumer ratings, with 0% commercial bias.
Explore Graphics cards Methodology v1.0

GALAX GeForce RTX 4090 Hydro Review | 118 Data compared

Avg. price:~£2,020VRAM:24 GBMemory bus width:384 bitThermal Design Power (TDP):450 W

GALAX GeForce RTX 4090 Hydro Review: Compare 118 technical specifications and user reviews to see how this product ranks in the Graphics cards category and whether it is worth buying.

9.3/10

Overall score

Score
9.3/ 10
✕
What it is
An overall evaluation of the graphics card's quality, based on technical analyses and user reviews.
When it matters
When you need a quick reference to identify the best graphics cards on the market.
Score distribution
▼
<55-66-77-88-99-10
Score components

90%

9.3

Technical score

10%

?

User score

★Better than 97% of graphics cards
6.8

Value for money

Value for money
6.8/ 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%

9.3

Overall score

30%

1.0

Price

▼Worse than 68%
9.3

Technical score

Technical score
9.3/ 10
✕
What it is
An assessment of technical performance for products in the Graphics cards category across these key areas: Performance, Memory, Platform & Features, Connectivity & Media, Power & Cooling, Design.
When it matters
When you want to compare graphics cards based on technical performance and available features.
Score distribution
▼
<55-66-77-88-99-10
Score components

44%

9.9

Performance

24%

9.3

Memory

12%

7.1

Power & Cooling

11%

9.8

Platform & Features

5%

8.4

Design

4%

9.5

Connectivity & Media

★Better than 96%
?

User score

User score
8.0/ 10
✕
What it is
A rating that combines user reviews and the total number of reviews received by the graphics card.
When it matters
When you want to understand how a graphics card performs in real use and how reliable it is in terms of performance, temperatures, noise, stability, and long-term ownership.
Score distribution
▼
<55-66-77-88-99-10
Score components

70%

?

User ratings

30%

?

Number of reviews

  • No image
No image
Best prices
    N/A~ £2,020
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Technical Specifications of graphics card GALAX GeForce RTX 4090 Hydro

Technical score
Technical score
9.3/ 10
✕
What it is
An assessment of technical performance for products in the Graphics cards category across these key areas: Performance, Memory, Platform & Features, Connectivity & Media, Power & Cooling, Design.
When it matters
When you want to compare graphics cards based on technical performance and available features.
Score distribution
▼
<55-66-77-88-99-10
Score components:

44%

9.9

Performance

24%

9.3

Memory

12%

7.1

Power & Cooling

11%

9.8

Platform & Features

5%

8.4

Design

4%

9.5

Connectivity & Media

9.3
User score
User score
8.0/ 10
✕
What it is
A rating that combines user reviews and the total number of reviews received by the graphics card.
When it matters
When you want to understand how a graphics card performs in real use and how reliable it is in terms of performance, temperatures, noise, stability, and long-term ownership.
Score distribution
▼
<55-66-77-88-99-10
Score components

70%

?

User ratings

30%

?

Number of reviews

?
Popularity
Popularity
1.0/ 10
✕
What it is
An indicator based on the number of reviews received by the graphics card.
When it matters
When you prefer a graphics card that has already been chosen and reviewed by many other users.
Score distribution
▼
<55-66-77-88-99-10
Popularity:
GALAX GeForce RTX 4090 Hydro has a popularity score of 1 point, which is lower than that of 57.7% of products in this category.
1.0
Value for money
Value for money
6.8/ 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%

9.3

Overall score

30%

1.0

Price

6.8
3DMark Time Spy benchmark score
40,000 points
This graphics card scores 40,000 points in 3DMark Time Spy, which is higher than 97.7% of graphics cards and equal to 0.1% of graphics cards.
3DMark Port Royal score
25,800 points
This graphics card scores 25,800 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 94.6% 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 88.2% of graphics cards and equal to 2.9% of graphics cards.
Floating-point performance
84.55 TFLOPS
This graphics card delivers 84.55 TFLOPS floating-point performance, which is higher than that of 95.8% of graphics cards and equal to that of 0.1% of graphics cards.
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VRAM
24 GB
This graphics card has 24 GB of VRAM, which is more than 91.1% of graphics cards and equal to 5.6% of graphics cards.
Memory type
GDDR6X
GDDR version
GDDR6X
This graphics card uses GDDR6X memory, which is newer than on 56.7% of graphics cards and equal to 22.7% of graphics cards.
Memory bus width
384 bit
This graphics card uses a 384 bit memory bus, which is wider than that of 89.3% of graphics cards and equal to that of 7.3% 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 93.8% of graphics cards and equal to that of 3% of graphics cards.
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PCI Express (PCIe) version
4
This graphics card supports PCIe 4, which is newer than on 22.3% of graphics cards and equal to 52.1% of graphics cards.
PCIe lanes
x16
This graphics card uses x16 PCIe lanes, which is more than 23.4% of graphics cards and equal to 76.6% of graphics cards.
DirectX version
12 Ultimate
This graphics card supports DirectX 12 Ultimate, which is more advanced than on 22.6% of graphics cards and equal to 77.4% of graphics cards.
Vulkan version
1.4
This graphics card supports Vulkan 1.4, which is more advanced than on 20.7% of graphics cards and equal to 79.3% of graphics cards.
OpenGL version
4.6
This graphics card supports OpenGL 4.6, which is more advanced than on 1.9% of graphics cards and equal to 98.1% of graphics cards.
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Max displays supported
4
This graphics card supports up to 4 displays, which is more than 8.3% of graphics cards and equal to 88.9% of graphics cards.
Max digital resolution
7680x4320
This graphics card supports a maximum digital resolution of 7680x4320, which is higher than that of 9% of graphics cards and equal to that of 91% of graphics cards.
DisplayPort outputs
3
This graphics card offers 3 DisplayPort outputs, which is more than 21% of graphics cards and equal to 76.8% of graphics cards.
DisplayPort version
1.4a
This graphics card supports DisplayPort 1.4a, which is more advanced than on 19.5% of graphics cards and equal to 47.1% 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 57.6% of graphics cards and equal to 21.5% of graphics cards.
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Thermal Design Power (TDP)
450 W
This graphics card has a TDP of 450 W, which is higher than that of 94.1% of graphics cards and equal to that of 3.1% of graphics cards.
Power consumption while under peak load
450 W
This graphics card draws 450 W under peak load, which is higher than 93.4% of graphics cards and equal to 2.4% of graphics cards.
Recommended PSU wattage
850 W
This graphics card recommends a 850 W PSU, which is higher than that of 83.1% of graphics cards and equal to that of 12.2% 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 92.2% of graphics cards and equal to that of 2.7% of graphics cards.
PCIe power spec
450 W
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Size
216x 150x 41.5 mm
This graphics card measures 216x150x 41.5 mm, which is more compact than 77.6% of graphics cards.
Length
216 mm
This graphics card is 216 mm long, which is shorter than 86.3% of graphics cards.
Height
150 mm
This graphics card is 150 mm tall, which is taller than 93.8% of graphics cards and equal in height to 2.2% of graphics cards.
Slot width
2 slot/s
This graphics card occupies 2 slot/s, which is slimmer than 53.4% of graphics cards and equal in width to 42.5% of graphics cards.
Weight
?
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GALAX GeForce RTX 4090 Hydro vs the average graphics card

246810TotalPerformanceMemoryPlatform & FeaturesConnectivity & MediaPower & CoolingDesign
  • 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 (1008 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
  • 3.47x higher texture rate
    This graphics card has a higher texture rate than the average graphics card (1321 GTexel/s vs 381.2 GTexel/s). The average graphics card has a texture rate of 381.2 GTexel/s.
    1,321 GTexel/s vs 381.2 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
  • 2.78x higher pixel rate
    This graphics card has a higher pixel rate than the average graphics card (454.1 GPixel/s vs 163.2 GPixel/s). The average graphics card has a pixel rate of 163.2 GPixel/s.
    454.1 GPixel/s vs 163.2 GPixel/s
  • 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
  • 3.47x higher texture rate
    This graphics card has a higher texture rate than the average graphics card (1321 GTexel/s vs 381.2 GTexel/s). The average graphics card has a texture rate of 381.2 GTexel/s.
    1,321 GTexel/s vs 381.2 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
  • 2.78x higher pixel rate
    This graphics card has a higher pixel rate than the average graphics card (454.1 GPixel/s vs 163.2 GPixel/s). The average graphics card has a pixel rate of 163.2 GPixel/s.
    454.1 GPixel/s vs 163.2 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
  • 3.75x higher FP32 performance
    This graphics card has a higher FP32 performance than the average graphics card (84.5 TFLOPS vs 22.57 TFLOPS). The average graphics card has FP32 performance of 22.57 TFLOPS.
    84.54 TFLOPS vs 22.57 TFLOPS
  • 3% higher boost clock speed
    This graphics card has a higher boost GPU clock than the average graphics card (2580 MHz vs 2505 MHz). The average graphics card has a boost GPU clock of 2505 MHz.
    2,580 MHz vs 2,505 MHz
  • 2.73x higher gaming score
    This graphics card has a higher gaming score than the average graphics card (40000 points vs 14678.5 points). The average graphics card has a gaming score of 14678.5 points.
    40,000 points vs 14,678.5 points
  • 2.81x higher ray tracing score
    This graphics card has a higher ray tracing score than the average graphics card (25800 points vs 9166 points). The average graphics card has a ray tracing score of 9166 points.
    25,800 points vs 9,166 points
  • 16.4% higher base clock speed
    This graphics card has a higher base GPU clock than the average graphics card (2235 MHz vs 1920 MHz). The average graphics card has a base GPU clock of 1920 MHz.
    2,235 MHz vs 1,920 MHz
  • 69.6% higher PassMark score
    This graphics card has a higher PassMark score than the average graphics card (38430 points vs 22653 points). The average graphics card has a PassMark score of 22653 points.
    38,430 points vs 22,653 points
  • 5.56x higher FP16 performance
    This graphics card has a higher FP16 performance than the average graphics card (165.2 TFLOPS vs 29.7 TFLOPS). The average graphics card has FP16 performance of 29.725 TFLOPS.
    165.2 TFLOPS vs 29.725 TFLOPS
  • 5.46x higher INT8 performance
    This graphics card has a higher INT8 performance than the average graphics card (1321.2 TOPS vs 242 TOPS). The average graphics card has INT8 performance of 242 TOPS.
    1,321.2 TOPS vs 242 TOPS
  • 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
  • 2.69x 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.
    1.29 TFLOPS vs 0.48 TFLOPS
  • 4.65x higher BF16 performance
    This graphics card has a higher BF16 performance than the average graphics card (165.2 TFLOPS vs 35.5 TFLOPS). The average graphics card has BF16 performance of 35.5 TFLOPS.
    165.2 TFLOPS vs 35.5 TFLOPS
  • 3.68x higher compute throughput
    This graphics card has a higher compute throughput than the average graphics card (84.6 TFLOPS vs 22.98 TFLOPS). The average graphics card has compute throughput of 22.98 TFLOPS.
    84.55 TFLOPS vs 22.98 TFLOPS
  • 2.18x higher compute score
    This graphics card has a higher compute score than the average graphics card (26333 points vs 12074 points). The average graphics card has a compute score of 12074 points.
    26,333 points vs 12,074 points
  • 2.25x higher memory bandwidth
    This graphics card has a higher memory bandwidth than the average graphics card (1008 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
  • 128 bit wider memory bus
    This graphics card has a wider memory bus than the average graphics card (384 bit vs 256 bit). The average graphics card has a memory bus width of 256 bit.
    384 bit vs 256 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
  • 18x more Infinity Cache
    This graphics card has more Infinity Cache than the average graphics card (72 MB vs 4 MB). The average graphics card has 4 MB Infinity Cache.
    72 MB vs 4 MB
  • 10.5% faster memory speed
    This graphics card has a higher effective memory speed than the average graphics card (21000 MHz vs 19000 MHz). The average graphics card reaches an effective memory speed of 19000 MHz.
    21,000 MHz vs 19,000 MHz
  • 3.33x more transistors
    This graphics card has more transistors than the average graphics card (76300 million vs 22900 million). The average graphics card has 22900 million transistors.
    76,300 million vs 22,900 million
  • 37 °C lower load temperature
    This graphics card has a lower load temperature than the average graphics card (30 °C vs 67 °C). The average graphics card has a load temperature of 67 °C.
    30 °C vs 67 °C
  • 11 °C lower idle temperature
    This graphics card has a lower idle temperature than the average graphics card (26 °C vs 37 °C). The average graphics card has an idle temperature of 37 °C.
    26 °C vs 37 °C
  • 69 mm shorter card length
    This graphics card is shorter than the average graphics card (216 mm vs 285 mm). The average graphics card has a length of 285 mm.
    216 mm vs 285 mm
  • 0.5 slot/s slimmer design
    This graphics card occupies fewer slots than the average graphics card (2 slot/s vs 2.5 slot/s). The average graphics card occupies 2.5 slot/s.
    2 slot/s vs 2.5 slot/s
  • More compact card size
    This graphics card is more compact than the average graphics card (216x150 x 41.5 mm vs 285x127 x 52 mm). The average graphics card has a size of 285x127 x 52 mm.
    216x150 x 41.5 mm vs 285x127 x 52 mm
  • 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
  • 25 mm higher card profile
    This graphics card is taller than the average graphics card (150 mm vs 125 mm). The average graphics card has a height of 125 mm.
    150 mm vs 125 mm
  • 2x higher board power limit
    This graphics card has a higher board power limit than the average graphics card (450 W vs 225 W). The average graphics card has a board power limit of 225 W.
    450 W vs 225 W
  • 25% slower VRAM clock
    This graphics card has a lower VRAM clock than the average graphics card (1313 MHz vs 1750 MHz). The average graphics card runs its VRAM at 1750 MHz.
    1,313 MHz vs 1,750 MHz
  • 3.81x more expensive
    GALAX GeForce RTX 4090 Hydro is more expensive than the average graphics card (£2,020 vs £530).
    £2,020 vs £530
  • 4.22x less popular
    GALAX GeForce RTX 4090 Hydro is less popular than the average graphics card (1 vs 4.2).
    1 vs 4.22
  • 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
  • 3.81x more expensive
    GALAX GeForce RTX 4090 Hydro is more expensive than the average graphics card (£2,020 vs £530).
    £2,020 vs £530
  • 4.22x less popular
    GALAX GeForce RTX 4090 Hydro is less popular than the average graphics card (1 vs 4.2).
    1 vs 4.22
  • 5.4% worse value for money
    GALAX GeForce RTX 4090 Hydro has worse value for money than the average graphics card (6.83 vs 7.2).
    6.83 vs 7.2
  • 25% slower VRAM clock
    This graphics card has a lower VRAM clock than the average graphics card (1313 MHz vs 1750 MHz). The average graphics card runs its VRAM at 1750 MHz.
    1,313 MHz vs 1,750 MHz
  • 2.06x larger GPU die
    This graphics card has a higher GPU die size than the average graphics card (609 mm² vs 295 mm²). The average graphics card has a GPU die size of 295 mm².
    609 mm² vs 295 mm²
  • Older FSR version
    This graphics card supports an older FSR version than the average graphics card (1 vs 3.1).
    1.0 vs 3.1
  • Narrower decode codec support
    This graphics card supports narrower hardware decode codec support than the average graphics card (H.264/H.265/AV1/VP9 vs H.264/H.265/AV1/VP9/MPEG-2/VC-1).
    H.264/H.265/AV1/VP9 vs H.264/H.265/AV1/VP9/MPEG-2/VC-1
  • 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
  • 2x higher board power limit
    This graphics card has a higher board power limit than the average graphics card (450 W vs 225 W). The average graphics card has a board power limit of 225 W.
    450 W vs 225 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
  • 5 °C lower thermal ceiling
    This graphics card has a lower thermal ceiling than the average graphics card (100 °C vs 95 °C). The average graphics card has a thermal ceiling of 95 °C.
    100 °C vs 95 °C
  • 25 mm higher card profile
    This graphics card is taller than the average graphics card (150 mm vs 125 mm). The average graphics card has a height of 125 mm.
    150 mm vs 125 mm

Video reviews

Hands-on testing, unboxing, and real-world video evaluations

Third-party reviews

What we like about GALAX GeForce RTX 4090 Hydro

  • Unmatched performance for 4K and 8K gaming, often delivering triple-digit frame rates in demanding AAA titles.
  • Excellent cooling efficiency due to the integrated liquid cooling system, keeping temperatures as low as 60°C or below even under heavy load.
  • Substantial reduction in noise compared to air-cooled models, with fans remaining nearly inaudible during many tasks.
  • A major boon for content creators, significantly reducing render times for 3D and video work in apps like Blender and Premiere Pro.
  • Future-proofing provided by 24GB of GDDR6X VRAM and support for advanced features like DLSS 3 and Frame Generation.

What we don't like about GALAX GeForce RTX 4090 Hydro

  • Extremely high price point, often exceeding $2,000, making it a difficult purchase to justify for average gamers.
  • Massive physical dimensions (15 inches wide) that may require a new, larger PC case for many builds.
  • Significant power requirements, necessitating at least an 850W power supply and potentially newer PCIe 5.0 cables.
  • Performance is so extreme that it can be bottlenecked by even high-end CPUs at resolutions lower than 4K.
  • Custom PCB design can make it difficult to find aftermarket water blocks for those looking to integrate it into a custom loop.

Verdict

The Galax GeForce RTX 4090 Hydro is a high-performance graphics card built on the Ada Lovelace architecture, featuring 16,384 CUDA cores and 24 GB of GDDR6X memory on a 384-bit bus. It distinguishes itself with an integrated 360mm AIO liquid cooling system, a triple 120mm fan setup, and a boost clock of 2,580 MHz, ensuring exceptional thermal management and stability during intensive 4K and 8K gaming. Key advantages include its compact dual-slot card design, which saves space within the chassis, and its superior cooling that maintains significantly lower temperatures compared to standard air-cooled models. However, potential drawbacks include the card's very high power requirements of 450W, the substantial space needed to mount the external 360mm radiator, and a boost clock that is slightly lower than some rival flagship AIO liquid-cooled models.

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