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GIGABYTE AORUS GeForce RTX 5090 Xtreme Waterforce Review | 118 Data compared

Avg. price in UK: ~£3,310
Avg. price in US: ~$2,600
VRAM: 32 GB
Memory bus width: 512 bit
Thermal Design Power (TDP): 575 W

GIGABYTE AORUS GeForce RTX 5090 Xtreme Waterforce review. Compare 118 technical specifications and user reviews to see how it ranks among graphics cards and if it is worth buying.

8.9

Excellent

9.1

Exceptional

6.6

Good

9.1
Gaming
Score components:
45.0%
?
Floating-point performance
25.0%
10
VRAM
20.0%
10
Ray tracing cores / units
10.0%
10
PCI Express (PCIe) version
9.6
Video editing
Score components:
35.0%
10
AV1 encode
30.0%
10
VRAM
20.0%
?
Floating-point performance
15.0%
10
PCI Express (PCIe) version
8.9
1080p
Score components:
55.0%
?
Floating-point performance
25.0%
10
VRAM
10.0%
10
Ray tracing cores / units
10.0%
10
PCI Express (PCIe) version
9.0
1440p
Score components:
50.0%
?
Floating-point performance
30.0%
10
VRAM
15.0%
10
Ray tracing cores / units
5.0%
10
PCI Express (PCIe) version
9.2
4K
Score components:
40.0%
?
Floating-point performance
35.0%
10
VRAM
20.0%
10
Ray tracing cores / units
5.0%
10
PCI Express (PCIe) version

Best prices in UK

Best rankings

#3 in Best GIGABYTE Graphic Cards
#7 in Best NVIDIA RTX 5090 Graphic Cards
#9 in Best Graphic Cards
#9 in Best Graphic Cards With PCIe 5.0
#9 in Best NVIDIA RTX Graphic Cards
#209 in Best Graphic Cards For Video Editing

Verdict

The Gigabyte Aorus GeForce RTX 5090 Xtreme Waterforce is a powerhouse built on the NVIDIA Blackwell architecture, featuring 21,760 CUDA cores and a massive 32GB of high-speed GDDR7 memory on a 512-bit bus. It boasts an aggressive factory overclock with a 2655 MHz boost clock and a 28 Gbps memory speed, supported by an integrated Waterforce all-in-one cooling system that utilizes a 360mm radiator with triple 120mm ARGB fans and liquid metal thermal grease for the GPU. Main advantages include its industry-leading AI and ray-tracing performance, a relatively compact card size for its class due to the liquid cooling, and whisper-quiet operation even under heavy gaming loads. However, some users have noted potential drawbacks such as severe coil whine under load, a higher price point compared to air-cooled models, and a non-detachable fan wiring system that can complicate custom cable management.

Technical Specifications of GIGABYTE AORUS GeForce RTX 5090 Xtreme Waterforce

Overall score

8.9

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Popularity

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.

Performance

9.6

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3DMark Time Spy benchmark score

What it is: Benchmark result from 3DMark Time Spy, a synthetic DirectX 12 test often used as a quick gaming-performance reference.

When it matters: When you need a fast rough performance sort before digging into game-specific reviews and frame-rate data.

Importance: LOW

?

3DMark Port Royal score

What it is: Benchmark result from 3DMark Port Royal, a synthetic test focused on ray tracing performance.

When it matters: When ray tracing matters in the games you actually play and you want one quick way to separate stronger and weaker RT cards.

Importance: LOW

?

PassMark (G3D) result

What it is: Overall GPU performance score in PassMark G3D benchmark

When it matters: When you need one broad score to sort cards into rough performance tiers.

Importance: LOW

?

PassMark (DirectCompute) result

What it is: PassMark score for DirectCompute performance tests

When it matters: When compute workloads matter alongside gaming performance.

Importance: LOW

?

Floating-point performance

What it is: Theoretical floating-point compute performance of the GPU.

When it matters: When rendering, AI, or heavy compute work needs strong single-precision throughput.

Importance: LOW

?

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Memory

9.5

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VRAM

What it is: Total video memory available on the graphics card

When it matters: When you play at high settings, use texture mods, or work with large creative projects.

Importance: HIGH

Memory type

What it is: Type of graphics memory used (GDDR6, HBM2e, etc.)

When it matters: When memory technology is part of the buying decision because it affects bandwidth class, power use, and product positioning.

Importance: LOW

GDDR7

GDDR version

What it is: Generation of GDDR memory used by the graphics card.

When it matters: When you want to separate older memory generations from newer ones before comparing bandwidth, power behavior, and market tier.

Importance: LOW

Memory bus width

What it is: Width of the memory interface bus in bits

When it matters: When you care about steadier performance at higher resolutions, heavier texture settings, or ray-traced workloads that stress memory traffic.

Importance: HIGH

Maximum memory bandwidth

What it is: Maximum data transfer rate between GPU and its memory

When it matters: When 4K gaming, ray tracing, or creator work can choke a slower memory subsystem.

Importance: HIGH

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Platform & Features

9.9

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PCI Express (PCIe) version

What it is: Version of PCI Express interface supported

When it matters: When you are pairing the card with an older motherboard and want to avoid leaving bandwidth or future compatibility on the table.

Importance: LOW

PCIe lanes

What it is: Number of PCI Express lanes used for communication

When it matters: When limited lane width could bottleneck the card in some systems.

Importance: LOW

DirectX version

What it is: Highest supported DirectX API version

When it matters: When you play newer Windows games that depend on the latest graphics features.

Importance: LOW

?

Vulkan version

What it is: Highest supported Vulkan API version

When it matters: When modern games, emulators, or creative apps lean on Vulkan support.

Importance: LOW

OpenGL version

What it is: Highest supported OpenGL API version

When it matters: When older games or pro apps still depend on OpenGL compatibility.

Importance: LOW

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Connectivity & Media

9.7

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Max displays supported

What it is: Total number of external displays supported simultaneously

When it matters: When you run a multi-monitor desk for sim racing, trading, or editing.

Importance: LOW

Max digital resolution

What it is: Maximum supported digital display resolution

When it matters: When you plan to drive 4K or 8K panels at their native resolution.

Importance: LOW

?

DisplayPort outputs

What it is: Number of DisplayPort video outputs

When it matters: When your setup needs several high-refresh monitors without adapters.

Importance: LOW

DisplayPort version

What it is: Version of DisplayPort standard supported

When it matters: When your monitor setup depends on newer DisplayPort features for higher refresh rates, higher resolution, or better cable flexibility.

Importance: LOW

DisplayPort link rates

What it is: Supported data link rates for DisplayPort connections

When it matters: When you are pushing high resolution and refresh rate over DisplayPort.

Importance: LOW

?

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Power & Cooling

6.0

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Thermal Design Power (TDP)

What it is: Typical power consumption under full load (TDP)

When it matters: When you need a realistic idea of power draw before choosing a PSU or case.

Importance: MEDIUM

Power consumption while under peak load

What it is: Peak power draw of the graphics card under maximum load.

When it matters: When transient-heavy gaming loads could stress your power supply.

Importance: LOW

Recommended PSU wattage

What it is: Recommended wattage of the system power supply

When it matters: When you are checking whether your current power supply is enough.

Importance: LOW

Board power limit

What it is: Maximum configurable power limit for the GPU board

When it matters: When you care about how far the card can be pushed through tuning or factory power settings.

Importance: LOW

PCIe power spec

What it is: PCIe power delivery specification followed

When it matters: When you are checking whether the slot and external cables match the card's intended power-delivery standard.

Importance: LOW

?

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Design

8.1

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Size

What it is: Physical size of the GPU card

When it matters: When you need the card to fit a compact case without blocking nearby hardware.

Importance: LOW

?

Length

What it is: Physical length of the GPU card

When it matters: When front radiators or drive cages leave only limited GPU clearance.

Importance: LOW

Height

What it is: Physical height of the GPU card

When it matters: When side panels, brackets, or tight case layouts reduce vertical clearance.

Importance: LOW

Slot width

What it is: Number of PCIe slots occupied by the card

When it matters: When you need room for another PCIe card or better airflow under the GPU.

Importance: LOW

Weight

What it is: Total weight of the graphics card

When it matters: When sag, bracket support, or shipping stress matters in your build.

Importance: LOW

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GIGABYTE AORUS GeForce RTX 5090 Xtreme Waterforce vs the average graphics card

Why is GIGABYTE AORUS GeForce RTX 5090 Xtreme Waterforce better than the average graphics card?

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130 more compute units
GIGABYTE AORUS GeForce RTX 5090 Xtreme Waterforce has more compute units than the average graphics card (170 vs 40). The average graphics card has 40 compute units.
What it is: Total number of shader multiprocessors or compute units
When it matters: When you want a better sense of the GPU's overall parallel hardware resources before relying on game benchmarks alone.
Importance: HIGH
GIGABYTE AORUS GeForce RTX 5090 Xtreme Waterforce has more compute units than the average graphics card (170 vs 40). The average graphics card has 40 compute units.170 vs 40
20 GB more VRAM
GIGABYTE AORUS GeForce RTX 5090 Xtreme Waterforce has more VRAM than the average graphics card (32 GB vs 12 GB). The average graphics card has 12 GB VRAM.
What it is: Total video memory available on the graphics card
When it matters: When you play at high settings, use texture mods, or work with large creative projects.
Importance: HIGH
GIGABYTE AORUS GeForce RTX 5090 Xtreme Waterforce has more VRAM than the average graphics card (32 GB vs 12 GB). The average graphics card has 12 GB VRAM.32 GB vs 12 GB
122 more ray tracing cores
GIGABYTE AORUS GeForce RTX 5090 Xtreme Waterforce has more ray tracing cores than the average graphics card (170 vs 48). The average graphics card has 48 ray tracing cores.
What it is: Number of dedicated ray tracing processing cores or units
When it matters: When you care about ray-traced lighting, reflections, and shadows in newer games.
Importance: HIGH
GIGABYTE AORUS GeForce RTX 5090 Xtreme Waterforce has more ray tracing cores than the average graphics card (170 vs 48). The average graphics card has 48 ray tracing cores.170 vs 48
4x higher memory bandwidth
GIGABYTE AORUS GeForce RTX 5090 Xtreme Waterforce has a higher memory bandwidth than the average graphics card (1,790 GB/s vs 448 GB/s). The average graphics card has a memory bandwidth of 448 GB/s.
What it is: Maximum data transfer rate between GPU and its memory
When it matters: When 4K gaming, ray tracing, or creator work can choke a slower memory subsystem.
Importance: HIGH
GIGABYTE AORUS GeForce RTX 5090 Xtreme Waterforce has a higher memory bandwidth than the average graphics card (1,790 GB/s vs 448 GB/s). The average graphics card has a memory bandwidth of 448 GB/s.1790 GB/s vs 448 GB/s
4.79x higher texture rate
GIGABYTE AORUS GeForce RTX 5090 Xtreme Waterforce has a higher texture rate than the average graphics card (1,805 GTexel/s vs 376.8 GTexel/s). The average graphics card has a texture rate of 376.8 GTexel/s.
What it is: Number of textured pixels the GPU can process per second
When it matters: When fast texture handling matters in high-refresh gaming workloads.
Importance: HIGH
GIGABYTE AORUS GeForce RTX 5090 Xtreme Waterforce has a higher texture rate than the average graphics card (1,805 GTexel/s vs 376.8 GTexel/s). The average graphics card has a texture rate of 376.8 GTexel/s.1805 GTexel/s vs 376.8 GTexel/s
6.2% higher boost clock speed
GIGABYTE AORUS GeForce RTX 5090 Xtreme Waterforce has a higher boost GPU clock than the average graphics card (2,655 MHz vs 2,500 MHz). The average graphics card has a boost GPU clock of 2,500 MHz.
What it is: Maximum boost frequency the GPU can reach under load
When it matters: When you want a rough idea of peak advertised frequency, while knowing real sustained clocks still depend on cooling and power limits.
Importance: HIGH
GIGABYTE AORUS GeForce RTX 5090 Xtreme Waterforce has a higher boost GPU clock than the average graphics card (2,655 MHz vs 2,500 MHz). The average graphics card has a boost GPU clock of 2,500 MHz.2655 MHz vs 2500 MHz
112 more ROPs
GIGABYTE AORUS GeForce RTX 5090 Xtreme Waterforce has more ROPs than the average graphics card (176 vs 64). The average graphics card has 64 ROPs.
What it is: Total number of render output units on the GPU
When it matters: When you want more context on pixel output capacity, especially for high-resolution play and older raster-heavy engines.
Importance: HIGH
GIGABYTE AORUS GeForce RTX 5090 Xtreme Waterforce has more ROPs than the average graphics card (176 vs 64). The average graphics card has 64 ROPs.176 vs 64
496 more TMUs
GIGABYTE AORUS GeForce RTX 5090 Xtreme Waterforce has more TMUs than the average graphics card (680 vs 184). The average graphics card has 184 TMUs.
What it is: Total count of texture mapping units on the GPU
When it matters: When texture-heavy gaming performance matters and you want extra hardware context behind texture-rate claims.
Importance: HIGH
GIGABYTE AORUS GeForce RTX 5090 Xtreme Waterforce has more TMUs than the average graphics card (680 vs 184). The average graphics card has 184 TMUs.680 vs 184
130 more compute units
GIGABYTE AORUS GeForce RTX 5090 Xtreme Waterforce has more compute units than the average graphics card (170 vs 40). The average graphics card has 40 compute units.
122 more ray tracing cores
GIGABYTE AORUS GeForce RTX 5090 Xtreme Waterforce has more ray tracing cores than the average graphics card (170 vs 48). The average graphics card has 48 ray tracing cores.
4.79x higher texture rate
GIGABYTE AORUS GeForce RTX 5090 Xtreme Waterforce has a higher texture rate than the average graphics card (1,805 GTexel/s vs 376.8 GTexel/s). The average graphics card has a texture rate of 376.8 GTexel/s.
6.2% higher boost clock speed
GIGABYTE AORUS GeForce RTX 5090 Xtreme Waterforce has a higher boost GPU clock than the average graphics card (2,655 MHz vs 2,500 MHz). The average graphics card has a boost GPU clock of 2,500 MHz.
496 more TMUs
GIGABYTE AORUS GeForce RTX 5090 Xtreme Waterforce has more TMUs than the average graphics card (680 vs 184). The average graphics card has 184 TMUs.
112 more ROPs
GIGABYTE AORUS GeForce RTX 5090 Xtreme Waterforce has more ROPs than the average graphics card (176 vs 64). The average graphics card has 64 ROPs.
2.83x higher pixel rate
GIGABYTE AORUS GeForce RTX 5090 Xtreme Waterforce has a higher pixel rate than the average graphics card (467.3 GPixel/s vs 165.2 GPixel/s). The average graphics card has a pixel rate of 165.2 GPixel/s.
488 more AI cores
GIGABYTE AORUS GeForce RTX 5090 Xtreme Waterforce has more AI cores than the average graphics card (680 vs 192). The average graphics card has 192 AI cores.
5.06x higher FP32 performance
GIGABYTE AORUS GeForce RTX 5090 Xtreme Waterforce has a higher FP32 performance than the average graphics card (115.6 TFLOPS vs 22.86 TFLOPS). The average graphics card has FP32 performance of 22.86 TFLOPS.
17,408 more FP32 units
GIGABYTE AORUS GeForce RTX 5090 Xtreme Waterforce has more FP32 units than the average graphics card (21,760 vs 4,352). The average graphics card has 4,352 FP32 units.
3.92x higher FP16 performance
GIGABYTE AORUS GeForce RTX 5090 Xtreme Waterforce has a higher FP16 performance than the average graphics card (115.5 TFLOPS vs 29.5 TFLOPS). The average graphics card has FP16 performance of 29.5 TFLOPS.
5.1% higher base clock speed
GIGABYTE AORUS GeForce RTX 5090 Xtreme Waterforce has a higher base GPU clock than the average graphics card (2,017 MHz vs 1,920 MHz). The average graphics card has a base GPU clock of 1,920 MHz.
20 GB more VRAM
GIGABYTE AORUS GeForce RTX 5090 Xtreme Waterforce has more VRAM than the average graphics card (32 GB vs 12 GB). The average graphics card has 12 GB VRAM.
4x higher memory bandwidth
GIGABYTE AORUS GeForce RTX 5090 Xtreme Waterforce has a higher memory bandwidth than the average graphics card (1,790 GB/s vs 448 GB/s). The average graphics card has a memory bandwidth of 448 GB/s.
47.4% faster memory speed
GIGABYTE AORUS GeForce RTX 5090 Xtreme Waterforce has a higher effective memory speed than the average graphics card (28,000 MHz vs 19,000 MHz). The average graphics card reaches an effective memory speed of 19,000 MHz.
256 bit wider memory bus
GIGABYTE AORUS GeForce RTX 5090 Xtreme Waterforce has a wider memory bus than the average graphics card (512 bit vs 256 bit). The average graphics card has a memory bus width of 256 bit.
3x larger L2 cache
GIGABYTE AORUS GeForce RTX 5090 Xtreme Waterforce has more L2 cache than the average graphics card (96 MB vs 32 MB). The average graphics card has 32 MB L2 cache.
Supports ECC memory
GIGABYTE AORUS GeForce RTX 5090 Xtreme Waterforce supports ECC memory, the average graphics card does not.
Newer GDDR version
GIGABYTE AORUS GeForce RTX 5090 Xtreme Waterforce uses a newer GDDR version than the average graphics card (GDDR7 vs GDDR6).
Newer PCIe version
GIGABYTE AORUS GeForce RTX 5090 Xtreme Waterforce supports a newer PCIe version than the average graphics card (5 vs 4.0).
2 newer
GIGABYTE AORUS GeForce RTX 5090 Xtreme Waterforce was released more recently than the average graphics card (2,025 vs 2,023).
4.21x more transistors
GIGABYTE AORUS GeForce RTX 5090 Xtreme Waterforce has more transistors than the average graphics card (92,200 million vs 21,900 million). The average graphics card has 21,900 million transistors.
Newer encoder generation
GIGABYTE AORUS GeForce RTX 5090 Xtreme Waterforce uses a newer encoder generation than the average graphics card (9 vs 8). The average graphics card uses encoder generation 8.
Newer HDMI version
GIGABYTE AORUS GeForce RTX 5090 Xtreme Waterforce supports a newer HDMI version than the average graphics card (2.1b vs 2.1).
Newer DisplayPort version
GIGABYTE AORUS GeForce RTX 5090 Xtreme Waterforce supports a newer DisplayPort version than the average graphics card (2.1a vs 1.4a).
Includes dual BIOS
GIGABYTE AORUS GeForce RTX 5090 Xtreme Waterforce includes dual BIOS, the average graphics card does not.
40.37 mm shorter card length
GIGABYTE AORUS GeForce RTX 5090 Xtreme Waterforce is shorter than the average graphics card (245 mm vs 285.37 mm). The average graphics card has a length of 285.37 mm.

Platform & Features

Connectivity & Media

Power & Cooling

Why is GIGABYTE AORUS GeForce RTX 5090 Xtreme Waterforce worse than the average graphics card?

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2.47x larger GPU die
GIGABYTE AORUS GeForce RTX 5090 Xtreme Waterforce has a higher GPU die size than the average graphics card (750 mm² vs 304.25 mm²). The average graphics card has a GPU die size of 304.25 mm².
2.67x higher TDP
GIGABYTE AORUS GeForce RTX 5090 Xtreme Waterforce has a higher TDP than the average graphics card (575 W vs 215 W). The average graphics card has a TDP of 215 W.
53.8% higher PSU requirement
GIGABYTE AORUS GeForce RTX 5090 Xtreme Waterforce has a higher PSU requirement than the average graphics card (1,000 W vs 650 W). The average graphics card has a PSU requirement of 650 W.
2.73x higher board power limit
GIGABYTE AORUS GeForce RTX 5090 Xtreme Waterforce has a higher board power limit than the average graphics card (600 W vs 220 W). The average graphics card has a board power limit of 220 W.
2.73x higher peak power draw
GIGABYTE AORUS GeForce RTX 5090 Xtreme Waterforce has a higher peak power draw than the average graphics card (600 W vs 220 W). The average graphics card has a peak power draw of 220 W.
19 mm higher card profile
GIGABYTE AORUS GeForce RTX 5090 Xtreme Waterforce is taller than the average graphics card (146 mm vs 127 mm). The average graphics card has a height of 127 mm.
3.01x heavier card weight
GIGABYTE AORUS GeForce RTX 5090 Xtreme Waterforce is heavier than the average graphics card (3,000 g vs 998 g). The average graphics card weighs 998 g.
2.67x higher TDP
GIGABYTE AORUS GeForce RTX 5090 Xtreme Waterforce has a higher TDP than the average graphics card (575 W vs 215 W). The average graphics card has a TDP of 215 W.
What it is: Typical power consumption under full load (TDP)
When it matters: When you need a realistic idea of power draw before choosing a PSU or case.
Importance: MEDIUM
GIGABYTE AORUS GeForce RTX 5090 Xtreme Waterforce has a higher TDP than the average graphics card (575 W vs 215 W). The average graphics card has a TDP of 215 W.575 W vs 215 W
53.8% higher PSU requirement
GIGABYTE AORUS GeForce RTX 5090 Xtreme Waterforce has a higher PSU requirement than the average graphics card (1,000 W vs 650 W). The average graphics card has a PSU requirement of 650 W.
What it is: Recommended wattage of the system power supply
When it matters: When you are checking whether your current power supply is enough.
Importance: LOW
GIGABYTE AORUS GeForce RTX 5090 Xtreme Waterforce has a higher PSU requirement than the average graphics card (1,000 W vs 650 W). The average graphics card has a PSU requirement of 650 W.1000 W vs 650 W
2.73x higher board power limit
GIGABYTE AORUS GeForce RTX 5090 Xtreme Waterforce has a higher board power limit than the average graphics card (600 W vs 220 W). The average graphics card has a board power limit of 220 W.
What it is: Maximum configurable power limit for the GPU board
When it matters: When you care about how far the card can be pushed through tuning or factory power settings.
Importance: LOW
GIGABYTE AORUS GeForce RTX 5090 Xtreme Waterforce has a higher board power limit than the average graphics card (600 W vs 220 W). The average graphics card has a board power limit of 220 W.600 W vs 220 W
19 mm higher card profile
GIGABYTE AORUS GeForce RTX 5090 Xtreme Waterforce is taller than the average graphics card (146 mm vs 127 mm). The average graphics card has a height of 127 mm.
What it is: Physical height of the GPU card
When it matters: When side panels, brackets, or tight case layouts reduce vertical clearance.
Importance: LOW
GIGABYTE AORUS GeForce RTX 5090 Xtreme Waterforce is taller than the average graphics card (146 mm vs 127 mm). The average graphics card has a height of 127 mm.146 mm vs 127 mm
6.25x more expensive
GIGABYTE AORUS GeForce RTX 5090 Xtreme Waterforce is more expensive than the average graphics card (£3,310 vs £530).
GIGABYTE AORUS GeForce RTX 5090 Xtreme Waterforce is more expensive than the average graphics card (£3,310 vs £530).£3,310 vs £530
21.1% lower user score
GIGABYTE AORUS GeForce RTX 5090 Xtreme Waterforce has a lower user score than the average graphics card (6.61 vs 8.000).
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.
GIGABYTE AORUS GeForce RTX 5090 Xtreme Waterforce has a lower user score than the average graphics card (6.61 vs 8.000).6.61 vs 8
3.01x heavier card weight
GIGABYTE AORUS GeForce RTX 5090 Xtreme Waterforce is heavier than the average graphics card (3,000 g vs 998 g). The average graphics card weighs 998 g.
What it is: Total weight of the graphics card
When it matters: When sag, bracket support, or shipping stress matters in your build.
Importance: LOW
GIGABYTE AORUS GeForce RTX 5090 Xtreme Waterforce is heavier than the average graphics card (3,000 g vs 998 g). The average graphics card weighs 998 g.3000 g vs 998 g
2.47x larger GPU die
GIGABYTE AORUS GeForce RTX 5090 Xtreme Waterforce has a higher GPU die size than the average graphics card (750 mm² vs 304.25 mm²). The average graphics card has a GPU die size of 304.25 mm².
What it is: Total die area of the GPU chip
When it matters: When you are comparing how physically large different GPU chips are across generations and tiers.
Importance: LOW
GIGABYTE AORUS GeForce RTX 5090 Xtreme Waterforce has a higher GPU die size than the average graphics card (750 mm² vs 304.25 mm²). The average graphics card has a GPU die size of 304.25 mm².750 mm² vs 304.25 mm²

Platform & Features

Power & Cooling

Graphic comparison of GIGABYTE AORUS GeForce RTX 5090 Xtreme Waterforce and

Attribute category

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Third-party reviews

United Kingdom

United States

(Reviews last updated: June 2026)

What customers like about GIGABYTE AORUS GeForce RTX 5090 Xtreme Waterforce?

Exceptional 4K gaming performance and high frame rates in demanding titles like Cyberpunk 2077
Effective liquid cooling keeps the GPU core at very low temperatures (approx. 50-65°C) even under heavy 600W loads
Whisper-quiet fan operation during intense gaming sessions compared to air-cooled models
Compact two-slot design makes it one of the thinnest 5090 cards, ideal for smaller cases or SFF builds
High build quality with a robust metal backplate and sleek, 'sexy' aesthetic
Aqueous cooling solution includes a 360mm radiator and pre-applied liquid metal thermal grease for superior heat transfer

What customers dislike about GIGABYTE AORUS GeForce RTX 5090 Xtreme Waterforce?

High MSRP and significant price inflation due to limited availability
Notable 'insane' coil whine reported by multiple users, which can be louder than other 50 series cards
AIO pump can be audible at idle, resembling a quiet aquarium pump, with no user control over pump speed
VRM and VRAM temperatures can run higher (up to 84°C) as they are not cooled by the main copper water block in some designs
Potential long-term maintenance concerns regarding the use of thermal putty and liquid metal on bare copper
Proprietary fan connectors may require motherboard software for custom fan curve management

Video reviews

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