ASUS Launches GeForce RTX 40-series ROG Strix and TUF Gaming Graphics Cards

[btarunr]

NVIDIA's long-awaited GeForce RTX 4000 series of graphics chips is finally here, and PC builders will soon be able to get their hands on a new series of gaming cards—starting with the top-tier GeForce RTX 4090 24 GB, RTX 4080 16 GB, and RTX 4080 12 GB. As the new kings of PC graphics, these cards boast plenty of CUDA cores, heaps of VRAM, and all the GeForce RTX features you need to build the best of the best. To get you set up, we're bringing all three cards in ROG Strix and TUF Gaming variants.

If you want to make a statement with the best gaming card money can buy, look no further than the new ROG Strix GeForce RTX 4090. With unprecedented power, this card is designed for ultra-high resolutions or super-fast refresh rates that help you reign supreme on the battlefield. In order to extract the ultimate performance from the Strix GeForce RTX 4090, we built it with cooling as our top priority. The card's 3.5-slot design consists of a die-cast metal frame, shroud, and backplate. The ultra-rigid structure uses frames with extremely tight tolerances to prevent the PCB from sagging or warping, while still allowing for unparalleled airflow through an enlarged pass-through vent along the back of the 357 mm long card.



But with an ultra-powerful GPU like the GeForce RTX 4090, we wanted to go further than a large heatsink and vented backplate. So we rebuilt the heatsink design from the ground up, with a new vapor chamber and 30% more surface area for heat dissipation than the previous generation ROG Strix GeForce RTX 3090.

This is no ordinary vapor chamber, however. In order to provide better heat transfer, this patented vapor chamber design adds milled channels underneath the heatpipes. Instead of the pipes lying flat against the surface, they sink into the vapor chamber, allowing more heat to efficiently transfer to the four 8 mm and three 6 mm heatpipes and travel to the heatsink fins. When subjected to a 500 W thermal load, this potent pairing allows for 5°C cooler temperatures than a conventional vapor chamber design.



We also upgraded the Axial-tech fans, with a thicker design featuring 7 blades and full barrier rings that provide 23.8% more airflow and 19.3% more pressure than the previous generation fans used on the ROG Strix GeForce RTX 3090. With these improvements, we were able to keep GPU temperatures and acoustics at similar levels to the previous generation model, despite the extra power.



Speaking of power: this is an absolute monster of a gaming card, so we've included a 12+4 phase system comprising 70 A power stages. With two power stages per phase fueling the GPU, that's a total count of 24+4. The digital controller on board offers higher precision when detecting power, as well as better power conversion and balancing for less noise and signal interference. With a quality power supply in place (like our ROG Thor 1200P2), you should have no problem driving this beast of a graphics card, and with native 16-pin PCIe support, you can do it without any adapters required.

All of this comes with the same high-end features ROG Strix cards are known for. An ARGB tail-light works with Aura Sync to offer customized lighting across your build, while two FanConnect II headers allow you to control your case fans with your GPU temperature through our new GPU Tweak III software. For those who don't want to dig in and tweak too much, the Dual BIOS switch allows you to choose between maximum performance mode and a quieter mode. Though thanks to our 0 dB technology, the card will be silent at low loads no matter which mode you choose.

Finally, like our other ROG cards, the Strix GeForce RTX 4090 was built with our Auto-Extreme manufacturing process that minimizes human intervention, so you can expect reliable long-term performance right out of the box.

Forge ahead of the game with the TUF Gaming GeForce RTX 4090
For outstanding performance with a sturdy design, the TUF Gaming GeForce RTX 4090 has you covered. Slightly thicker than its ROG sibling at 3.65 slots, the TUF model measures a bit shorter at 348 mm for wider case compatibility, with excellent performance, cooling, and power management.

The TUF Gaming GeForce RTX 4090 uses a die-cast unibody shroud that mates directly to an aluminium backplate to strengthen the overall structure and protect the PCB from sagging, while still offering lots of airflow. An updated 3D acrylic TUF logo along the shroud provides ARGB lighting compatible with Aura Sync, while a detachable Velcro loop offers extra cable management options. A massive vent at the edge of the backplate allows even more air to flow through the fins from the larger Axial-tech fans, providing 20% more airflow than last generation's TUF Gaming GeForce RTX 3090 Ti.

Like the Strix variant, we've also redesigned the TUF Gaming card's cooling with a new vapor chamber for vastly improved heat transfer. While it doesn't use the same milled design as its Strix sibling, the eight heatpipes—five 8 mm and three 6 mm—offer a huge leap in cooling potential, with 35% more contact area compared to the TUF Gaming GeForce RTX 3090. Like its Strix brethren, though, you can choose between performance and quiet modes with the onboard Dual BIOS switch, or adjust the card's performance yourself through our new GPU Tweak III software.

To provide the necessary power, the TUF Gaming GeForce RTX 4090 uses the PCIe 5.0 standard's new 16-pin power connector, which supplies a robust power delivery system, with capacitors rated for 20K and a spread of high-current power stages arranged in a 10+4 configuration. In addition, our Auto-Extreme manufacturing process offers robust longevity that lives up to the TUF name, so you can be confident your top-tier card will power through games for years to come.

Take no prisoners with the ROG Strix GeForce RTX 4080 16 GB
For a high-performance card that merges style and substance, the new ROG Strix GeForce RTX 4080 16 GB is an excellent choice for your next-gen powerhouse of a PC. Whether you're playing gorgeous games with high-resolution graphics or frantic esports where every single frame is crucial, the overclocked ROG Strix GeForce RTX 4080 16 GB pushes this new GPU to the height of its potential.

In order to do that, this 3.5-slot cooler design uses the same die-cast metal frame, shroud, and backplate as the ROG Strix GeForce RTX 4090, providing next-level rigidity for the PCB. At 357 mm long, it offers a massive heatsink for plenty of heat dissipation, as well as a backplate with an enlarged vent for airflow to pass through.

Underneath the heatsink lies the true hero of this performant card, however. Like its higher-powered sibling, we eschewed the traditional heatpipe design and outfitted the ROG Strix GeForce RTX 4080 16 GB with our new patented vapor chamber, which utilizes milled channels to give the heatpipes more contact area. With this more efficient design, we were able to crank up the power delivery without sacrificing temperatures.

We paired this new heatsink and vapor chamber with the same updated Axial-tech fans, which utilize a thicker design with 7 blades and full barrier rings for more airflow and pressure than previous generation models. This allowed us to further reduce GPU temperatures and fan noise, even with the extra power allotted to the next-gen GPU onboard.

And of course, the ROG Strix GeForce RTX 4080 16 GB is loaded with features that make Strix the best of the best. It's equipped with ARGB tail-lights that connect to the rest of your rig through Aura Sync, as well as two FanConnect II headers that offer custom control of your PC's case fans through our GPU Tweak III software. A Dual BIOS switch offers a choice between maximum performance and quiet acoustics, while 0 dB technology ensures both modes will be completely silent at low loads. Combine all that with our Auto-Extreme manufacturing process, and you have a beast of a card that won't let you down. For the best GeForce RTX 4080, ROG Strix has your back in even the toughest firefights.

Play the long game with the TUF Gaming GeForce RTX 4080 16 GB
Built with high performance and long-lasting durability at its core, the TUF Gaming GeForce RTX 4080 16 GB brings next-gen performance in a sturdy design. Compared to the TUF Gaming GeForce RTX 3080, this new card boasts a die-cast unibody shroud and aluminium backplate to protect the PCB underneath, with a 3.65-slot thick heatsink for next-level cooling. That's slightly thicker than the Strix variants of this card, but also measures more than 9 mm shorter for wider case compatibility.

A trio of our Axial-tech Fans create ample airflow for this powerhouse, with the rightmost fan blowing air through a new vent along the edge of the backplate. Significantly larger than the previous generation, this vent allows for cool operation while sporting a TUF logo that spans both the backplate and the vent frame for a unique look. Underneath, an updated 3D acrylic TUF logo shines on the edge of the shroud with ARGB lighting, which can be coordinated with the rest of your PC using Aura Sync. A Dual BIOS switch lets you choose between performance and quiet modes, or get to manual tweaking with our GPU Tweak III software. If you want a high-performance card that'll truly stand the test of time, equip the TUF Gaming GeForce RTX 4080 16 GB and get your boots on the ground.

Take your enemies down in style with the ROG Strix GeForce RTX 4080 12 GB
Alongside the 16 GB variant of this next-gen beast, we're also releasing the ROG Strix GeForce RTX 4080 12 GB, offering powerhouse performance in a slightly smaller variant with all the style and substance you've come to expect from ROG Strix. At 3.15 slots thick and 336mm long, this card provides plenty of surface area on its heatsink for airflow, while retaining the new cyberpunk design and ultra-rigid structure of its larger siblings.

All of Strix's must-have features are all here as well: choose between performant and quiet modes with a Dual BIOS switch, connect your PC case fans to two FanConnect II headers, and light up your rig with a ring of ARGB tail-lights compatible with Aura Sync. Meanwhile, reliable power delivery and time-tested build quality through our Auto-Extreme manufacturing process mean this card is ready to stand with you for years to come. For a more accessible card that still screams Strix, the ROG Strix GeForce RTX 4080 12 GB is not to be trifled with.

Prove your mettle with the TUF Gaming GeForce RTX 4080 12 GB
Finally, we're also offering a TUF Gaming variant of the GeForce RTX 4080 12 GB, complete with the same powerful GPU as the Strix version with a slightly thicker heatsink and shorter card design. At 3.25 slots with our long-lasting Axial-Tech fans, you won't be left wanting for cooling potential, while the shorter 305 mm length offers the widest case compatibility of the bunch.

The unibody die-cast shroud shares the same structural strength as its larger brethren, while a wide vent on the backplate improves airflow compared to previous generation models. The 12 GB TUF card also offers the same Dual BIOS switch and redesigned ARGB TUF logo along the shroud for a touch of flair, alongside the military-grade capacitors and Auto-Extreme manufacturing quality all TUF cards are known for. If you want a durable card that'll prove its worth time and time again, the TUF Gaming GeForce RTX 4080 12 GB stands firm in its commitment to long-lasting gaming performance.

View at TechPowerUp Main Site

 

[Tek-Check]

Where is DisplayPort 2.0? Do new Nvidia cards support it at all? MSI published the spec of their cards. It's not there. It's atill 1.4.

 

[cvaldes]

Where is DisplayPort 2.0? Do new Nvidia cards support it at all? MSI published the spec of their cards. It's not there. It's atill 1.4.

My guess is that these cards are undergoing DP 2.0 certification that isn't complete so ASUS cannot advertise that feature.

However, these cards aren't shipping yet. It is possible that DP 2.0 certification will come in the upcoming weeks.

 

[grammar_phreak]

The TUF edition Graphics cards look like a Lenovo Keyboard.

 

[Tek-Check]

My guess is that these cards are undergoing DP 2.0 certification that isn't complete so ASUS cannot advertise that feature.

However, these cards aren't shipping yet. It is possible that DP 2.0 certification will come in the upcoming weeks.

There is no harm in saying under "*" that the cards are designed for DP 2.0 and undergoing a certification process.

Intel officially states that ARC cards are under certification process. Have a look.

 

[cvaldes]

There is no harm in saying under "*" that the cards are designed for DP 2.0 and undergoing a certification process.

Intel officially states that ARC cards are under certification process. Have a look.

View attachment 262351

Nah, "under promise, over deliver" is a better approach.

Remember that DP 2.0 certification is not in ASUS's control. They can submit their hardware to VESA, they can't actually self-certify.

 

[Tek-Check]

Nah, "under promise, over deliver" is a better approach.

Remember that DP 2.0 certification is not in ASUS's control. They can submit their hardware to VESA, they can't actually self-certify.

That's true, but what if there is nothing to submit?

 

[cvaldes]

That's true, but what if there is nothing to submit?

I assume that NVIDIA and their AIB partners understand what DisplayPort 2.0 certification is and what can/cannot be submitted.

They don't have to reveal what if anything they submitted for certification. In the end, for Joe Consumer, the only thing that's really relevant is whether or not Product X has Certification Y or Z right now. Website pages can be changed very easily.

 

[Oshadorin]

"(like our ROG Thor 1200P2), you should have no problem driving this beast of a graphics card, and with native 16-pin PCIe support, you can do it without any adapters required."

They are lying their a** off here. Their so-called ROG Thor 1200P2, announced 11 months ago, is still nowhere to be found, and not fully ATX 3.0 compliant. It doesn't have a native 12+4 pin PCI-E 5.0 connector, only an adapter.

 

[trsttte]

Holy shit, talk about ugly gpus, ugh just awfull

 

[ZetZet]

"(like our ROG Thor 1200P2), you should have no problem driving this beast of a graphics card, and with native 16-pin PCIe support, you can do it without any adapters required."

They are lying their a** off here. Their so-called ROG Thor 1200P2, announced 11 months ago, is still nowhere to be found, and not fully ATX 3.0 compliant. It doesn't have a native 12+4 pin PCI-E 5.0 connector, only an adapter.

Yeah the new standard is super confusing, adapters and adapter cables should be called a 12 pin cable instead of 16. Because the data pins are not being used and it's therefore capped to 450W.

 

[kapone32]

Um am I the only one who is worried about the size of these cards?

 

[Oshadorin]

Yeah the new standard is super confusing, adapters and adapter cables should be called a 12 pin cable instead of 16. Because the data pins are not being used and it's therefore capped to 450W.

The full ATX 3.0 compliance is required for those new GPU power spikes, it's not just about the connector power delivery. Also, Asus advertises their (also nowhere to be found) ROG Thor 1600W 12+4 pin connector to be capable of supplying 600W power, but it’s hooked up to the PSU via a dual 8-pin adapter, which in theory can only do 300W. I don’t know. All I know is that instead of having a nice RGB Asus logo and an OLED mini screen that displays the power usage in my Asus case, I will have a native ATX 3.0, blend PSU. Oh well, I’ll cover it, like any other case does.

 

[thunderingroar]

Dear ASUS, please give us the Noctua card with NF-A12s, not these silly 90mm fans

 

[Tek-Check]

I assume that NVIDIA and their AIB partners understand what DisplayPort 2.0 certification is and what can/cannot be submitted.

They don't have to reveal what if anything they submitted for certification. In the end, for Joe Consumer, the only thing that's really relevant is whether or not Product X has Certification Y or Z right now. Website pages can be changed very easily.

True. Joe Consumer would be delighted to know if there is a forward-looking video connector DP 2.0 that we have been waiting for 3 years, as Covid delayed its implementation. Right now, it's still old 1.4a.

Website pages can change too, true. People should email Nvidia and ask about DP 2.0 and ask their media reps to clarify what's happening, if anything, with this port. Simple.

 

[Matthew Linke]

So the cost of the card plus a new power supply with the right connector really is needed. What fun and costly.

 

[claster17]

it’s hooked up to the PSU via a dual 8-pin adapter, which in theory can only do 300W

Those PSU-side 8-pins are arbitrary connectors, not PCIe spec and have for several years been used for those dumb pigtail PCIe cables. They can comfortably handle 300W each.
Combined they have 6x +12V and 6x GND which coincidentally is exactly the same as the 12+4 connector. The remaining four sense pins just need to be connected to GND in a specific combination to advertise the specific power capability.
Though I too would prefer a dedicated 12+4 cable.

 

[ZetZet]

The full ATX 3.0 compliance is required for those new GPU power spikes, it's not just about the connector power delivery. Also, Asus advertises their (also nowhere to be found) ROG Thor 1600W 12+4 pin connector to be capable of supplying 600W power, but it’s hooked up to the PSU via a dual 8-pin adapter, which in theory can only do 300W. I don’t know. All I know is that instead of having a nice RGB Asus logo and an OLED mini screen that displays the power usage in my Asus case, I will have a native ATX 3.0, blend PSU. Oh well, I’ll cover it, like any other case does.

We don't actually know anything about "new" GPU power spikes. 3000 series ran fine on good PSU's, I don't see why 4000 series would require extra. That was not mentioned in any way, I'd hope Nvidia would warn people if you actually NEEEDED atx 3.0 for 4000 series gpu's.

 

[Tek-Check]

We don't actually know anything about "new" GPU power spikes. 3000 series ran fine on good PSU's, I don't see why 4000 series would require extra. That was not mentioned in any way, I'd hope Nvidia would warn people if you actually NEEEDED atx 3.0 for 4000 series gpu's.

You will need it on those high-end cards. Watch GN's analysis of transient spikes on youtube to find out why.

 

[ZetZet]

You will need it on those high-end cards. Watch GN's analysis of transient spikes on youtube to find out why.

Nice, can I have your crystal ball?

Nvidia clearly doesn't think that you will, because there is no mention of atx 3.0 anywhere on that page.

 

[freeagent]

In the first row of pics I like the middle one.

I would rather have an EVGA board though

 

[mechtech]

A lot of these high end cards have 3 slot coolers, sometimes a bit more. I guess the new itx case will be a uatx case

 

[cvaldes]

True. Joe Consumer would be delighted to know if there is a forward-looking video connector DP 2.0 that we have been waiting for 3 years, as Covid delayed its implementation. Right now, it's still old 1.4a.

Website pages can change too, true. People should email Nvidia and ask about DP 2.0 and ask their media reps to clarify what's happening, if anything, with this port. Simple.

Well, we'll just have to wait for an answer whether it be from a third-party reviewer or NVIDIA themselves. It is clear that they chose not to talk about this subject today.

These sort of product launch events (not just NIVIDIA's) always leave some people wanting more. No one can please everyone all the time.

There's always tomorrow. Or a competitor's product. Or a couple more years until something better comes along. Being tech, there's always something better around the corner. Maybe DisplayPort 2.0 will come with the RTX 4090 Ti?

 

[AusWolf]

Will all cards have the new power connector, or is it only for the 4090?

 

[wolf]

Damn even the 12GB 4080 is 336mm long, I'm capped at 330... need to look away from Asus for this gen I suppose. At this rate I'll be waiting on RDNA3 no matter what.