Gigabyte Aorus Geforce RTX 5090 Master Ice 32G Video Card Review

The next card in our lab is the flagship Nvidia GeForce RTX 5090 Master Ice 32G. We have had this card for a while now, and with inventory levels increasing and prices stabilizing or even trending downward, you may start to see it on store shelves. The Master Ice truly stands out, featuring a white chassis, RGB-tipped fans, and a small LCD monitor at the end.

Under the hood, it boasts a robust power delivery system capable of handling around 600W. However, this massive card comes with a hefty price tag; the Master Ice retails for $2,499.99 (the MSRP). If you look online, you may find it for just under $3,000 at the time of publication—a steep price, but not the highest we’ve seen, especially for a flagship-class air-cooled variant.

Continue reading as we put this card through its paces in our updated benchmarking suite and even some folding tests. See how it performed in our tests and whether it earns our approval!

Blackwell Architecture and Technologies

Nvidia’s Blackwell architecture is fabricated using TSMC’s 4N manufacturing process. The massive GB202-300-A1 die sports 92.2 million transistors and a die size of 750mm². Compared to the last-gen flagship RTX 4090, at 76.3 and 609mm, it’s quite a bit larger.

Unlike most models, the RTX 5090 doesn’t receive a base clock increase. In fact, it’s notably lower at defaults of 2,017 MHz and 2,407 MHz (base/boost), whereas the RTX 4090 was at 2,235/2,520. Of course, it’s not all about the clock speed, as the Blackwell card has more of everything and faster memory bus/speeds. Our review card’s clocks follow the base clocks but boost well above that value to 2,655 MHz and run around 200 MHz higher depending on the load, temperatures, and other factors. Power use jumped significantly this generation, with a listed 575W TDP for the FE cards. Our Aorus Master peaked at nearly 615W with the default power limit untouched. No GPU overclocking application allowed us to adjust the power limit. So for now, what you see is what you get (and is seemingly more than the 575W for FE clocked cards).

The ‘full’ consumer-level GB202 die consists of 11 Graphics Process Clusters (GPCs), 85 Texture Processing Clusters (TPCs), 170 Streaming Multiprocessors (SMs), on a 512-bit memory interface (16x 32-bit memory controllers) that yields an incredible 1.79 TB/s bandwidth through the GDDR7 memory. Nvidia lists the TDFLOP rate for the FP64 cores at 1.637 TFlops (1:64), while FP32 is 104.8. Pixel fill rate is a whopping 423.6 GPixel/s and a texture rate of 1.637 GTexel/s. Everything is faster outside of the pixel fill rate, which is slower than the 4090 by a few percent.

Below is a close-up view of a single Streaming Multiprocessor and everything it contains.

The next evolution in neural rendering technologies, utilizing the RTX Tensor Cores, is DLSS 4. The latest iteration features Multi Frame Generation (75 games and apps support upon launch); DLSS Multi Frame Generation (MFG) generates up to three additional frames per traditional rendered frame, working with an entire ecosystem of DLSS technologies to multiply framerates up to an astounding 8x over more traditional ‘brute-force’ rendering. DLSS 4 also introduced the most significant upgrade to its AI models since DLSS 2 in 2020.

DLSS Ray Reconstruction/Super Resolution/DLAA will now be powered by the first real-time application of the ‘transformer model’, the same advanced architecture powering AI models like ChatGPT, Flux, and Gemini. The Transformer models improve image quality and temporal stability, reduce ghosting, and provide higher detail in motion. DLSS games with these features can be upgraded to the new DLSS transformer model for improved performance and IQ.

For streamers, Nvidia also updates its NVENC encode and decode accelerators (four each – 3/4 NEVENC and 2/4 NVDEC are enabled on the 5090). The new 9th-gen encode accelerations come with 4:2:2 AV1 and HEVC encoding support.

Details aside, the table below lists the specifications for the new Blackwell GPUs, including our test item.

Specifications and Features

The Gigabyte Aorus GeForce RTX 5090 Master Ice 32G

The Gigabyte Aorus Master Ice is their flagship model, proudly positioned at the top of their product lineup. It features the latest Windforce cooling system, designed to keep the power-hungry components running within specifications. The card is equipped with Hawk fans and a unique RGB Halo feature, which includes a single ARGB LED at the tip of one fan blade on each fan. When spinning and illuminated, this creates a striking Halo effect that changes with the fan speed, setting it apart from typical RGB implementations found on graphics cards.

One of the most distinctive features is the LCD Edge View, which includes a small LCD monitor displaying graphics card information such as temperature and GPU usage, along with various texts, images, and GIFs. This display, along with the RGB lighting, can be customized through the Gigabyte Control Center. Unlike most graphics cards, this model does have a screen, so it’s important to configure it in your case for optimal visibility. The card itself is particularly attractive in its icy-white finish and is certainly designed to be showcased.

Power for the card is supplied by a single 12V-2×6 connector, capable of delivering up to 600W of power under specifications. Gigabyte recommends using a 1000W power supply, and they are not exaggerating. During testing, our high-quality 850W power supply was insufficient and shut down in some scenarios, even during gaming sessions like Fortnite. The fans performed quietly during our tests using the Performance BIOS (with a second option available called Silent BIOS). Even under heavy loads, such as Folding@Home, the fans operated smoothly, managing the substantial power requirements without generating noticeable coil whine, except when the frame rate reached extremely high levels.

Below is a list of some of the features the card offers.

	HAWK FAN The Hawk Fan features a unique blade design inspired by the aerodynamics of an eagle’s wing. This design reduces air resistance and noise levels, resulting in up to a 53.6% increase in air pressure and a 12.5% increase in air volume without compromising acoustics.
	OPTIMIZED LARGE HEATSINK Optimize the spacing of large heat sinks to achieve the fastest heat dissipation under both high and low airflow conditions, while minimizing noise levels. SUPERCONDUCTING HEAT PIPE & LARGE VAPOR CHAMBER The superconducting heat pipe utilizes differences in capillary structures, strategically placed in the different transferring zones, to effectively enhance heat transfer efficiency. Coupled with a large vapor chamber that directly contacts the GPU, both features work together to achieve optimal cooling performance.
	ANGULAR FIN DESIGN The angular and unequal fin height design effectively channels airflow between the fins, thereby increasing the contact surface area with the air and improving heat dissipation efficiency.
	ENHANCED SCREEN COOLING WITH ADDITIONAL FAN The extended heatsink allows air to pass through, effectively dissipating heat. An additional fan is included, further enhancing cooling performance.
	RGB HALO The legendary three-ring lighting provides excellent visual enjoyment. You can choose any lighting effect or synchronize with other devices in GIGABYTE CONTROL CENTER.
	LCD EDGE VIEW The LCD monitor not only displays graphics card information, but also various favorite texts, pictures, and GIFs. You can also adjust lighting effects via GIGABYTE CONTROL CENTER.

Retail Packaging and Accessories

The card comes in a huge box that houses the card on the bottom and the accessories on top. Gigabyte gives you an additional RGB fan to mount to the back, a 12V-2×6 to 4x PCIe 8-pin adapter to PCIe connector, VGA holder, and stickers.

Meet the RTX 5090 Master Ice

A Closer Look…

The I/O for the graphics card features Nvidia’s standard configuration, which includes three DisplayPorts and one HDMI port. With the introduction of Blackwell, there is an upgrade in specifications to DisplayPort 2.1b and HDMI 2.1b. DisplayPort 2.1b offers approximately three times the bandwidth of 1.4a and supports resolutions up to 4K at 480Hz (with Display Stream Compression) or 8K at 165Hz (also with DSC).

Powering this card requires a 12VHPWR/12V-2×6 connector, which is included. This connector utilizes four 8-pin PCIe power leads for the 12-pin configuration. It’s important to use four separate PCIe cables with the connector. Alternatively, you can purchase an ATX 3.1 or PCIe 5.1-compliant power supply for direct support of the 12VHPWR/12V-2×6 configuration.

Removing the massive heatsink reveals a field of thermal gel slathered on all the bits that get hot.  Most people have read that there have been some issues with this copious application, particularly from the first couple of batches, with seepage. We didn’t see a problem with ours, though our testing hasn’t been as strenuous, and it was only on the test bench under load for a couple of days gathering data.

That out of the way, you can see the super-sized GB202-300-A1 die, the Samsung K4VAF325ZC-SC28 memory, and the Monolithic Power Systems MP29626 PWM controller and MPS2438 DrMOS MOSFETs.

PCB and Heatsink Base

That Thermal Gloop, though…

GB202-300-A1

Samsung K4VAF325ZC-SC28

Monotlithic Power Systems MP29626 PWM Controller

Monolithic Power Systems MPS2438 DrMOS MOSFET

GPU-z

Below is a screenshot of GPU-Z showing the clocks our card ran with stock speeds. Our review card has a listed boost clock of 2,655 MHz, but as usual, it ran much higher, around 2,865 MHz, depending on the test.

Gigabyte Aorus RTX 5090 Master Ice on the test bed…

Test System and Benchmark Methods

We’ve updated our test system to use one of the best gaming chips in the Ryzen 7 9800 X3D. We’ve paired that with a B850/X870 motherboard and 2x16GB of RAM with 30-36-36-80 timings. While not the fastest, the timings are relatively tight, balancing performance and cost. The CPU runs stock for the motherboard.

Since the last update, we have made some changes and updated titles. More details can be found in the most recent GPU Testing Procedure article, which we have updated with our latest benchmarks. Below is a quick summary for easy reference.

• UL 3DMark Speedway – Default settings
• UL 3DMark Steel Nomad – Default settings
• UL 3DMark Port Royal – Default Settings (Ray Tracing capable cards only)
• UL 3DMark Time Spy Extreme – Default settings
• UL 3DMark Fire Strike Ultra – Default settings
• Monster Hunter Wilds
• F1 24
• Assassin’s Creed: Shadows
• CyberPunk 2077
• Black Myth Wukong
• Avatar

Synthetic Benchmarks

Our first benchmarks from Underwriters Laboratories 3DMark suite. We chose various benchmarks, including DX11, DX12, rasterization, and ray tracing, that also cover a few different resolutions from 1080p to 4K.

The RTX 5090, and specifically our Aorus Master, easily beat the water-cooled MSI RTX 4090 Suprim Liquid X in these synthetic benchmarks. While the more raster-heavy benchmarks were closer, anything that more heavily utilizes ray tracing tended to have an even larger lead, over 50% in Steel Nomad.

Gaming Benchmarks

We have updated our testing as of 4/2025, bringing more modern titles that utilize the features of the new graphics card. We’ve removed Far Cry 6, Shadow of the Tomb Raider, and Assassin’s Creed: Odyssey, and added Monster Hunter: Wilds, Black Myth: Wukong, and Assassin’s Creed: Shadows to F1 24, Avatar, and Cyberpunk 2077.

We’ve changed up the way our data is presented, so we’ll sort these by game and resolution, then follow it up with ray tracing and DLSS results.

1920 x 1080 (1080p) Results

Let’s be honest: if you’re using this card at 1080p, you likely either have a lot of money to spend or you’re a highly competitive e-sports gamer with a monitor boasting a refresh rate of 520Hz or higher. For the other 99% of users, the RTX 5090 handles most titles smoothly, achieving a peak of 438 FPS in F1 2024 and dropping to 106 FPS in the latest Assassin’s Creed: Shadows title.

2560 x 1440

Increasing to a more middling resolution, the 5090 still eats frames. Assassin’s Creed and Black Myth Wukong both drop below 100 FPS, but the other titles can feed a 144 Hz monitor, or more, using these ultra settings without the ‘training wheels’ (DLSS/MFG).

4K UHD

Stepping up to the big leagues and 4K UHD, the might of the RTX 5090 is still apparent, even against the formidable RTX 4090. All titles not named Black Myth Wukong are well above the 60 FPS threshold. Running 4K natively on some of these demanding titles will still bring a GPU to its knees.

Ray Tracing and DLSS/FSR Testing

The charts below show what the review card can do when using ray tracing and DLSS/FSR capabilities. In this grouping, we test across all three resolutions, just like above.

Monster Hunter Wilds

F1 2024

Assassin’s Creed: Shadows

Cyberpunk 2077

Black Myth: Wukong

Avatar

As you can see from the slew of charts, enabling RT at our settings is still a significant hit on performance. With Nvidia’s implementation of DLSS and the new Neural Libraries, games that can utilize the technology see significant frame increases, typically with the same image quality as native. If you need even more FPS, you can enable MFG generation on top of it.

Folding @ Home Performance

After about a day of folding, we saw around 55M across several WUs on a typical Windows 11 install. Those using Linux can see a lot more. If you’re interested in participating with the best team around, see THIS THREAD.

Overclocking the Gigabyte Aorus RTX 5090 Master Ice

Overclocking our card was as easy as any other. We settled on +300 for the core and +2000 for the RAM. This yields ~3,100 MHz core clock and 2000 MHz on the memory. If you’d like to see our overclocking results, look for the yellow bar in our charts in a couple of synthetic benchmarks and in Cyberpunk 2077. The overall lift was around 9-12%, depending on the benchmark, game, and resolution.

Temperatures and Power Use

We test power consumption by running through the game benchmarks Cyberpunk 2077 while temperatures are captured during a five-lap run of F1 24.

Temperatures peaked at 69 °C during stock testing and 72 °C while overclocked (did not manually adjust the voltage). As you’d imagine, a longer run will increase temperatures, and if it’s using close to the limit, you’ll see upwards of 80C, which is perfectly normal.

Power use peaked at 547W in Cyberpunk 2077 while overclocking yielded a little more at 565W. Wattage will vary, and I’ve seen it use a lot closer to 600W playing Fortnite at 4K. But this gives you an idea that it can use quite a bit of power.

Conclusion

The Nvidia RTX 5090 has significantly surpassed the RTX 4090 in several aspects. We’ve observed a notable performance increase at higher resolutions, such as 4K UHD, where it averaged over 25% faster. Although this performance gap narrows at lower resolutions, it’s important to note that you’re not investing in a graphics card costing over $2,500 to run games at 1080p.

In addition to the performance boost, which may be underwhelming for some when comparing generations, the card consumes more power, with a baseline requirement of 575W. Furthermore, the price has increased by 33%, rising from $1,499 to $1,999 for the Founders Edition, with partner cards like our Master Ice priced even higher. Overall, it offers more capabilities in every aspect, but the most significant issues are the high price and limited availability, which lead to an artificially inflated cost.

The Gigabyte GeForce Aorus RTX 5090 Master Ice 32G is an impressive upgrade to the already formidable Founders Edition design. It features more robust power components, a larger and more effective heatsink, and enhanced aesthetics, including striking single RGB LEDs on the fan blades and a customizable screen. The Ice version comes in a sleek white finish, making it one of the best-looking air-cooled flagship graphics cards of this generation.

Gigabyte offers a variety of options within the RTX 5090 lineup. At the top is the 5090 Xtreme Waterforce 32G, equipped with an integrated AIO (all-in-one cooler), followed by the Xtreme Waterforce WB, which includes a water block instead of a heatsink. Other models in the series include the Aorus Master, Gaming OC, and more basic options like the RGB-less Windforce and Windforce OC. With a range of designs from ornate to simple, there’s something to suit every user who can afford the incredible performance of the 5090.

Gigabyte’s Master Ice version elevates performance with its Windforce cooling system, RGB Halo, and LCD edge view, distinguishing it from many other graphics card offerings. As of now, you can find this card on Newegg for $2,999.99, and it comes with a free copy of “Doom: The Dark Ages.” While $3,000 may seem like a substantial amount to spend on a video card, it is surprisingly one of the more affordable options available, as other partner cards easily surpass that price point. Gigabyte surpasses the Founders Edition in nearly every aspect, and the Master Ice is among the top contenders in both design and build quality. If you’re looking for a high-end air-cooled graphics card, the Aorus Master and its white counterpart, the Aorus Master Ice, should definitely be on your shortlist.

– Joe Shields (Earthdog)

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