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MSI GeFoce RTX 5090 Lightning Z specifications and in-depth review

MSI GeFoce RTX 5090 Lightning Z

Manufacturer: MSI

The MSI GeForce RTX 5090 Lightning Z is a high-performance graphics card tailored for advanced computing and gaming needs. Featuring a robust 2017 MHz GPU clock speed, it offers exceptional graphical performance and can handle demanding tasks with ease.

In terms of technical specifications, the card comes with an impressive 32GB of VRAM, an effective memory speed of 28000 MHz, and maximum memory bandwidth of 1790 GB/s. It also supports modern technologies such as DirectX 12 Ultimate, ray tracing, and multi-display configurations, making it a versatile choice for both gaming and professional applications.

Pros
  • Supports multi-display technology, allowing for up to four displays.
  • Equipped with 32GB of VRAM, offering substantial memory for demanding tasks.
  • Features both air and water cooling for effective thermal management.
  • Supports modern standards such as DirectX 12 Ultimate and DLSS for enhanced performance.
  • Comes with a USB-C port, providing versatile connectivity options.
Cons
  • Lacks DVI and mini DisplayPort outputs, limiting certain older display compatibility.
  • Has a high 1000W thermal design power (TDP), which may require a more robust power supply.
  • Does not include XeSS (XMX) for additional AI-enhanced graphics performance.
Who is this for?

This product is ideal for users who require powerful graphics performance, such as gamers or professionals working with demanding applications. With its 32GB VRAM and support for DirectX 12 Ultimate and ray tracing, it excels in high-end gaming, 3D rendering, and video editing. The multi-display support further makes it well-suited for users with multi-monitor setups, while the efficient cooling system ensures sustained performance during extended use.

Who is this NOT for?

This graphics card may not be ideal for users with limited space or those requiring a lightweight, portable solution, as its size (260 mm width and 151 mm height) and high 1000W thermal design power (TDP) necessitate robust power and cooling systems. Additionally, its lack of DVI and mini DisplayPort outputs may be a drawback for users with older monitors or specific connectivity needs.

Performance:

GPU clock speed 2017 MHz
GPU turbo 2730 MHz
pixel rate 480.5 GPixel/s
floating-point performance 118.8 TFLOPS
texture rate 1856.4 GTexels/s
GPU memory speed 1750 MHz
shading units 21760
texture mapping units (TMUs) 680
render output units (ROPs) 176
Has Double Precision Floating Point (DPFP) ✓

The performance of the MSI GeForce RTX 5090 Lightning Z is built for extreme computational tasks, featuring a GPU clock speed of 2017 MHz and a turbo boost of 2730 MHz. It offers an impressive floating-point performance of 118.8 TFLOPS, and its pixel rate reaches 480.5 GPixel/s, making it capable of handling high-resolution textures and complex graphics. The card is also equipped with 21760 shading units, 680 texture mapping units (TMUs), and 176 render output units (ROPs) for enhanced rendering efficiency.

Memory:

effective memory speed 28000 MHz
maximum memory bandwidth 1790 GB/s
VRAM 32GB
GDDR version GDDR7
memory bus width 512-bit
Supports ECC memory ✓

The MSI GeForce RTX 5090 Lightning Z is equipped with 32GB of VRAM and utilizes the advanced GDDR7 memory technology. Its effective memory speed reaches 28000 MHz, supported by a wide 512-bit memory bus and a maximum memory bandwidth of 1790 GB/s. Additionally, the card supports ECC memory for enhanced data integrity, making it suitable for both high-performance gaming and professional applications.

Features:

DirectX version DirectX 12 Ultimate
OpenGL version 4.6
OpenCL version 3
Supports multi-display technology ✓
supports ray tracing ✓
Supports 3D ✓
supports DLSS ✓
has XeSS (XMX) ✕
AMD SAM / Intel Resizable BAR Intel Resizable BAR
has LHR ✕
has RGB lighting ✓
supported displays 4

The MSI GeForce RTX 5090 Lightning Z comes with a range of advanced features, including support for DirectX 12 Ultimate, ray tracing, and DLSS for enhanced graphics performance. It also supports multi-display technology, allowing for up to four displays, and features RGB lighting for a customizable visual experience. Additionally, the card is equipped with Intel Resizable BAR for improved performance in compatible systems and supports stereoscopic 3D for immersive visuals.

Ports:

has an HDMI output ✓
HDMI ports 1
HDMI version HDMI 2.1b
DisplayPort outputs 3
USB-C ports 1
DVI outputs 0
mini DisplayPort outputs 0

The MSI GeForce RTX 5090 Lightning Z offers a versatile set of ports, including 1 HDMI 2.1b port, 3 DisplayPort outputs, and a USB-C port for modern connectivity. It does not feature DVI or mini DisplayPort outputs, but its array of ports ensures compatibility with a wide range of displays for multi-monitor setups and high-definition content.

General info:

GPU architecture Blackwell
release date January 2026
Thermal Design Power (TDP) 1000W
PCI Express (PCIe) version 5
semiconductor size 5 nm
number of transistors 92200 million
Has air-water cooling ✓
width 260 mm
height 151 mm

The MSI GeForce RTX 5090 Lightning Z is powered by the Blackwell GPU architecture and features a 1000W thermal design power (TDP) to support its high-performance capabilities. It utilizes a 5 nm semiconductor size and houses an impressive 92 billion transistors. For efficient cooling, the card incorporates both air and water cooling solutions. With a width of 260 mm and a height of 151 mm, it is designed for high-performance systems and optimal thermal management.

Final Verdict

The MSI GeForce RTX 5090 Lightning Z is a high-performance graphics card designed for demanding users, offering impressive features such as 32GB VRAM and support for DirectX 12 Ultimate and ray tracing. Its robust cooling system and multi-display support make it a solid choice for gamers and professionals needing top-tier graphical power. While its large size and high thermal design power may limit its compatibility in smaller setups, this card excels in high-end performance environments, making it a powerful option for those who need cutting-edge graphics capabilities.