AORUS GeForce RTX5090 MASTER ICE 32G Graphics Card Review

A Closer Look

The AORUS Master ICE’s standout feature is its upgraded Windforce cooling system with Hawk fans, which Gigabyte claims enhances airflow and reduces noise compared to conventional designs. The triple-fan cooler features enlarged heatsinks and an upgraded vapour chamber making direct contact with the GPU die. Gigabyte states the fans, with their eagle-wing-inspired blade design, achieve up to a 53.6% increase in air pressure and a 12.5% increase in air volume, without affecting noise. We frequently see such claims, and while we’ll demonstrate the cooler’s performance, comparing these claims to a 5090 with a previous-generation cooler is impossible.

The ice-white aesthetic will appeal to those building a clean, all-white system. Gigabyte has opted for a metal backplate with an integrated RGB logo, another RGB logo on the side next to the LCD screen, and a subtle RGB strip along the card. The fans also feature RGB LEDs. All are customisable via RGB Fusion. Having RGB lighting in multiple locations ensures visibility regardless of the card’s orientation in the case.

Gigabyte highlights its LCD Edge View screen. This small display allows users to monitor real-time GPU stats like temperature, clock speed, and fan RPM. Custom animations, GIFs, or text can be uploaded, a fun addition for those who like personalisation. While not groundbreaking, it’s a nice touch, rarely seen now, with Galax’s HOF cards and Colorful’s iGame Vulkan range being notable exceptions.

This card is a beast. The Founders Edition is a compact 2-slot design, but the AORUS Master ICE measures 360mm long, 150mm high, and 75mm thick, almost a 4-slot card, slightly larger than the ASUS ASTRAL, and significantly larger than NVIDIA’s FE model. It weighs just over 3.1kg on its own, and 3.2kg with the included fan. While heavy, it’s more manageable than some bulkier AIB cards and suggests quality. Heavier cards often indicate better build quality, though this isn’t always the case.

Due to its size and weight, Gigabyte includes a reinforced metal support bracket, essential for high-end GPUs. Its magnetic base helps keep it in place. The card features a dual BIOS switch, toggling between OC mode for maximum performance and Silent mode for quieter operation. Two onboard PWM fan headers allow users to sync additional case fans to the GPU’s thermal performance.

A 120mm reverse fan is included, placed on top of the GPU to enhance cooling. Unlike standard case fans, this reverse fan pulls air away from the heatsink, optimising airflow for better thermal efficiency while maintaining RGB visibility. This approach is similar to ASUS’s Astral card, which features a fourth fan on the rear. NVIDIA’s Founders Edition uses a dual-push fan system, effective but without the same direct airflow enhancement.

The additional fan could be a game-changer for those seeking maximum performance and lower temperatures, crucial for overclocking, as lower thermal loads often mean better-sustained boost clocks. However, installing the extra fan may require additional space inside the system.

For power, Gigabyte uses the 12V 2×6 connector, rated for 600W, though the 5090 GPU is rated at 575W. It will be interesting to see the Gigabyte AORUS card’s power consumption, as the FE hovered below 550W, while the ASTRAL was closer to 575W.

Price is always a significant factor. The RTX 5090 is ultra-premium, and custom models are expensive. Expect this to cost 10-20% more than the FE model, depending on availability. Whether the extra investment is worthwhile depends on cooling efficiency and aesthetics.