TLDR Review: EVGA GeForce RTX 3090 FTW3 Ultra Gaming
Pros
- •Exceptionally powerful for 4K gaming, capable of maxing out most titles with strong frame rates, including over 100 FPS in demanding games like Escape from Tarkov and a stable 60 FPS in Red Dead Redemption 2 at ultra settings.
- •Excellent for 3D art, graphic design, and rendering workloads thanks to the 24GB GDDR6X memory and robust compute performance.
- •Welngineered cooling solution using iCX3 technology, keeping GPU temperatures generally under 75°C under load, contributing to reliable, stable performance.
- •Runs quietly overall, with minimal coil whine and fan noise generally manageable, especially when tuning the fan curve via EVGA’s Precision X1 software.
- •Features customizable ARGB lighting and metal backplate, adding a premium aesthetic to any build.
- •Supports dual BIOS and offers PWM & ARGB fan connectors to enhance customization and cooling control.
- •Comes with a robust build quality, suitable for hignd gaming and content creation rigs.
- •Great VRAM cooling improvements compared to older cards, with dedicated sensors on memory chips monitoring temperatures.
- •Considered a solid lonerm upgrade, likely to handle demanding titles and workloads for years.
- •Provides excellent value for its performance level compared to other RTX 3090 variants priced higher.
Cons
- •Memory chips on top of the card can reach dangerous temperatures (~105°C), causing thermal throttling unless additional cooling (like hybrid water blocks with active backplate cooling) is applied.
- •The stock cooling does not actively address VRAM heat on the top side, which is a significant design oversight for such a hignd GPU.
- •Requires a beefy power supply (ideally 1200W or more) with three in PCIe connectors, meaning higher overall system power demands.
- •Large tripllot, triple-fan design is heavy and bulky, potentially needing a support brace and limiting compatibility with smaller cases.
- •The default fan curve is conservative, allowing higher temperatures before ramping fans up; manual adjustment is recommended to keep temps more manageable.
- •Despite good overall cooling, the card runs hot during heavy loads and can noticeably increase room temperatures during prolonged sessions.
- •Optional coolers exist but often compromise the card’s stylish look and premium design.
- •Some users note that the card can struggle with the absolute highest settings in very demanding 4K titles like Cyberpunk 2077 with ray tracing enabled.
- •No charging cord included, requiring a separate purchase if needed.
Bottom Line
The EVGA GeForce RTX 3090 FTW3 Ultra Gaming is a beastly GPU that delivers top-tier 4K gaming and professional performance with excellent build quality and respectable noise levels. However, its Achilles’ heel lies in the VRAM heat management — expect to invest in additional cooling solutions if you want to fully unleash its potential without thermal throttling. This card demands a powerful PSU and plenty of case space, so make sure your system can support it before buying. If VRAM temperatures are a major concern and you want something a bit more turnkey cool, considering hybrid-cooled or factory water-block options might be worth your while. Overall, this is one of the best RTX 3090 variants for gamers and creators alike who are ready to handle its power requirements and size.
Where to Buy
Download ShopSavvy App
Compare prices for anything in real-time, set price alerts, watch for deals by keyword, and much more
Install ShopSavvy Browser Extension
Compare and track prices automatically while you shop online at thousands of websites.
Footer 1
Subscribe for Updates
Get the latest news, and updates on ShopSavvy. You'll be glad you did!