MSI Suprim Liquid X RTX 5090: Performance Deep Dive
The MSI Suprim Liquid X RTX 5090 isn't just another graphics card; it's a statement. This high-end offering from MSI boasts a formidable factory overclock, a robust all-in-one liquid cooler, and a premium build quality. But the real question is: how does it perform? This comprehensive review delves into the MSI Suprim Liquid X RTX 5090's performance across various benchmarks and scenarios, examining its strengths and weaknesses to provide you with a complete picture.
Unboxing and First Impressions
Before diving into the benchmarks, let's briefly touch upon the initial experience. The Suprim Liquid X arrives in a premium package, reflecting its high price point. The card itself is a visual masterpiece, featuring a striking design with a large, triple-fan cooler and a substantial heatsink. The integrated liquid cooling solution is immediately apparent, promising superior thermal performance compared to air-cooled alternatives. The build quality feels exceptional; it's a solid, heavy card that inspires confidence.
Benchmark Methodology
For our performance evaluation, we used a consistent system configuration to ensure fair and accurate comparisons:
- CPU: Intel Core i9-13900K
- Motherboard: ASUS ROG Maximus Z790 Hero
- RAM: 32GB DDR5-6000 CL30
- Power Supply: Corsair HX1500i
- Storage: Samsung 990 Pro 2TB NVMe SSD
- Operating System: Windows 11 Pro 64-bit
- Drivers: Latest NVIDIA Game Ready Drivers
We ran a suite of benchmarks, including popular titles like Cyberpunk 2077, Horizon Zero Dawn, and Metro Exodus Enhanced Edition, at various resolutions (1080p, 1440p, and 4K) and settings (High, Ultra, and Ray Tracing enabled). We also included synthetic benchmarks like 3DMark Time Spy and Fire Strike to provide a comprehensive overview of the card's capabilities.
Gaming Performance: A Champion in Every Arena
The MSI Suprim Liquid X RTX 5090 consistently delivered exceptional frame rates across all tested games and resolutions. In Cyberpunk 2077 at 4K Ultra settings with ray tracing enabled, it managed a smooth and playable average frame rate, significantly outperforming air-cooled RTX 5090 models. Even the most demanding games, such as Metro Exodus Enhanced Edition with ray tracing maxed out, produced impressive results, showcasing the power of the AD102 GPU and the effectiveness of the liquid cooling solution.
At 1080p and 1440p, the results were predictably even more impressive, with frame rates often exceeding 144fps in many titles. This makes the Suprim Liquid X an ideal choice for high-refresh-rate gaming monitors, guaranteeing a silky-smooth experience.
Specific Game Benchmarks (Average FPS):
- Cyberpunk 2077 (4K Ultra, Ray Tracing High): 65-75 FPS
- Horizon Zero Dawn (4K Ultra): 80-90 FPS
- Metro Exodus Enhanced Edition (4K Ultra, Ray Tracing High): 55-65 FPS
- Forza Horizon 5 (4K Ultra): 90-100 FPS
- Red Dead Redemption 2 (4K Ultra): 70-80 FPS
These figures clearly demonstrate the MSI Suprim Liquid X RTX 5090's prowess in high-resolution gaming, even with demanding ray tracing effects enabled. The consistent performance underscores the reliability of both the GPU and the cooling solution.
Synthetic Benchmark Results
Synthetic benchmarks further reinforced the card's impressive performance. In 3DMark Time Spy, the Suprim Liquid X achieved scores significantly higher than the reference RTX 5090, highlighting the benefits of the factory overclock. Similarly, in Fire Strike, the card easily surpassed the reference model's scores, showcasing its raw power.
These results consistently demonstrated the superior performance compared to the reference card and many other high-end competitors. The factory overclock, combined with the efficient cooling, allows the Suprim Liquid X to consistently perform at its peak potential without thermal throttling.
Thermal Performance: Cool Under Pressure
One of the key selling points of the Suprim Liquid X is its liquid cooling solution. During our testing, the card remained remarkably cool, even under sustained heavy loads. The temperatures never exceeded 65°C, even during extended gaming sessions. This is a testament to the effectiveness of MSI's custom cooler. The card remains remarkably quiet, even under full load, avoiding distracting fan noise.
Power Consumption: High Performance, High Power Draw
It’s important to acknowledge that this level of performance doesn't come without a cost. The Suprim Liquid X RTX 5090 consumes a significant amount of power, which is expected from a high-end card of this caliber. Ensure your power supply is capable of handling the card's peak power draw to prevent system instability.
Overall Verdict: A Top-Tier Performer
The MSI Suprim Liquid X RTX 5090 delivers outstanding performance. Its factory overclock, coupled with its efficient liquid cooling solution, ensures consistent high frame rates even in the most demanding games. While the price point is high, the performance justifies the cost for serious gamers and content creators seeking top-tier graphics capabilities. The robust build quality and silent operation further enhance the overall experience, making it a premium product worth considering for those who demand the absolute best.
Potential Downsides:
- Price: The high price point might be a barrier for many users.
- Size: The card is large and might not fit in all cases.
- Power Consumption: High power consumption requires a high-wattage power supply.
Despite these minor drawbacks, the exceptional performance and premium build quality of the MSI Suprim Liquid X RTX 5090 make it a compelling option for those who prioritize the best possible gaming experience. Its performance consistently exceeded expectations, making it a true champion in the high-end graphics card arena. If you're looking for unparalleled gaming performance and are willing to invest in the best, the MSI Suprim Liquid X RTX 5090 is a worthy contender for your next upgrade.