Everybody waits to get their hands on the newest and best graphics cards around this time of year. NVIDIA displayed their incredible Blackwell GPUs at CES 2025, while MSI introduced its GeForce RTX 50 Series Graphics Cards.
At any price range, professionals and gamers may buy a next-generation GPU like the GeForce RTX 5090 or 5070. However, with so many options, choosing the “perfect” one may be tough, especially if you don’t follow hardware improvements. RTX 50 series upgrading guide provides you the information you need to make the right choice.
Understanding NVIDIA’s Blackwell Architecture: The Heart of MSI’s RTX 50-Series Graphics Cards
NVIDIA’s most recent GPU architecture, Blackwell, was created with TSMC’s cutting-edge 4nm-class process (N4P) and is designed to fuel a new generation of AI and gaming applications. A new class of real-time ray tracing applications in games and professional workloads is made possible by its state-of-the-art AI technologies, such as DLSS 4, which provide you with a significant performance improvement over earlier versions.
GPU | RT Cores | AI TOPS | CUDA Cores | MSRP |
---|---|---|---|---|
RTX 5090 | 318 TFLOPS | 3352 | 21760 | $1999 |
RTX 5080 | 171 TFLOPS | 1801 | 10752 | $999 |
RTX 5070 Ti | 133 TFLOPS | 1406 | 8960 | $749 |
RTX 5070 | 94 TFLOPS | 988 | 6144 | $549 |
A few essential technologies included in GeForce RTX 50 Series GPUs are as follows:
- In contrast to conventional brute force rendering techniques, DLSS 4: Introducing Multi Frame Generation leverages neural rendering to increase performance by up to 8x (source).
- Reflex 2: Frame Warp Technology, the most recent version of NVIDIA Reflex, may drastically cut gaming latency by up to 75% (source).
- GDDR7 memory: With up to 30Gbps of speed, next-generation GDDR7 memory is very fast and enables considerably improved performance in games, render engines, AI-powered picture and video creation, and more.
- 5th Gen Tensor Cores: NVIDIA’s next-generation Tensor Cores enable a new class of AI applications on your PC by significantly enhancing AI TOPS performance.
- Fourth-generation Ray Tracing Cores: Designed to manage Mega Geometry, these new cores are more potent than ever and enable previously unimaginable real-time ray tracing experiences.
- 9th Gen NVIDIA Encoder: In creative programs like DaVinci Resolve, Adobe Premiere Pro, and others, the next-generation NVENC is designed to speed up AI-driven effects and high-resolution video outputs.

Factors to Consider Before Upgrading to an RTX 50-Series Graphics Card
Making the correct decision is even more crucial because graphics cards might last your computers for many years. Before choosing the ideal graphics card for the upcoming generation of games, creative tasks, and AI applications, you need consider a few criteria.
Size and Clearance: The Perfect Fit
Size counts, therefore don’t listen to what other people say.
When working with a small form factor (SFF) PC or other enclosure that has space restrictions, choosing the appropriate class (and variation) of graphics card is crucial. Even while practically any graphics card can fit inside a well-made Mini-ITX chassis, it’s usually not a good idea because of how much heat current graphics cards produce and require to disperse.
Additionally, you could find that your graphics cards are just too big to fit in your little case.
A couple of MSI’s RTX 50-series VENTUS graphics cards have more compact designs and are expressly designed to be SFF-ready, however MSI is unsure of additional choices. You should be able to find out additional information on their technical specs websites if you’re not sure if your case will support your new graphics card. This is an illustration from MSI’s own stable:
To make sure your brand-new GPU will fit into your setup without any problems, compare the graphics card length to the maximum graphics card clearance specification of your case.
Which Is Better for Cooling: Air or Water?

Graphics cards with the highest performance tier, such as the RTX 5090, are known for their powerful air coolers and liquid-cooled alternatives. What is the proper course of action?
There isn’t a “right” choice for everyone, though. It all comes down to personal style, taste, and any size or compatibility restrictions on your case.
In comparison to their air-cooled predecessors, graphics cards with a liquid cooler and radiator usually have a “slimmer” physical factor. Because of this, liquid-cooled graphics cards are the best option if you want to use several PCIe slots on your motherboard without experiencing clearance or heat problems.
However, your case must be big enough to fit a 360mm radiator in order to support a liquid-cooled graphics card. In fact, if your processor is also liquid-cooled, you will want a chassis that can accommodate TWO huge radiators.
Another thing to think about is noise.
Top-tier GPUs like the RTX 5090 and RTX 5080 can sustain higher boost speeds for longer periods of time with less noise because liquid coolers are better suited to handle demanding workloads at lower temperatures.
It is so obvious that a liquid-cooled RTX 5090, such as MSI’s very own RTX 5090 SUPRIM LIQUID, is the greatest option if you want an amazing combination of the best components, construction, quiet, and performance.
Workloads and Performance: What Do You Need?
Naturally, choosing a graphics card without taking your computing requirements into account might have negative effects on your principal workloads and your financial situation.
Your sparkling new 4K 240Hz display (yes, MSI have one) may not be able to keep up with the performance of an inadequate GPU, which might cause you to wait much longer than necessary. Similarly, it isn’t the best use of your cash to acquire the priciest choice available on the shelves to run comparatively older games at lesser resolutions like 1080p or 720p.
The following are some common situations and the GeForce RTX 50 Series products that would be appropriate for them:
Ultrawide high refresh rate gaming on 1440p or 4K (2160p):
- RTX 5090 or 5080 depending on price. 1080p or 1440p high-refresh gaming
- The RTX 5070 or 5080 may be great for gaming depending on your budget and interests. Encounters using ray tracing. Of course, if you want to upgrade your display soon, you may get the RTX 5090 now.
- Workloads related to AI. You’ll need a tonne of fast VRAM whether you’re working on the larger AI models locally or utilising AI models to generate high-resolution photos and video. The RTX 5090 is without a doubt the greatest choice for these jobs, particularly if you frequently create content using Artificial Intelligence.
- Workloads related to rendering and other professions. In this instance, the best choice is more nuanced than MSI can discuss here. Choose between an RTX 5090 or RTX 5080 based on the VRAM use of your application if you are certain that gaming GPUs can handle your workloads. Clearance concerns must also be taken into account if you want several GPUs.
Power Supply Requirements: How Much Power Does an RTX 5090 or a 5080 Need?
MSI all put off changing a power source for as long as feasible. It’s a lot of effort, and when looking for a new graphics card, many pros and gamers would rather just stay inside the parameters of their present PSU.
Here are the official PSU specifications and MSI’s PSU suggestions for the GeForce RTX 50 Series Graphics Cards so you can see if you can:
GPU | TGP/TDP (GPU Power Draw) | Recommended Wattage | Recommended PSU |
---|---|---|---|
RTX 5090 | 575W | 1000W | MEG Ai1300P PCIE5 |
RTX 5080 | 360W | 850W | MPG A1000G PCIE5 |
RTX 5070 Ti | 300W | 750W | MPG A850G PCIE5 |
RTX 5070 | 250W | 650W | MAG A750GL PCIE5 |
It’s time for an update if your PSU isn’t powerful enough to support these latest GeForce RTX 50 Series graphics cards. You should get something that complies with the most recent PCIe 5.1 and ATX 3.1 specifications.
An RTX 5080 should function well with about 850W of power, while an RTX 5090 requires a 1000W PSU at the very least. However, an 850W or even 750W power supply will work well if you’re looking for anything in the mid-range (RTX 5070 or 5070 Ti).
With native connections for these new graphics cards, MSI’s power supply line (more details) does away with the need for specialised adapters.
MSI’s RTX 50-Series Lineup: SUPRIM, VANGUARD, GAMING TRIO, and VENTUS
Here is a quick rundown of MSI’s graphics card family for this generation if you’re choosing from MSI’s GeForce RTX 50 Series graphics cards.
GeForce RTX 50 Series SUPRIM LIQUID: Change the Game

With its distinctive combination of cutting-edge engineering, superior performance, and elegant, clean design, the SUPRIM LIQUID offers you the most luxurious experience with NVIDIA’s Blackwell technology. It has a 360mm radiator and a unique water block in its cutting-edge hybrid cooling system, which guarantees outstanding performance no matter how much work you put in.
RTX 50-Series SUPRIM: Change the Game
The SUPRIM has all the sturdy engineering, high-quality materials, and elegant appearance of its LIQUID predecessor, but it employs MSI’s most recent HYPERFROZR thermal design (air cooled) to manage even aggressive clock rates on an GeForce RTX 50 Series GPU if liquid cooling isn’t your thing.
RTX 50-Series VANGUARD: Your Journey, Your Rules

The newest model in MSI’s GeForce RTX Graphics Card collection, the VANGUARD, is intended for those who desire a combination of striking looks without compromising the high-end functionality and performance of a SUPRIM. It has the revolutionary HYPERFROZR thermal design along with all the engineering found in a SUPRIM.
This new graphics card range comes with a bonus! An GeForce RTX 50 Series VANGUARD with a blind-box containing a limited-edition Lucky (further details) is available for purchase at launch.
RTX 50-Series GAMING TRIO: Play Hard, Stay Silent

Nothing compares to the GAMING TRIO in terms of providing excellent performance at outstanding value. It includes the newest TRI FROZR 4 thermal design for exceptional performance, paired with a traditional style that highlights its distinctive dragon look.
RTX 50-Series VENTUS: Take the Essentials

MSI’s VENTUS graphics cards are known for their exceptional pricing and sturdy architecture. MSI’s GeForce RTX 50 Series portfolio is the next in line. With a copper baseplate, Core Pipes, and a triple TORX FAN 5.0 thermal design for ideal thermals, they concentrate on getting the basics right.
RTX 50-Series INSPIRE: Big Vision, Small Form

To ensure that you can begin to work straight away, the INSPIRE combines a stylish, small design with amazing performance and an intelligent thermal design. From the ground up, it was designed to house the best performance in a small 2-slot design, making it compatible with the widest variety of motherboard and case form factors, including SFF PCs.
Model | RTX 5090 | RTX 5080 | RTX 5070 Ti | RTX 5070 |
---|---|---|---|---|
SUPRIM LIQUID | ✅ | ✅ | ❌ | ❌ |
SUPRIM | ✅ | ✅ | ❌ | ❌ |
VANGUARD | ✅ | ✅ | ✅ | ✅ |
GAMING TRIO | ✅ | ✅ | ✅ | ✅ |
VENTUS | ✅ | ✅ | ✅ | ✅ |
INSPIRE | ❌ | ✅ | ✅ | ✅ |
It’s Time to Decide: The GeForce RTX 50 Series Graphics Cards are Here!
It is now more important than ever to have the hardware required to support these new kinds of AI applications and gaming experiences, as Artificial Intelligence is growing quickly due to its wide range of uses.