Graphics enthusiasts and DIY experts have been eagerly following the exploits of Teclab, who undertook an ambitious project to build a custom NVIDIA GeForce RTX 4090 SUPER graphics card. Although NVIDIA has not released an official “SUPER” variant of their RTX 4090, Teclab’s initiative has brought this concept to life utilizing a binned AD102 “Ada” GPU and top-tier GDDR6X memory.
Origins of the Custom RTX 4090 SUPER Project
Teclab’s journey began with the introduction of the NVIDIA RTX 3090 Ti graphics card, which, despite its late release in the RTX 30 series, offered a glimpse into the potential of a more powerful GPU. It had certain design similarities with the RTX 4090, including the PCB layout that supported faster memory and a more robust power supply design catered towards high-performance computing.
Why Choose the RTX 3090 Ti HOF OC LAB?
The RTX 3090 Ti HOF OC LAB was chosen primarily for its efficient water block cooling system that doesn’t require extreme methods, such as liquid nitrogen (LN2), to manage heat. Though the RTX 4090 did have a Hall of Fame (HOF) variant, it lacked a specific OC LAB water block, which led Teclab to repurpose the one from the 3090 Ti.
Transforming the RTX 3090 Ti into the custom RTX 4090 SUPER involved switching to the AD102 GPU, upgrading to a 24 Gbps GDDR6X memory from Micron, and tweaking the memory straps and voltage controller to handle a 1.2V supply for the GPU, which guarantees maximum performance.
The Memory Module Selection Process
Teclab meticulously handpicked each GDDR6X memory IC to ensure that only the best quality dies were used for the project. Micron’s 24 Gbps GDDR6X modules were chosen for their ability to deliver speeds that push the envelope of graphics processing performance.
Expertise and Equipment: Building a Custom GPU
This endeavor required more than just a GPU and memory swap; it was a comprehensive reconstruction that involved detailed knowledge and capabilities only available to professionals closely affiliated with graphics card manufacturers like GALAX. With access to accurate PCB schematics and high-quality tools, Teclab navigated complex power routing, memory straps, and voltage modifications.
Cooling Solutions and Performance Testing
For cooling the powerhouse, Teclab repurposed and slightly modified the water block from the GALAX RTX 3090 Ti HOF OC Lab. Employing high-grade thermal putty for the memory and premium thermal interface material (TIM) for the GPU, they ensured excellent thermal conductivity.
A dual 360mm radiator setup, in assistance with a water pump with a flow rate of 234 L/h, maintained operating temperatures of 54-55C, even during rigorous testing with the GPU clocked above 3 GHz. In terms of memory, Teclab managed to reach speeds close to 25.8 Gbps during the Unigine Superposition 8K benchmark, which is just a notch below their previous record of 26 Gbps on a different card with a custom memory swap modification.
Record-Breaking Performance Gain with Water Cooling
The performance outcomes were astonishing; Teclab’s custom RTX 4090 SUPER outstripped numerous LN2-cooled RTX 4090 scores using just water cooling. This achievement is an incredible testament to their craftsmanship and attention to detail.
Comparing to a stock RTX 4090 with overclocking, Teclab’s custom card demonstrated a 39% performance increase and an impressive 16.5% uplift even without Level of Detail (LOD) tweaks. Plans for further testing, including attempting LN2 benchmarks, are in motion, promising even more groundbreaking results from Teclab.
The creation of the unofficial NVIDIA GeForce RTX 4090 SUPER exemplifies how skill, dedication, and a deep understanding of graphics hardware can lead to extraordinary developments beyond what is commercially available. For enthusiasts looking to push their systems to the limit, Teclab’s adventure may inspire future custom builds and open the door to new levels of graphics performance.
