I was able to get a PNY 5090 Epic-X OC for $2100, after some negotiation at Best Buy. I'm curious how this card compares to the Founders Edition (FE) in terms of temperatures and noise levels but haven't found much user info on it. I'm not in a hurry; I can wait for the FE if it's a better option. I'm wondering if the extra $100 for the FE is worth it and how the warranty experience differs between PNY and Nvidia.
4 Answers
Interestingly, this year the temps on the FE cards aren't that far off from the AIBs, including PNY, thanks to their unique cooling designs. Plus, PNY actually makes the coolers for the FE cards, so there's that connection. Personally, I prefer the aesthetics of the PNY over the Founders Edition.
In general, the PNY should run cooler than the FE, which can run hot due to its more compact design. If heat is a major concern for you, I'd go with the PNY. Warranty experiences can vary, and I think you should really consider which company would be more convenient for support if needed.
That sounds reasonable. I'm leaning towards PNY since they usually come with a more traditional cooling design, making maintenance easier down the line.
The FE might hold more value due to its exclusivity, but the PNY is designed for better cooling performance. Ultimately, it comes down to what features you value more.
The Founders Edition cards are quite rare and often seen as a marketing strategy more than anything else. Nvidia produces these at Foxconn to showcase the true potential of their chips. This means that while the FE might offer premium quality, it also has limited availability. The PNY card, on the other hand, offers more bang for your buck, especially since it's built to compete directly with FE. Just keep in mind that most AIBs, including PNY, often produce reliable cards that are very comparable to the Founders Editions.
Exactly. It’s in their best interest to make cards that perform well, especially with so many other players in the game.
Wouldn't it be more beneficial for AIBs to put out the strongest cards they can? I mean, with so much competition, surely they wouldn't risk their reputation by cutting corners.
I didn't realize PNY was behind the coolers! That’s a game changer for me. I've had good experiences with PNY cards in the past.