Excelling in delivering top-notch specifications for mini gaming PC enthusiasts, a partial solution has emerged. The brand new flagship Nvidia GeForce RTX 5090 The Nvidia GeForce Founders Edition graphics card has been added, along with various RTX 50-series gaming GPUs like the RTX 5080, to Nvidia’s SFF-Ready certification list, enabling smaller form factor PC builds.
Due to their size, larger Nvidia RTX 40-series graphics cards, such as the RTX 4090, are excluded from this listing, precluding SFF builders from incorporating one of the most powerful GPUs available in their small form factor (SFF)-prepared PC cases? In a surprising reversal of expectations, the newly launched RTX 5090 Founder’s Edition debuts as a remarkably slender device, boasting a compact PCB design and an innovative cooling system that enables it to occupy only a single two-slot thickness. Can the development of a top-tier, mini gaming PC now become a reality?
NVIDIA introduced its SFF-Prepared certification in 2024, providing customers with a straightforward directory of compatible GPUs and small form factor (SFF) PC configurations that work seamlessly together. Graphics cards must adhere to specific dimensions: a maximum height of 11.96 inches (304mm), a maximum length of 5.94 inches (151mm) with consideration for energy cable bend radius, and a maximum thickness of 1.96 inches (50mm or 2.5-slots). Conversely, a case must meet certain criteria to be considered compatible: it must provide a graphics card slot that measures at least 50mm wide, 154.5mm tall, and 312mm deep?
The exclusive lineup, tailored for RTX 40-series graphics cards, omitted any RTX 4090 variants, as the devices themselves exceed reasonable size constraints, rendering them unsuitable for the specified case and card dimensions. As of now, the RTX 4070, 4070 Ti, and 4080 graphics cards are the only substitutes available.
Despite its slim profile, the Founders Version RTX 5090 fits surprisingly well within the usual confines. While Nvidia’s bespoke RTX 5090 design yields impressive results, it’s worth noting that this particular GPU lacks any distinct variations, remaining essentially a compact iteration. While the market offers a diverse range of RTX 50-series graphics cards, including the RTX 5080, RTX 5070 Ti, and RTX 5070, these options are available.
While Founders Edition GPUs have traditionally been slightly smaller and more discreet in appearance compared to their third-party counterparts, this approach has inadvertently caused frustration among certain graphics card manufacturers who feel they are being unfairly disadvantaged. Despite being separate from the motherboard’s chipset, non-integrated graphics cards often boast larger coolers, vibrant RGB illumination, enhanced specifications, and distinctive design flourishes that set them apart, typically operating at a lower temperature and with reduced noise as well.
If the SFF-Prepared RTX 5090 piques your interest, consider another crucial factor: limited stock availability. Initially, purchasing Founders Edition playing cards, akin to the RTX 3090 FE, was likely out of reach for many due to their steep $2,000 sticker price. Nvidia may need to produce a sufficient quantity of graphics cards to meet potentially unprecedented demand.
Without the constraints of traditional form factors, the inclusion of an RTX 5090 card in a small form factor (SFF)-prepared system is nothing short of remarkable, especially considering the 575W thermal design power (TDP) surpasses that of the 4090, posing significant thermal management challenges. Given the significant increase in performance and features of the RTX 5090 compared to the RTX 4090, it would be highly unlikely that Nvidia would store them in identical dimensions, let alone design a small form factor (SFF) gaming PC to accommodate such a massive upgrade.
Take a look at the comprehensive Nvidia SFF-Prepared certification list available on the Nvidia website. Explore our curated selection of pre-configured mini gaming PCs, expertly designed to deliver exceptional performance without the hassle of building one yourself, and take a step closer to an unbeatable gaming experience with our top-rated mini builds. Test your greatest PC’s gaming capabilities for suggestions on top-tier gaming experiences across all screen sizes.
Discover the impressive specifications and customisation options of the high-performance Nvidia RTX 5090, a cutting-edge graphics card designed to deliver exceptional gaming and visual experiences.
