PC Builds

Ultimate Ryzen 9850X3D & RTX 5090 Gaming PC Build

FI_[DM89] Phanteks Evolv + AORUS 5090 9850X3D Gallery (8)

The AMD Ryzen 7 9850X3D has arrived, and we’re giving it the partner it deserves: the RTX 5090. In this build guide, we push the limits of 4K competitive gaming while showcasing some of Phanteks’ newest thermal tech. From the 8TB of blistering Samsung storage to the pristine white ‘Stealth’ motherboard, every part of this system was chosen for one reason: to be the best. So this build will be an interesting blend of raw performance, innovative products, and some seriously cool white aesthetics.

We’ll walk you through the parts we’ve chosen and explain what makes them really tick our boxes. We’ll show you how this gaming system performs across a range of relevant and popular titles. Finally, we’ll link our build guide video, so if this PC tickles your fancy, you can follow along with James as he shows you how to build it from start to finish.

Parts Overview

AMD Ryzen 7 9850X3D

Skip to Section
AMD Ryzen 7 9850X3D processor

The Ryzen 7 9850X3D delivers elite gaming performance with 3D V-Cache, while still offering enough thread throughput for streaming and medium creator workloads.

Architecture
Zen 5 with 3D V-Cache (AM5)
Core/Thread Count
8 Cores / 16 Threads
Clock Speeds
4.7 GHz Base, up to 5.6 GHz Boost
L3 Cache
96MB
Platform Support
DDR5 + PCIe 5.0

$489.00 at Amazon
Last updated: 2026-03-14 12:48:07 ET

Phanteks Glacier One 360D30 X2

Skip to Section
Phanteks Glacier One 360D30 X2 cooler

Phanteks’ Glacier One 360D30 X2 combines strong thermals with premium aesthetics, pairing a large 360mm radiator with D30 fans and NEXLINQ ecosystem control.

Cooler Type
All-in-one liquid cooler (360mm)
Fan Configuration
3 x Phanteks D30 120mm PWM fans
Lighting
Addressable RGB with NEXLINQ sync support
Radiator Size
360mm
Socket Compatibility
Intel LGA – 1700/1851
AMD – AM5/AM4

Gigabyte X870 AORUS STEALTH ICE

Skip to Section
Gigabyte X870 AORUS STEALTH ICE motherboard

The X870 AORUS STEALTH ICE is a premium reverse-connector AM5 motherboard that keeps cabling behind the tray, creating a clean showcase interior with high-end connectivity.

Chipset / Socket
AMD X870 / AM5
Form Factor
ATX
Memory Support
4 x DDR5,
Up to 256GB,
Up to 8200 (OC)
Primary GPU Slot
PCIe 5.0 x16
Networking
Wi-Fi 7
5GbE LAN
Bluetooth 5.4

$309.99 at Amazon
Last updated: 2026-03-14 12:48:07 ET

G.Skill Trident Z5 NEO RGB

Skip to Section
G.Skill Trident Z5 NEO RGB memory

G.Skill’s Trident Z5 NEO RGB is an AMD-focused EXPO kit tuned for AM5, balancing high frequency with tight enough latency for strong gaming consistency.

Capacity
32GB (2x16GB)
Memory Type
DDR5 UDIMM
Speed
6000MT/s
Timings
CL36
Platform Profile
AMD EXPO compatible kit

Samsung 9100 Pro 8TB

Skip to Section
Samsung 9100 Pro 8TB SSD

The 8TB Samsung 9100 Pro provides enormous high-speed PCIe 5.0 storage headroom for AAA game libraries, creator assets, and long-term project archives.

Capacity
8TB
Form Factor
M.2 2280
Interface
PCIe 5.0 x4 NVMe
Sequential Read/Write
Up to PCIe 5.0 flagship-class throughput
Best Use
Large game libraries + creator project storage

Gigabyte AORUS GeForce RTX 5090 MASTER ICE 32GB

Skip to Section
Gigabyte AORUS GeForce RTX 5090 MASTER ICE 32GB graphics card

The AORUS RTX 5090 MASTER ICE targets uncompromised 4K gaming with heavy ray tracing enabled, while also delivering huge acceleration for rendering and AI-assisted creative workflows.

VRAM
32GB GDDR7
Bus / Interface
PCIe 5.0 x16
Power Connector
1 x 12V-2×6 (16-pin)
Target Resolution
High-refresh 4K, ultra settings
Feature Stack
Ray tracing + DLSS + frame generation

Phanteks EVOLV X2 MATRIX

Skip to Section
Phanteks EVOLV X2 MATRIX case

Phanteks’ EVOLV X2 MATRIX is a showcase chassis with integrated matrix lighting, strong vertical airflow support, and a hidden-cable layout designed for clean premium builds.

Case Type
Mid-Tower
Dimensions
454 x 228 x 588 mm
Motherboard Support
E-ATX, ATX, Micro-ATX, Mini-ITX
Radiator Support
Up 360mm (Top only)
Front IO
2 x USB 3.0, 1 x USB-C 3.2 Gen2x2, 1 x Headset Combo Jack

$199.99 at Amazon
Last updated: 2026-03-14 12:48:07 ET

Lian Li SX1200P

Skip to Section
Lian Li SX1200P white power supply

Lian Li’s SX1200P is a high-capacity ATX 3.x unit designed for flagship GPUs and overclocked CPUs, with native next-gen GPU power support and strong efficiency.

Wattage
1200W
Efficiency Rating
80 PLUS Platinum, PPLP Platinum certified
Standard
ATX 3.1 / PCIe 5.1 ready
Modularity
Fully modular cabling
GPU Power
native 12V-2×6
1 x 12+4-pin cable support

$159.99 at Amazon
Last updated: 2026-03-14 12:48:07 ET
CPU

AMD Ryzen 7 9850X3D

$489.00 at Amazon
Last updated: 2026-03-14 12:48:07 ET

First up is our shiny new AMD Ryzen 7 9850X3D, which we are so excited to be including in this new gaming PC build. This processor packs a solid eight cores with sixteen threads, which is more than enough to game and handle medium multitasking workloads without issue. Its base clock speed is 4.7 GHz, and its boost clock is a whopping 5.6 GHz, making it currently the fastest X3D CPU on the AM5 socket with the latest Zen5 architecture. There’s something rather special about the X3D Chips, and it’s that they have more L3 cache than typical CPUs, which is especially important for competitive shooters and CPU logic-demanding games. This processor has 96MB of L3 cache, consisting of 64MB extra storage stacked vertically on top of the base 32MB.

When compared to the remainder of the Ryzen X3D lineup, the 9850X3D sits above the existing 9800X3D, but with fewer cores than the 9900X3D and 9950X3D:

CPU Comparison

AMD Ryzen X3D Desktop CPU Comparison

Hover rows for highlight. Drag :: to reorder columns, or tap/click a header title to sort.

CPU ::Cores ::Threads ::Base Clock ::Max Boost ::TDP ::Total Cache ::Where to Buy
AMD Ryzen 9 9950X3D product image

AMD Ryzen 9 9950X3D

Zen 5 flagship X3D desktop CPU

16 32 4.3 GHz 5.7 GHz 170W 144MB
$675.49 at Amazon
Last updated: 2026-03-14 12:48:07 ET
TBSI_AMD Ryzen 9 9900X3D

AMD Ryzen 9 9900X3D

12-core Zen 5 X3D for mixed gaming and production

12 24 4.4 GHz 5.5 GHz 120W 140MB
$529.99 at Amazon
Last updated: 2026-03-14 12:48:07 ET
TBSI_AMD Ryzen 7 9850X3D

AMD Ryzen 7 9850X3D

Newest Ryzen 7 X3D in the lineup

8 16 4.7 GHz 5.6 GHz 120W 104MB
$489.00 at Amazon
Last updated: 2026-03-14 12:48:07 ET
TBSI_AMD Ryzen 7 9800X3D

AMD Ryzen 7 9800X3D

High-FPS Zen 5 gaming CPU

8 16 4.7 GHz 5.2 GHz 120W 104MB
$429.95 at Amazon
Last updated: 2026-03-14 12:48:07 ET
TBSI_AMD Ryzen 7 7800X3D

AMD Ryzen 7 7800X3D

Mainstream Zen 4 gaming favorite

8 16 4.2 GHz 5.0 GHz 120W 104MB
$365.00 at Amazon
Last updated: 2026-03-14 12:48:06 ET

In our testing of the Ryzen 7 9850X3D, you can clearly see that it provides an improvement on average when compared to the slightly cheaper Ryzen 9800X3D, but it does not provide enormous margins of improvement. Put simply, it's faster and that matters - but not by a huge amount:

Full Review Benchmarks

CPU Testing (RTX 5090 Test Bench)

Read the Full 9850X3D Analysis
CPU Cooler

Phanteks Glacier One 360D30 X2

The AMD Ryzen 7 9850X3D is a powerhouse with a 120W TDP, making it a processor that is as thermally demanding as it is powerful. To maintain peak performance without throttling, the Phanteks Glacier One 360D30 X2 in white serves as a highly effective cooling partner. This liquid cooler utilises a 360mm aluminium radiator and three premium, interconnected Phanteks D30 fans that work in tandem to rapidly diffuse heat away from the CPU, ensuring your system remains stable even during the most intensive workloads or gaming sessions.

Beyond its core cooling capabilities, the Glacier One features a sophisticated brushed aluminium pump cover equipped with an integrated fan. This secondary airflow is vital for cooling the surrounding VRMs and M.2 SSDs, protecting the motherboard components that often get neglected in liquid-cooled builds. The aesthetic is topped off by a centre-mounted infinity mirror and fully customizable RGB lighting, which can be effortlessly synced via Phanteks' NEXLINQ Hub or standard motherboard software to create a cohesive, high-end look.

Motherboard

Gigabyte X870 AORUS STEALTH ICE

MPI_Gigabyte X870 AORUS STEALTH ICE Wide
$309.99 at Amazon
Last updated: 2026-03-14 12:48:07 ET

The icy white Gigabyte X870 AORUS STEALTH ICE was the definitive choice for this build, offering a refined, minimalist foundation that balances an otherwise complex hardware configuration. By opting for this sleek design, we ensure the build remains visually sophisticated without feeling overwhelmed by the surrounding components. The "Stealth" philosophy is truly realised through its reverse-connector design, which moves the majority of cable headers to the back of the PCB. This keeps the internal chamber virtually cable-free, allowing the clean lines of the hardware to take centre stage.

PCIe Lane Breakdown

PCIe 5.0 x16 (Top)

Mode
PCIe 5.0 x16 (Ryzen 9000/7000), PCIe 4.0 x8 (Ryzen 8000 Phoenix 1), PCIe 4.0 x4 (Ryzen 8000 Phoenix 2)
Supported Device
Graphics card or NVMe SSD
Lane Source
Direct CPU PCIe lanes
Notes
If only one graphics card is installed, Gigabyte recommends using PCIEX16.

PCIe 4.0 x16 (PCIEX4)

Mode
PCIe 4.0 x4 (physical x16 slot)
Lane Source
Chipset lanes
Notes
Shares bandwidth with M2D_SB. PCIEX4 becomes unavailable when a device is installed in M2D_SB.

M2A_CPU

Connector
Socket 3, M key
Supported Lengths
25110 / 22110 / 2580 / 2280
Interface
PCIe 5.0 x4/x2 (Ryzen 9000/7000), PCIe 4.0 x4/x2 (Ryzen 8000 Phoenix 1/2)
Lane Source
Direct CPU lanes

M2B_CPU

Connector
Socket 3, M key
Supported Lengths
22110 / 2280
Interface
PCIe 5.0 x4/x2 (Ryzen 9000/7000), PCIe 4.0 x4/x2 (Ryzen 8000 Phoenix 1)
Lane Source
Direct CPU lanes
Notes
Unavailable with Ryzen 8000 Series Phoenix 2 processors.
USB4 Interaction
Shares bandwidth with rear USB4 Type-C ports. With M2B installed, both run at up to PCIe 5.0 x2. Setting M2B to PCIe 5.0 x4 in BIOS disables the USB4 ports.

M2C_SB

Connector
Socket 3, M key
Supported Lengths
22110 / 2280
Interface
PCIe 4.0 x4/x2
Lane Source
Chipset lanes

M2D_SB

Connector
Socket 3, M key
Supported Lengths
22110 / 2280
Interface
PCIe 4.0 x4/x2
Lane Source
Chipset lanes
Notes
Shares bandwidth with PCIEX4. Installing a device in M2D_SB disables PCIEX4.

Performance and practicality are equally prioritised, as this board features an advanced thermal suite including a dedicated VRM heatpipe and a massive M.2 heatsink that spans the lower half of the PCB. This ensures that both the high-speed storage and power delivery remain cool under sustained loads. For the modern enthusiast, the board is entirely tool-less, extending even to the EZ-Plug WiFi antenna for a seamless assembly experience. On the connectivity front, the rear I/O is exceptionally well-equipped, featuring dual USB4 Type-C ports with 40Gb/s speeds and DP-Alt support, alongside cutting-edge WiFi 7 and 5G LAN for ultra-fast networking.

RAM

G.Skill Trident Z5 NEO RGB

MPI_G.Skill Trident Z5 NEO EXPO White

For the RAM, we’ve chosen the G.Skill Trident Z5 NEO EXPO kit. What’s great about this kit is that the EXPO memory is designed for AMD PC builds, with an onboard profile that optimises performance by increasing speeds where possible and lowering latency. Specifically, the G.Skill Trident Z5 NEO EXPO we’ve chosen offers a speed of 6000MT/s while latency sits around CL36, which is solid for this gaming PC build.

RAM Configuration

Speed

6000MHz

Latency

CL36

Generation

DDR5

DIMM Count

2 Sticks

Memory Speed Visual (DDR5 Scale)

4800MHz 6000MHz 8000MHz+

Recommended Motherboard Slot Population (4-Slot Board)

Slot 1 (A1)

Leave Empty

Slot 3 (B1)

Leave Empty

For 2-DIMM kits on 4-slot motherboards, install memory in slots 2 and 4 (A2 + B2) for dual-channel operation and best stability.

Aesthetically speaking, the G.Skill Trident Z5 NEO EXPO is a fantastic-looking kit. The black-and-white heat spreader looks sophisticated and complements the other white parts in the build. Each DIMM features a small RGB strip that can be synced with other components via various applications. Our Phanteks case will also allow us to showcase these gorgeous sticks from three different viewing positions.

SSD

Samsung 9100 Pro 8TB

MPI_Samsung 9100 Pro 8TB

The Samsung 9100 Pro is built on the latest PCIe Gen5 interface, offering roughly double the speed of its predecessor, the Gen4-based Samsung 990 PRO. It’s available in four capacities ranging from 1TB to 8TB, making it suitable for demanding tasks like gaming and 4K video editing.

SSD Speed Results

All results below are produced by GeekaWhat in-house testing using the same bench and methodology for consistency.

Sequential Read

14,201 MB/s

Sequential Write

13,058 MB/s

Generation Speed Context

Read 14,201 MB/s Write 13,058 MB/s
Gen3 Gen4 Gen5 Maximum Speed: 15,754 MB/s

Scale uses PCIe/NVMe theoretical throughput ceilings (x4 link). Real-world speeds vary by controller, NAND, queue depth, thermals, and test tool.

For this build, we’ve opted for the 8TB model to maximise performance and long-term storage. In our testing, the 9100 Pro has proven to be one of the best SSDs we’ve used, delivering uncompromising performance and exceptional endurance.

Suggested Article: Best SSDs to Buy in 2026

GPU

Gigabyte AORUS GeForce RTX 5090 MASTER ICE 32GB

MPI_GIGABYTE AORUS GeForce RTX 5090 Master ICE

The Gigabyte AORUS GeForce RTX 5090 MASTER ICE 32GB is undeniably an overkill choice, but for this build, we are going completely all out. While the RTX 5090 itself is the key to sustaining elite frame rates at 4K ultra settings - thanks to its massive 32GB of GDDR7 VRAM and a wide 512-bit memory bus - Gigabyte has delivered a custom variant that effectively knocks other options off the shelf. It is a flagship in every sense of the word, designed for those who refuse to compromise on either raw power or visual presence.

The features of the AORUS MASTER ICE make it a true force to be reckoned with, characterised by the signature LCD Edge View for real-time monitoring and the striking RGB halo rings surrounding the fans. Under the hood, the powerhouse WINDFORCE cooling system ensures that the card remains frosty even when pushed to its absolute limits. Between the cutting-edge internal specs and the premium external aesthetics, it is hard to imagine anything else you could possibly want a graphics card to do.

Gigabyte AORUS RTX 5080

Alternative GPU Choice

Gigabyte AORUS GeForce RTX 5080 MASTER ICE 16GB

If you're looking for strong 4K performance without the crazy price tag associated with the RTX 5090, especially in the current market conditions, the RTX 5080 is a great alternative pick. For many people, the extra memory and raw horsepower of the 5090 are overkill and not actually required.

Buy This If:
You're looking for great 4K performance without the price tag associated with the RTX 5090.
Main Tradeoff:
Much less video memory, with 16GB vs 32GB found on the RTX 5090.

Case

Phanteks EVOLV X2 MATRIX

$199.99 at Amazon
Last updated: 2026-03-14 12:48:07 ET

The EVOLV X2 MATRIX is a new case from Phanteks that introduces a bold new dimension to the EVOLV line, with an impressive integrated 900-LED Matrix display concealed behind a fabric interior layer. This unique feature transforms a typical fish-tank-style case into more than just a house for your components; it becomes a dynamic canvas that lets you personalise your build.

Phanteks EVOLV X2 MATRIX Specs

General

Form Factor
Mid-Tower
Dimensions
454 x 228 x 588 mm (17.87 x 8.98 x 23.15 in)
Materials
Steel chassis, aluminium panels, tempered glass window, ABS plastic, polyester
Color
Brushed aluminium
Expansion Slots
8
Vertical GPU
Supported (riser cable sold separately)
Front IO
2x USB 3.0, 1x USB-C 3.2 Gen2x2, 1x headset combo jack, power, reset

Mainboard Compatibility

Supported Boards
E-ATX, ATX, Micro-ATX, Mini-ITX
Max Board Width
Up to 280 mm
Rear-Connect
MSI Project Zero, ASUS BTF, Gigabyte Project Stealth
Layout Notes
Floating vertical airflow chassis with hidden cable routing door

Cooling Support

Total Fans
7x 120 mm
Fan Mounts
Top: 3x120 mm, Rear: 1x120 mm, Bottom: 3x120 mm (7 total)
Radiator Support
Top: up to 360 mm
Top Rad Max Size
415 x 130 x 32 mm (16.34 x 5.12 x 1.25 in)
Airflow Design
Bottom intake and top exhaust vertical cooling path

Storage

Internal 2.5" Positions
5 + 1x 3.5" HDD
Internal 3.5" Positions
2 + 3x 2.5" SSD
Side Bracket
Supports 3x 2.5" SSD
Bottom Bracket
Supports 2x 3.5" HDD or 1x 3.5" HDD + 2x 2.5" SSD

Clearance

CPU Cooler Height
170 mm (6.69 in)
GPU Length
380 mm (14.96 in)
GPU Width
170 mm (6.69 in)
PSU Length
250 mm (9.84 in)

Matrix Display Features

LED Count
900 integrated LEDs
Power Input
5V | 5.3A
Placement
Behind fabric interior panel for a clean hidden display look
Fabric Material
Polyester
Connectors
Mainboard USB 2.0 header (500 mm) and SATA (500 mm)
Controls
Configured through Phanteks NexLinq app (Windows)
Widget Types
System stats, time/date, text, animations, and layout widgets
RGB Integration
3x built-in D-RGB strips pre-installed; sync via compatible controller/mainboard

Extra

Net Weight
14.2 kg (31.3 lbs)
Gross Weight
16.5 kg (36.4 lbs)
Warranty
5 years limited

Measuring 454 x 228 x 588 mm, this case is taller than most other mid-towers to incorporate the LED panel whilst still providing enough room for airflow and cable management. We like that the front IO is on the side panel for easy access when the case is on a desk, and the LED lighting makes this case a proud showpiece. When paired with the CPU cooler, you'll achieve complete harmony between these two components using the NEXLINQ application.

PSU

Lian Li SX1200P

MPI_Lian Li SX1200WP
$159.99 at Amazon
Last updated: 2026-03-14 12:48:07 ET

Our final component choice is the SX1200P; it's a newer release from Lian Li. We chose this PSU because it's white, the cables and cable tips are white, and, most importantly, it provides enough stable headroom to power the extremely power-demanding RTX 5090 we are using. It also offers extra wattage to support future upgrades without requiring a new PSU.

Included Cables

12+4-pin PCIe

Connector Type
12+4-pin PCIe
Quantity Included
1
Primary Use
High-power PCIe/GPU connection

12V-2x6

Connector Type
12V-2x6
Quantity Included
2
Primary Use
Modern GPU power connectors

ATX 12V (4+4)

Connector Type
4+4-pin ATX 12V
Quantity Included
2
Primary Use
CPU power (motherboard EPS headers)

PCIe (6+2 pin)

Connector Type
Standard GPU power
Quantity Included
3
Primary Use
Additional GPUs / PCIe devices

SATA (15-pin)

Connector Type
SATA
Quantity Included
8
Primary Use
SATA storage devices

Peripheral (Molex 4-pin)

Connector Type
Molex
Quantity Included
4
Primary Use
Fans / legacy devices

The power supply is fully modular for easier cable management. It's ATX 3.1 and PCIe 5.1 certified, and it has an 80 PLUS Platinum rating, meaning it is highly efficient and can save you money on your energy bills compared to lower efficiency ratings. We recently wrote that this PSU is one of the best white PSUs on the market right now.

Suggested Article: Best Power Supplies to Buy in 2026

Recommended Peripherals

Here are some peripherals we recommend for this build, as their quality and design perfectly complement the PC and its components.

A premium 75% pick with enthusiast-level build quality, smooth switches, and strong all-around gaming + daily use performance.

Switch Type
ROG NX Snow V2 (hot-swappable)
Layout
75% compact
Connectivity
2.4GHz / Bluetooth / USB-C
Best For
Premium gaming + typing setups

$264.66 at Amazon
Last updated: 2026-03-14 12:48:07 ET

Esports-focused wireless mouse with strong sensor consistency and responsive click feel for FPS-heavy playstyles.

Sensor
High-performance optical sensor
Weight
Ultra-light class
Connectivity
Low-latency wireless + USB
Best For
Competitive shooters

The VIRTUOSO MAX WIRELESS adds active noise cancellation, simultaneous 2.4GHz + Bluetooth, and 50mm graphene drivers for a more premium all-round experience.

Connection
2.4GHz low-latency wireless + Bluetooth (simultaneous dual wireless)
Noise Control
Active Noise Cancellation + transparency mode
Audio
50mm graphene drivers, Dolby Atmos support, 20Hz-40kHz response
Battery
Up to 30 hours wireless (RGB off), plus fast-charge support

$329.99 at Amazon
Last updated: 2026-03-14 12:48:07 ET

Top-end 32-inch 4K gaming display with OLED-level response times and excellent HDR impact.

Panel
32-inch 3840x2160 QD-OLED
Refresh Rate
240Hz
Response Time
0.03ms class
Best For
High-end 4K gaming builds

$819.99 at Amazon
Last updated: 2026-03-14 12:48:07 ET

Performance

With the hardware side covered, it’s time to see what this system actually delivers in-game. For testing, we’ve focused on a mix of competitive shooters and visually demanding AAA titles to give a realistic spread of workloads. That means fast-paced, high-refresh experiences like Call of Duty: Black Ops 7, Battlefield 6, Arc Raiders, Fortnite and Apex Legends, alongside heavier cinematic titles including Indiana Jones & The Great Circle and Hogwarts Legacy. The idea is to look at both ends of the spectrum — raw FPS potential and GPU-heavy visual stress.

Performance Snapshot

Multi-Game Average FPS

1080P

0FPS

1440P

0FPS

4K

0FPS

Map

Dam Battlegrounds

Capture Length

4-7 mins

Window Mode

Fullscreen

Resolution Scaling

TAAU, 100% (3840x2160), Manual

Frame Generation

Off

VSync / Reflex

VSync Off, NVIDIA Reflex On

Overall Quality

High

Graphics Breakdown

View Distance / AA / Shadows / Post / Texture / Effects / Reflections / Foliage / GI all High

Learn More About How We Test
Driver Version: NVIDIA 573.18

1080P

0FPS

1440P

0FPS

4K

0FPS

Capture Length

4-7 mins

Display

Fullscreen, 3840x2160, Aspect 16:9

AA / Upscaling

TAAU, Render Scale 100

Frame Gen / Latency

Frame Generation Off, Low Latency Off

VSync / FPS Cap

VSync Off, Match/Lobby/Background FPS No Limit

Preset

Graphics Quality High

GI / Reflections

Lumen GI High Quality, SSR reflections

Detail Settings

Model / Post / Shadows / Texture / Effects / Foliage all High

Learn More About How We Test
Driver Version: NVIDIA 573.18

1080P

0FPS

1440P

0FPS

4K

0FPS

Map / Mode

Empire State, Conquest

Capture Length

4-7 mins

Fullscreen Mode

Windowed (Fullscreen Device Monitor 1)

Resolution / Refresh

3840x2160, 120Hz, Aspect Auto

VSync / FOV

VSync Off, FOV 90, Vehicle FOV 79

Preset

Custom, Graphics Quality High

Texture / Mesh / Terrain

All High

Reflections / AO & GI

Reflections High, SSR High, GTAO High

Learn More About How We Test
Driver Version: NVIDIA 573.18

1080P

0FPS

1440P

0FPS

4K

0FPS

Mode / Map

Zombies Solo, Ashes of the Damned (Spawn Area)

Capture Length

4-7 mins

Display / Resolution

Fullscreen, 1920x1080, Aspect Auto

Render Resolution

100% (3840x2160), Dynamic Resolution Off

VSync / Frame Cap

VSync Off (Gameplay + Menus), Unlimited FPS

Reflex / Frame Gen

NVIDIA Reflex On, DLSS FG Off, FSR FG Off

Preset

Custom (Eco preset Efficiency baseline)

Core Quality

Textures / Detail / Particles / Shaders / Shadows / Terrain / Volumetrics all High

Learn More About How We Test
Driver Version: NVIDIA 573.18

1080P

0FPS

1440P

0FPS

4K

0FPS

Window Mode

Fullscreen

Quality Preset

High

Anti-Aliasing & Super Resolution

TAA

Temporal Super Resolution

Recommended

3D Resolution

100%

Dynamic 3D Resolution

Off

Nanite Virtualized Geometry

On

Global Illumination

Lumen High

Reflections

Lumen High

Shadows

High

View Distance

Far

Textures

High

Effects

High

Post Processing

High

Hardware Ray Tracing

Off

NVIDIA Reflex Low Latency

On

Learn More About How We Test
Driver Version: NVIDIA 573.18

All testing is carried out at 1440p and 4K, which are the most relevant resolutions for a GPU of this class. 1440p lets us see how the system handles high-refresh gaming, where the CPU can still affect performance, while 4K shifts the load firmly onto the GPU to showcase what the 5090 is capable of under pressure. Settings are configured to reflect realistic enthusiast use — high or ultra presets, with ray tracing enabled where it makes sense — so the results mirror how someone would actually run this hardware day to day.

Video

PC Writer & Hardware Reviewer
Katherine Neul is part of our technical writing and reviews team for PC hardware and components. With a degree in Games Technology and over six years of hands-on experience in computer hardware testing and engineering, she brings a strong foundation in computer architecture, system optimising, and troubleshooting. Her expertise and interest spans across CPUs, GPUs and peripherals, enabling her to deliver detailed and insightful reviews for enthusiasts and everyday users alike. Katherine has a passion for demystifying complex technology, ensuring that her writing not only informs but also empowers readers to make confident decisions when building or upgrading their systems.