Recently, MSI released photographs of its upcoming graphics cards, hinting at the return of the iconic Lightning series. Today, a photo of the printed circuit board for such a card appeared online. The image confirms that it is indeed the RTX 5090 Lightning. However, it seems to be a different card from what MSI showcased under the name Special Edition.
The image reveals numerous lightning motifs, two 16-pin power connectors, and a monstrous 40-phase power subsystem. There is nothing like it in the market, not even close. Even the Asus ROG Matrix model has ‘only’ 31 phases, which was already a record.
Moreover, the presence of two 12V-2×6 connectors on the RTX 5090 is also a first. Such a setup is found in Galax cards, but these are RTX 5090D models, whereas the Asus ROG Matrix has one 16-pin power connector and an additional GC-HPWR connector for powering through the motherboard.
Adding to the excitement, recent reports suggest a significant leap in performance and efficiency with the RTX 5090 Lightning, boasting enhancements that enthusiasts have eagerly awaited. Experts in the field indicate that this could set a new benchmark in the high-end GPU market, potentially impacting NVIDIA’s competition significantly.
Industry representatives highlight that the reintroduction of the Lightning series represents a commitment to performance excellence, catering to a niche of hardcore gamers and professionals who demand the highest output from their systems. This aligns with MSI’s legacy of innovation in the graphics card domain.
