Disassembly and Analysis of the RTX 5090 Founders Edition Graphics Card
0:00:02 Introduction: The video focuses on disassembling the RTX 5090 Founders Edition graphics card, following a previous review and thermal engineering interview.
0:00:53 RTX 5090 Founders Edition Overview: The card features a two-fan design with a dual flow-through approach, differing from the prototype's three-fan, full flow-through design.
0:03:05 Unique PCB Design: The PCB is centrally located, offsetting the PCIe slot and utilizing a separate connector board. The I/O is also on a separate board connected by a flex cable.
0:03:36 Angled Slats: Slats on the card are angled to direct airflow away from the fan inlets, preventing warm air recirculation.
0:04:39 Intentional Indentation: A slight indent on the card's exterior helps optimize airflow by accommodating the higher performance of the fan blades' outer edges.
0:05:33 Disassembly Begins: The presenter starts the disassembly process, noting the absence of screws on the backplate, a potential challenge encountered in previous models.
0:09:06 Easier Disassembly: The disassembly process is smoother than expected, with no cosmetic damage incurred.
0:10:31 X-Frame Design: Removal of the frame reveals an X-shaped design with LEDs, connected via pogo pins.
0:12:28 Backplate Removal: The backplate is removed, exposing thermal pads that contact the memory and PCB.
0:13:02 PCIe Slot: The PCIe slot is a separate component, designed to address signal integrity and fragility.
0:15:36 Liquid Metal Exposure: Removal of the final screws exposes the liquid metal thermal interface material (TIM) on the GPU die.
0:17:16 Gasket Seal: A black gasket with three walls surrounds the liquid metal, helping to contain it and prevent aging due to air exposure.
0:17:59 Liquid Metal Discussion: The presenter discusses the properties of liquid metal, including its interactions with other metals and the importance of a thin, even application.
0:18:53 3D Vapor Chamber: The cooler features a 3D vapor chamber with five columns extending outwards, each containing wicking structures.
0:20:24 Liquid Metal Reapplication: The presenter demonstrates how to collect and redistribute the liquid metal for reapplication, emphasizing the importance of even coverage on the die.
0:26:24 Assembly Quality: The presenter praises the assembly quality of the RTX 5090 Founders Edition, highlighting its improvement over previous generations.
0:27:17 Liquid Metal Longevity: The gasket design is intended to minimize liquid metal performance degradation over time.
0:28:46 Competitive Design: The presenter notes that the Founders Edition's thermal design is now competitive with partner models, potentially challenging them to improve their own thermal solutions.