*Official Benchmark Thread* - Post it here or it didn't happen :D

[electrosoft]

14 hours ago, Mr. Fox said:

I wonder how many that had melted connectors were installed in challenging situations where space was abnormally limited and smart cable management was either very difficult or even impossible.  We never know the entire story behind the photos and YouTube videos. User error includes choosing to install the GPU in an environment where its survival is unlikely.

 

The examples of Radeon GPUs with melted connectors really dispel the notion that it was due to excessive load because those GPUs are incapable of drawing more power than the cables and connectors can handle.

 

There is definitely some user error in the equation along with inherent balancing issues. Luckily with something like the WireView Pro II we now have a proper tool just in case to monitor balancing AND it can handle higher loads along with a serious warranty.

 

Once shipped, it definitely dims the light on the Astral a bit.

 

1 hour ago, Papusan said:

Only God knows how many cards being RMA due the fragile 12VHPWR connector/cable. I expect what we see from different forums is just the tip of the iceberg. And not all post on reddit either as you can see. And neither do you need to have 5090 to melt the tiny trash

 

They all sucks. Doesn't matter if its Nvidia tech or from AMD's gaming team

 

What did MSI do right with its cable management design?

 

 

 

 

 

AMD made a major mistake and damage control is in overdrive.

 

The sad part is if the tech media and users hadn't responded so negatively they would have continued with this business as usual.

 

They may change course but the destination is still set and that doesn't bode well.

 

Like Steve said in the video, "I said earlier this year don't %*%*% up AMD!" That's all they had to do. They had the momentum and actually sold way more 9070xt/9070 cards than expected and had their best sales ever in quite awhile then proceed to make dumb mistakes like this.

 

 

[electrosoft]

5090 Stock is severely drying up and base prices are up

 

These are all sold and shipped by vs BB and Egg having their "marketplace" BS. BB is new to the game but they need to have an option to tick "Sold and shipped by BB" as you have to now wade through everything to find which models are sold by them.

 

MC has 4 models in stock. Cheapest = $2999.99

Egg has 4 models in stock. Cheapest = $2849.99

BB has 3 models in stock. Cheapest = $2999.99

Amazon is all over the map as always. Cheapest = $2649.99 (Master)

 

I'm sure those Masters will sell out just like they did on BB. If anyone is in the market for a 5090 atm, sooner than later is at hand....

 

---

 

Memory prices are absolutely bonkers stupid right now. So glad I bought that backup set of Kingspec 8400 M die 2x24GB sticks in June on the recommendation of @Mr. Fox for $140. They're actually a hair better than my TG 2x24GB 8200 sticks I picked up in July 2024 for $278.99 which are now $329.99.....

 

The Patriot 8200 sticks I bought and returned because they couldn't even do 8000 without erroring out on TM5 were $189.99 and now are $274.99.

 

---------------------------------------

 

Just placed my order for the WireView Pro II. Only FedEx is available for S&H no DHL so this should be fun when it eventually ships.....

 

I'll switch my wiring up then to bottom run cable versus the top/over style I use now since the Vanguard uses the normal clip (non reverse) WV2

 

 

[Mr. Fox]

4 hours ago, electrosoft said:

5090 Stock is severely drying up and base prices are up

 

These are all sold and shipped by vs BB and Egg having their "marketplace" BS. BB is new to the game but they need to have an option to tick "Sold and shipped by BB" as you have to now wade through everything to find which models are sold by them.

 

MC has 4 models in stock. Cheapest = $2999.99

Egg has 4 models in stock. Cheapest = $2849.99

BB has 3 models in stock. Cheapest = $2999.99

Amazon is all over the map as always. Cheapest = $2649.99 (Master)

 

I'm sure those Masters will sell out just like they did on BB. If anyone is in the market for a 5090 atm, sooner than later is at hand....

 

---

 

Memory prices are absolutely bonkers stupid right now. So glad I bought that backup set of Kingspec 8400 M die 2x24GB sticks in June on the recommendation of @Mr. Fox for $140. They're actually a hair better than my TG 2x24GB 8200 sticks I picked up in July 2024 for $278.99 which are now $329.99.....

 

The Patriot 8200 sticks I bought and returned because they couldn't even do 8000 without erroring out on TM5 were $189.99 and now are $274.99.

 

---------------------------------------

 

Just placed my order for the WireView Pro II. Only FedEx is available for S&H no DHL so this should be fun when it eventually ships.....

 

I'll switch my wiring up then to bottom run cable versus the top/over style I use now since the Vanguard uses the normal clip (non reverse) WV2

 

 

I should just sell both of my monster computers locally for about $5K each and be done with PCs, LOL. None of these parts are worth buying at current prices.

 

It feels almost like part of the evil plan to make us all "own nothing and be happy" whether we like it or not.

@Raiderman had better snag a 5080 now and not wait for the "Super" version that will likely sell for 5090 prices, or maybe even more.

 

[Raiderman]

4 hours ago, electrosoft said:

5090 Stock is severely drying up and base prices are up

 

These are all sold and shipped by vs BB and Egg having their "marketplace" BS. BB is new to the game but they need to have an option to tick "Sold and shipped by BB" as you have to now wade through everything to find which models are sold by them.

 

MC has 4 models in stock. Cheapest = $2999.99

Egg has 4 models in stock. Cheapest = $2849.99

BB has 3 models in stock. Cheapest = $2999.99

Amazon is all over the map as always. Cheapest = $2649.99 (Master)

 

I'm sure those Masters will sell out just like they did on BB. If anyone is in the market for a 5090 atm, sooner than later is at hand....

 

---

 

Memory prices are absolutely bonkers stupid right now. So glad I bought that backup set of Kingspec 8400 M die 2x24GB sticks in June on the recommendation of @Mr. Fox for $140. They're actually a hair better than my TG 2x24GB 8200 sticks I picked up in July 2024 for $278.99 which are now $329.99.....

 

The Patriot 8200 sticks I bought and returned because they couldn't even do 8000 without erroring out on TM5 were $189.99 and now are $274.99.

 

---------------------------------------

 

Just placed my order for the WireView Pro II. Only FedEx is available for S&H no DHL so this should be fun when it eventually ships.....

 

I'll switch my wiring up then to bottom run cable versus the top/over style I use now since the Vanguard uses the normal clip (non reverse) WV2

 

 

I wont pay $2k for a gpu let alone those prices. Gpu+waterblock+thermal paste/pads. I have a 5080 in my cart, but I cannot seem to justify it. The 5080 is only marginally better than the 7900xtx.

[Papusan]

46 minutes ago, Raiderman said:

I wont pay $2k for a gpu let alone those prices. Gpu+waterblock+thermal paste/pads. I have a 5080 in my cart, but I cannot seem to justify it. The 5080 is only marginally better than the 7900xtx.

 

Then see if you can find an open box with 5080 for around $800-825. Not a penny above. Or even better like $750-775. That is closer to what it's worth.

[electrosoft]

4 hours ago, Mr. Fox said:

I should just sell both of my monster computers locally for about $5K each and be done with PCs, LOL. None of these parts are worth buying at current prices.

 

It feels almost like part of the evil plan to make us all "own nothing and be happy" whether we like it or not.

@Raiderman had better snag a 5080 now and not wait for the "Super" version that will likely sell for 5090 prices, or maybe even more.

 

 

LOL, that would be the sane move.

 

I think we should count our blessings we got in on the 5090s when prices were low.

 

Your Zotac Solid OC is out of stock everywhere and the cheapest price atm is $3279.99+ on Amazon. Even open box used is going for $2612....

 

New base price on Newegg when in stock is back up to $2899.99

 

 

 

 

1 hour ago, Raiderman said:

I wont pay $2k for a gpu let alone those prices. Gpu+waterblock+thermal paste/pads. I have a 5080 in my cart, but I cannot seem to justify it. The 5080 is only marginally better than the 7900xtx.

 

It is better but won't give you that massive upgrade uplift you like to experience true.

 

With black friday specials starting to activate earlier and earlier now, keep an eye out for a good 5080 sale which is bound to happen or do as @Papusan suggests and hunt down a used 5080 on the $750-850 range depending on model.

 

Which model(s) did you have in mind for the 5080?

 

[Raiderman]

7 minutes ago, electrosoft said:

 

LOL, that would be the sane move.

 

I think we should count our blessings we got in on the 5090s when prices were low.

 

Your Zotac Solid OC is out of stock everywhere and the cheapest price atm is $3279.99+ on Amazon. Even open box used is going for $2612....

 

New base price on Newegg when in stock is back up to $2899.99

 

 

 

 

 

It is better but won't give you that massive upgrade uplift you like to experience true.

 

With black friday specials starting to activate earlier and earlier now, keep an eye out for a good 5080 sale which is bound to happen or do as @Papusan suggests and hunt down a used 5080 on the $750-850 range depending on model.

 

Which model(s) did you have in mind for the 5080?

 

I was looking at the zotac solid core oc. $999, or the  zotac amp extreme $1199. Neither has me terribly excited. I've been contemplating waiting a bit longer to see what AMD has in the pipeline. Hoping that it would be comparable to the 4090.

[Mr. Fox]

31 minutes ago, Raiderman said:

I was looking at the zotac solid core oc. $999, or the  zotac amp extreme $1199. Neither has me terribly excited. I've been contemplating waiting a bit longer to see what AMD has in the pipeline. Hoping that it would be comparable to the 4090.

I doubt it will happen. It might, but I would not hold my breath. If it does it will probably be priced like a 4090 and have 100°C hotspot temps.

[Reciever]

On 11/1/2025 at 9:43 AM, Raiderman said:

Opinions!?

 

Zotac rtx 5080 solid oc w/ Alphacool water block....or

Msi suprim rtx 5080

Or none of the above?

 

Or hang on to my 7900xtx till next gen?

 

@Mr. Fox Did you have/test the Asrock X870E Taichi mb? I have a brand new one and was considering swapping it out with the Gigabyte Aorus elite x870E thats currently in my rig. What were your impressions of it?

 

 

Honestly I would just hang on to the 7900 XTX. Neither vendor has anything appealing for us without spending way too much money. I am waiting to see what next generation offerings look like, that being said I can play everything I want to play in terms of gaming at 3440x1440p. Perhaps Monster Hunter: Wilds is the only exception but that game runs like trash on anything right now.

 

On 11/2/2025 at 1:01 AM, Mr. Fox said:

You explanation piques my curiosity so I may have to investigate it. Even if it turns out I do not have a need for it, I am still curious. 

I would say at least 1300W. The Lian Li Edge seems like a solid and affordable option. I have one in my 4090 build. I have a Thermaltake GF3 1650W PSU in the 5090 build. I like both of them. The GF3 is hard to find. It has dual 12VHPWR sockets and like 6 PCIe 8-pin sockets in addition. 

---

I may have to drop down to 0.001 Ohm shunt resistors to bump my power limit. I backed off my core clock a bit and the scores went up. I ran the benchmark again with GPU-Z and HWiNFO64 running on my second monitor so I could watch and it is still showing power limit perf cap reason, so... hmmm. I'm pulling 1350W from the wall already. HWiNFO64 shows like 959W on GPU power rails. Apparently that's not enough. My core temp is still hitting 41°C with 9°C water, so that's not helping. I guess I am going to have to think about using liquid metal on the GPU. I don't want to, but 41°C is definitely not helping

 

 https://www.3dmark.com/3dm/144631382 | https://hwbot.org/benchmarks/3dmark_-_steel_nomad_dx12/submissions/5918232

 

I believe you can run a trial for 30 days, there are ways around that "limitation" but I never looked further into it. I used the trial for about that duration and bought a license. The license gives you access to its platform for life but updates for 1 year to the OS itself. You can pay for a lifetime update license of course, i'll probably be upgrading my license to lifetime updates. 

The only part that is a bit quirky at times is finding a flash drive to use which must have a UUID that it can tie the license too, then of course install the OS to it. Cant remember how I did mine but probably used Rufus.

[Mr. Fox]

On 11/4/2025 at 12:25 AM, Reciever said:

Honestly I would just hang on to the 7900 XTX. Neither vendor has anything appealing for us without spending way too much money. I am waiting to see what next generation offerings look like, that being said I can play everything I want to play in terms of gaming at 3440x1440p. Perhaps Monster Hunter: Wilds is the only exception but that game runs like trash on anything right now.

As odd as it may seem, a game that is more demanding than one might imagine is Quake II RTX. The way that game has been modded and modernized not only looks insanely good with the new textures and ray tracing, it pulls an insane amount of power. With 5090 running stock (apart from the presence of my shunted resistors) HWiNFO64 shows GPU rail powers is in the 800W range. Hard to believe a game that is so old could be so taxing on a GPU.

On 11/4/2025 at 12:25 AM, Reciever said:

I believe you can run a trial for 30 days, there are ways around that "limitation" but I never looked further into it. I used the trial for about that duration and bought a license. The license gives you access to its platform for life but updates for 1 year to the OS itself. You can pay for a lifetime update license of course, i'll probably be upgrading my license to lifetime updates. 

The only part that is a bit quirky at times is finding a flash drive to use which must have a UUID that it can tie the license too, then of course install the OS to it. Cant remember how I did mine but probably used Rufus.

I cannot think of a scenario where I would find a practical use for it, but the curiosity is still there. I am always curious about stuff like this regardless of whether or not I would find it useful. I may check out the trial for that reason alone. I have always preferred local storage over network storage, but my activities on PC are such that network storage is not beneficial in practical application. I have a 1TB USB SSD connected to my router with music and movies on it that are accessible from any of my computers and televisions. Other than the initial testing to confirm functionality I have never accessed any of the files on it. The only files that I actually take care to avoid losing are applications that I have purchased and those that are still functional but no longer available (or difficult to find) for public download and I have those sitting in cloud storage for safe-keeping. My interest in Linux was always driven by curiosity. It has ramped up as my growing contempt for Micro$lop and disdain for Winduhz has peaked to unprecedented levels. I'm very happy that I did not have to start from a place of total unfamiliarity and ignorance as my desire to eliminate the use of it increases.

[Papusan]

 

+95% of all posted smoky power connectors is dual colored. Probably used cheapo nylon/plastic. When will they also start making low quality 12V-2*6 connectors with red tip?

 

Third Sapphire RX 9070 XT NITRO+ with blue-tipped 12V-2×6 adapter shows burn damage

 

[Mr. Fox]

19 hours ago, Papusan said:

 

+95% of all posted smoky power connectors is dual colored. Probably used cheapo nylon/plastic. When will they also start making low quality 12V-2*6 connectors with red tip?

 

Third Sapphire RX 9070 XT NITRO+ with blue-tipped 12V-2×6 adapter shows burn damage

 

That is entirely possible if the colored plastics have a lower melting point. The conventional black plastic connectors are something close to 200°C if my understanding is accurate.

 

Per Google Gemini: https://gemini.google.com/share/1bef51d272b8
 

The housing for both the conventional 12VHPWR and its minor revision, the 12V-2x6 connector, is typically made of a glass fiber-filled thermoplastic

🌡️ Material and Flammability Rating

• The connector plug housing is required to be made out of glass fiber-filled thermoplastic.

• This material is specified to meet the UL 94 V-0 classification for flame retardancy.

---

🔥 Melting Point

The melting point of the plastic is not a commonly published specification, as the critical thermal consideration is the maximum operating temperature the plastic can withstand before deformation or failure. However, related testing provides some context:

• The notorious connector melting issues reported with the 12VHPWR connector were primarily caused by poor or partial seating of the connector pins, leading to high electrical resistance, excessive heat generation, and subsequent melting of the plastic.

• The material is designed to handle the heat generated under normal, proper operating conditions.

• Some third-party solutions aimed at protecting the connector have been designed to shut down power if the temperature near the connector reaches around 110°C—this suggests that temperatures significantly higher than this, caused by a fault (like an improperly seated cable), are enough to cause the plastic to melt or fail.

• For reference, the melting point of the lead-free solder often used in manufacturing is around 232°C, which is significantly higher than the reported plastic failure temperatures. The connector's pins heat up due to resistance, and that heat then causes the surrounding plastic to melt.

The high temperature that leads to melting is generally due to thermal runaway caused by poor contact and extremely high current density in a small area, rather than an inherent weakness of the plastic under its rated operating temperature.

The article below discusses the issues with the 12VHPWR connector, including contradicting specs and corner-cutting, which led to the reported melting issues.

 

12VHPWR is a Dumpster Fire | Investigation into Contradicting Specs & Corner Cutting

[electrosoft]

19 hours ago, Raiderman said:

I was looking at the zotac solid core oc. $999, or the  zotac amp extreme $1199. Neither has me terribly excited. I've been contemplating waiting a bit longer to see what AMD has in the pipeline. Hoping that it would be comparable to the 4090.

 

12 hours ago, Reciever said:

 

Honestly I would just hang on to the 7900 XTX. Neither vendor has anything appealing for us without spending way too much money. I am waiting to see what next generation offerings look like, that being said I can play everything I want to play in terms of gaming at 3440x1440p. Perhaps Monster Hunter: Wilds is the only exception but that game runs like trash on anything right now.

 

 

Yeah, the best bet might be to hang onto the 7900xtx unless you have a specific need you're targeting for upgrading outside a new fun toy.

 

9070xt, depending on use case, is a side grade at best as is a 5070ti.

 

Anything worth the squeeze is going to be a 5080, 4090, 5090.

 

4090 and 5090 are very expensive.

 

So as you've found it is all about the 5080.

 

I'd still wait and watch sales heading into black friday. I've been tempted to pull the trigger on a few pieces including another 9070xt for my SFF build but I know there will be some decent sales coming up.

 

 

 

[Mr. Fox]

15 hours ago, electrosoft said:

Yeah, the best bet might be to hang onto the 7900xtx unless you have a specific need you're targeting for upgrading outside a new fun toy.

 

9070xt, depending on use case, is a side grade at best as is a 5070ti.

 

Anything worth the squeeze is going to be a 5080, 4090, 5090.

 

4090 and 5090 are very expensive.

 

So as you've found it is all about the 5080.

 

I'd still wait and watch sales heading into black friday. I've been tempted to pull the trigger on a few pieces including another 9070xt for my SFF build but I know there will be some decent sales coming up.

Aside from hideous thermals (especially insane hotspot) the 9070 XT was indeed a great value for budget-restricted gamers if it could be purchased for within $100 of the correct price. It was so-so at overclocking. Where it really shines brightest over all other previous Radeon GPUs is ray tracing. It jumped AMD from abject failure to 3090 ray tracing levels in a single bound. Before the 9070 XT this was AMD's most severe shortcoming in terms of image fidelity.

 

When ray tracing first became a popular talking point I considered it a gimmick, but now my opinion is the exact opposite. I think it is the biggest visual enhancement in graphics fidelity in over a decade and I wouldn't be nearly as satisfied without it. A real game-changer (pun intended). The kind of thing where you don't know what you've got until its gone. Whenever I play games that lack ray tracing it is immediately evident and they feel very cartoonish.

 

---

and similarly insane... I called this out as soon as I saw it: proprietary, fragile, modular piece of crap with no service parts. Absolute rubbish FE GPU. NVIDIA is replacing the GPU for damage control reasons, not because they care. If they cared they would not have produced a piece of garbage.

 

[Mr. Fox]

Public Service Announcement

---

I used to think that Team Group was a respectable company. Not any more. I had a 4TB NVMe I purchased that failed and it took 6 weeks for the RMA process. They had me send it to California. In a defiance of logic, they shipped it to Taiwan for "repair" and then shipped it back to a US location. They then sent it from that location via USPS Ground Advantage. 

 

Fortunately, that drive was only used for game storage. Imagine the security concerns over some unknown sweatshop slave in China having access to sensitive personal data.

 

In their typical and customary incompetent manner, USPS delivered it to someone other than me. (This is a frequent issue in my area for USPS. I get mail almost weekly that does not belong to me.)

 

TL;DR - Team Group sucks. They have a crappy product support system. Buy another brand.

 

In stark contrast, I have had one Silicon Power SATA SSD and one Silicon Power NVMe fail in the past couple of years. Their process was quick and they shipped new replacements within a matter of days.

 

From: Mr. Fox
Sent: Wednesday, November 5, 2025 4:39 AM
To: rma @ teamgroup . com . tw
Subject: RMA No: 25I0985

USPS shows this as delivered yesterday but it was not received. 
They have apparently delivered it to the wrong address or placed it into someone 
else’s mailbox by mistake.

I have alerted USPS and requested a lost mail search. Search ID #MRC #5 2264 826#. 
I also lodged a complaint with USPS for escalation. Service Request #302488#. 

Technically, a claim can only be filed with USPS by the shipper (Team Group). 
They do not accept claims by intended recipients.

I am looking for Team Group to provide a replacement or refund of the original 
purchase price ASAP. The RMA process took roughly 6 weeks already, which I find 
unacceptable. Please handle this failure swiftly.

For your convenience, the original purchase invoice is attached to document 
the amount of my claim.

 

[Raiderman]

16 hours ago, electrosoft said:

 

 

Yeah, the best bet might be to hang onto the 7900xtx unless you have a specific need you're targeting for upgrading outside a new fun toy.

 

9070xt, depending on use case, is a side grade at best as is a 5070ti.

 

Anything worth the squeeze is going to be a 5080, 4090, 5090.

 

4090 and 5090 are very expensive.

 

So as you've found it is all about the 5080.

 

I'd still wait and watch sales heading into black friday. I've been tempted to pull the trigger on a few pieces including another 9070xt for my SFF build but I know there will be some decent sales coming up.

 

 

 

Going into winter, I may have some extra time, and was thinking I needed something new to bench 🤷‍♂️ Of course I could always go the route of @Papusan and grab some old cards. That's the problem with hardware geeks, in order to have something new and shiny you have to spend an arm and a leg. Unfortunately this below isn't much of an upgrade. Only a 5090 would be.

 

 

[electrosoft]

8 hours ago, Mr. Fox said:

Aside from hideous thermals (especially insane hotspot) the 9070 XT was indeed a great value for budget-restricted gamers if it could be purchased for within $100 of the correct price. It was so-so at overclocking. Where it really shines brightest over all other previous Radeon GPUs is ray tracing. It jumped AMD from abject failure to 3090 ray tracing levels in a single bound. Before the 9070 XT this was AMD's most severe shortcoming in terms of image fidelity.

 

When ray tracing first became a popular talking point I considered it a gimmick, but now my opinion is the exact opposite. I think it is the biggest visual enhancement in graphics fidelity in over a decade and I wouldn't be nearly as satisfied without it. A real game-changer (pun intended). The kind of thing where you don't know what you've got until its gone. Whenever I play games that lack ray tracing it is immediately evident and they feel very cartoonish.

 

---

and similarly insane... I called this out as soon as I saw it: proprietary, fragile, modular piece of crap with no service parts. Absolute rubbish FE GPU. NVIDIA is replacing the GPU for damage control reasons, not because they care. If they cared they would not have produced a piece of garbage.

 

 

With Microcenter offering 9070xt reapers on the regular for $599.99 aka MSRP, that's the way to go for bang:buck. All other 9070xts have dropped in price including the mighty Asrock Taichi down to $679.99 and Sapphire Nitro+ regularly down to $719.99. Plus Newegg has added black friday protection to Asrock cards even at $679.99 for the Taichi and $619.99 for the Steel so I am expecting even further price drops probably to $649.99 for black friday on the Taichi and $599.99 for the Steel.

 

The gains in RT and FSR are very very good for AMD. They are here to play and with early reports of next gen GPUs showing a major architecture overhaul again with UDNA  on the level of their move to RDNA. AMD is competing very well right now with the 5070ti on down with their stack.

 

Of course AMD continues to snatch defeat from the jaws of victory and those series of micro failures keep them from capturing the mindshare from Nvidia fans. Nvidia has its issues, but it continues to deliver on most fronts including the most important, performance and AMD is not afforded the luxury of Nvidia missteps like Intel to finally conquer. Steve went on a little too long about it but the points are sound.

 

Ray tracing is definitely the future along with DLSS making massive inroads but I'm afraid so is FG but if Nvidia can make the same performance increases like they did with RT then FG may reach a day where it has zero latency penalty. If we reach that point, I welcome it too. 

 

As for the connector, unfortunately it is here to stay. All we can hope for is line protection/balancing mechanisms enacted to keep them balanced properly on both ends.

 

I look forward to my WV2 Pro. I'm thinking of picking up the Asrock 1600w on sale that is populated with not only 2x 12v-2x6 connectors but also 8x 8 pin PCIe connectors. $199.99 is a good price. It also has Newegg's black friday protection

 

I said it before and I'll say it again. 🙂 5090FE is a SFF engineering marvel but that's where it ends. In every other category I'm going any other card and depending on SFF size you can even fit an Astral in there but the perfect compromise is the Ventus 5090. Coming off an Astral, I literally opened the box to check if it was in there when we left MC because it was so much smaller and lighter and a true 3 slot card vs the Astral and the Vanguard which is similar in size to the Astral. But the Jonsbo Z20 can fit all of them in a mATX SFF form factor.

 

 

 

5 hours ago, Raiderman said:

Going into winter, I may have some extra time, and was thinking I needed something new to bench 🤷‍♂️ Of course I could always go the route of @Papusan and grab some old cards. That's the problem with hardware geeks, in order to have something new and shiny you have to spend an arm and a leg. Unfortunately this below isn't much of an upgrade. Only a 5090 would be.

 

 

 

Well, depending on games especially with RT the 5080 can definitely provide a tangible uplift. Even if you wait for the Supers the 5080 and 5070ti aren't really getting a legit performance uplift just an increase in tdp which you can do on just about any 5080 flashing the astral vbios (sans 5080FE).

 

Checking Newegg, the only 5080 they have with Black Friday price protection is the PNY 5080 which is already down to $999.99. This will probably drop to $899.99 or $849.99 for Black Friday so you would be refunded the difference from NE if you're looking to minimize your "cost to play" with something new and better.

 

But I can completely see holding onto your 7900xtx which is nice and blocked up already running the Aqua vBIOS.

 

As much as I loved that Astral, it had to go back for almost $3600 after tax. Waiting paid dividends and I snagged this Vanguard for $1971 open box and even that is a stupid amount of money for a GPU so I get the cost factor too but the uplift from your 7900xtx, especially in RT, would be massively substantial.

 

 

[Mr. Fox]

On 11/5/2025 at 4:49 AM, Mr. Fox said:

Public Service Announcement

---

I used to think that Team Group was a respectable company. Not any more. I had a 4TB NVMe I purchased that failed and it took 6 weeks for the RMA process. They had me send it to California. In a defiance of logic, they shipped it to Taiwan for "repair" and then shipped it back to a US location. They then sent it from that location via USPS Ground Advantage. 

 

Fortunately, that drive was only used for game storage. Imagine the security concerns over some unknown sweatshop slave in China having access to sensitive personal data.

 

In their typical and customary incompetent manner, USPS delivered it to someone other than me. (This is a frequent issue in my area for USPS. I get mail almost weekly that does not belong to me.)

 

TL;DR - Team Group sucks. They have a crappy product support system. Buy another brand.

 

In stark contrast, I have had one Silicon Power SATA SSD and one Silicon Power NVMe fail in the past couple of years. Their process was quick and they shipped new replacements within a matter of days.

By some miracle USPS managed to "redeliver" my already delivered 4TB NVMe. Team Group did not repair the old one. They sent a new one. Knowing how inexpensive the parts are that go into them, and factoring in the costs of shipping and handling, sending it to Taiwan to "attempt" repair was truly idiotic and reflects a lack of regard for the people that buy their products. I will still be a brand detractor after this. I've got a bunch of Team Group drives and flash storage, but not planning buy from them again based on this. I changed my Amazon review from 5-star to 1-star based on the 6-week RMA experience.

[Mr. Fox]

On 10/30/2025 at 1:02 PM, jaybee83 said:

 

pre-ordered one for some additional peace of mind. expected shipping in mid-Dec 🙂 

 

On 10/30/2025 at 5:56 PM, electrosoft said:

 

I watched this earlier. I think I'm going to order one too. I really like the design, approach and refinements since the 1.0 variants. Much better than Ampinel and with a warranty that will extend to your card.

 

 

I ordered mine on 10/30 as well. I should have ordered two, but I think I will wait and order one from a US distributor for the 4090 because I do not know what kind of debacle I will encounter with FedEx extortion for their "handling fees" and miscalculation of tariffs. The UPS blunder of roughly 200% over-calculation of tariffs from Germany took a week to correct for the 5090 GPU block, and FedEx is about as incompetent as USPS. (The tariff itself wasn't the actual problem, it was the incompetence and gross miscalculation and their lack of concern with respect to correcting their obvious and unmistakable error.)

---

So, I made the 1-hour trek to and from the new Phoenix Micro Center with my VIP 20% off coupon for the pre-Grand Opening only to find a line about 5-people wide and roughly a half-mile long. So, I turned around and drove home. Didn't even look for a parking space (and did not see one). Basically wasted two hours of my evening. I am sure the store would have closed before I could make it through the door because the line was so long and there would have been nothing left available to purchase that I would be interested in purchasing.

---

More evidence of what a truly $hitty outfit Team Group is. Basically "it sucks to be you... thanks for being stupid enough to buy from us" so they can just bite my butt. This is A$$zeus-level disregard for people that keep their lights on. I have had this happen a couple of times in the past and the merchant took care of me (the customer) and filed a claim with the shipper for failing to deliver the product to the intended destination.

From: rma @ teamgroup . com . tw 
Sent: Thursday, November 6, 2025 1:43 AM
To: 'Mr. Fox' 
Cc: rma @ teamgroup . com . tw
Subject: RE: RMA No: 25I0985

Dear Customer,

Good day!
Regarding your inquiry, TEAMGROUP would like to first provide the following 
statements and explanations:

1.	The shipping address is automatically taken from the recipient address 
provided in your original   RMA application. Therefore, all shipments are 
sent according to the address you submitted during the RMA request.


2.	Please also note that we only initiate claims or complaints with the 
shipping carrier (USPS) if the package shows as undelivered or lost. 
If the tracking shows the package as delivered and the simplified address 
displayed matches your address, we consider the RMA process completed, as 
we can only rely on the status provided by USPS tracking to determine completion.

3.	If the tracking number indicates that the shipment process is complete, 
we consider the RMA fulfilled. If you have not actually received the package, 
you will need to check with neighbors, household members, or relatives to see 
if someone accepted the package on your behalf. Any claims regarding non-receipt 
must be submitted by you, as the actual delivery status (marked as complete) 
is beyond our control. TEAMGROUP has no visibility into the physical receipt 
of the package, so it is normal procedure for you to file a claim.

4.	Unfortunately, we are unable to resend the package. Refunds are the only 
alternative in such cases. However, if you require assistance with the claim 
process or need relevant documentation, TEAMGROUP will do our best to support you. 
We appreciate your understanding.

We sincerely apologize for the inconvenience caused and regret that we are unable 
to provide further assistance in this matter.

If you have any further questions, please feel free let us know.

 

[Papusan]

4 hours ago, Mr. Fox said:

So, I made the 1-hour trek to and from the new Phoenix Micro Center with my VIP 20% off coupon for the pre-Grand Opening only to find a line about 5-people wide and roughly a half-mile long. So, I turned around and drove home. Didn't even look for a parking space (and did not see one). Basically wasted two hours of my evening. I am sure the store would have closed before I could make it through the door because the line was so long and there would have been nothing left available to purchase that I would be interested in purchasing.

 

Yup, I expected you wouldn't stand in line… Neither would I. 

 

[Papusan]

On 7/9/2025 at 9:10 PM, Papusan said:

@Mr. Fox Redy to pull the trigger? The Matrix won't cost below $4000 and you'll still get a fully locked down graphics card..... https://www.overclock.net/posts/29485075/

 

Only $4733,03 USD incl tax. Not bad Asus. Why not let the retail break $5000 ? Or is it only for the Gold Edition cards? Don't forget punch the "Notify Me" button. You may have a chance to support Asus with more of your hard earned  money.

 

https://videocardz.com/newz/asus-rog-matrix-platinum-rtx-5090-slips-to-late-november-at-e4099

[jaybee83]

On 11/3/2025 at 7:40 PM, electrosoft said:

Just placed my order for the WireView Pro II. Only FedEx is available for S&H no DHL so this should be fun when it eventually ships.....

 

I'll switch my wiring up then to bottom run cable versus the top/over style I use now since the Vanguard uses the normal clip (non reverse) WV2

 

im in the same position here, will likely need to replace my 90° Seasonic cable, probably going back to the straight Seasonic one that came stock with my 1600W PSU, thus switching back from current top routing to bottom. should be fine 🙂 

[1610ftw]

On 11/6/2025 at 12:11 PM, Mr. Fox said:

By some miracle USPS managed to "redeliver" my already delivered 4TB NVMe. Team Group did not repair the old one. They sent a new one. Knowing how inexpensive the parts are that go into them, and factoring in the costs of shipping and handling, sending it to Taiwan to "attempt" repair was truly idiotic and reflects a lack of regard for the people that buy their products. I will still be a brand detractor after this. I've got a bunch of Team Group drives and flash storage, but not planning buy from them again based on this. I changed my Amazon review from 5-star to 1-star based on the 6-week RMA experience.

 

Sorry to hear about your experience - having to send the SSD to Taiwan really sucks!

 

BUT: At least TeamGroup is one of the companies that extends its warranty to people who buy their SSDs second hand while with others you get nothing when one of their SSDs break.

At least this is the case over here for companies like Corsair, Crucial, Lexar and Samsung.

 

The best case would be owner agnostic warranty in combination with a service address in the country where the drive was purchased. I think that where I live (Germany) this may only apply to Seagate SSDs.

[electrosoft]

On 11/6/2025 at 7:21 AM, Mr. Fox said:

 

I ordered mine on 10/30 as well. I should have ordered two, but I think I will wait and order one from a US distributor for the 4090 because I do not know what kind of debacle I will encounter with FedEx extortion for their "handling fees" and miscalculation of tariffs. The UPS blunder of roughly 200% over-calculation of tariffs from Germany took a week to correct for the 5090 GPU block, and FedEx is about as incompetent as USPS. (The tariff itself wasn't the actual problem, it was the incompetence and gross miscalculation and their lack of concern with respect to correcting their obvious and unmistakable error.)

---

So, I made the 1-hour trek to and from the new Phoenix Micro Center with my VIP 20% off coupon for the pre-Grand Opening only to find a line about 5-people wide and roughly a half-mile long. So, I turned around and drove home. Didn't even look for a parking space (and did not see one). Basically wasted two hours of my evening. I am sure the store would have closed before I could make it through the door because the line was so long and there would have been nothing left available to purchase that I would be interested in purchasing.

---

More evidence of what a truly $hitty outfit Team Group is. Basically "it sucks to be you... thanks for being stupid enough to buy from us" so they can just bite my butt. This is A$$zeus-level disregard for people that keep their lights on. I have had this happen a couple of times in the past and the merchant took care of me (the customer) and filed a claim with the shipper for failing to deliver the product to the intended destination.

From: rma @ teamgroup . com . tw 
Sent: Thursday, November 6, 2025 1:43 AM
To: 'Mr. Fox' 
Cc: rma @ teamgroup . com . tw
Subject: RE: RMA No: 25I0985

Dear Customer,

Good day!
Regarding your inquiry, TEAMGROUP would like to first provide the following 
statements and explanations:

1.	The shipping address is automatically taken from the recipient address 
provided in your original   RMA application. Therefore, all shipments are 
sent according to the address you submitted during the RMA request.


2.	Please also note that we only initiate claims or complaints with the 
shipping carrier (USPS) if the package shows as undelivered or lost. 
If the tracking shows the package as delivered and the simplified address 
displayed matches your address, we consider the RMA process completed, as 
we can only rely on the status provided by USPS tracking to determine completion.

3.	If the tracking number indicates that the shipment process is complete, 
we consider the RMA fulfilled. If you have not actually received the package, 
you will need to check with neighbors, household members, or relatives to see 
if someone accepted the package on your behalf. Any claims regarding non-receipt 
must be submitted by you, as the actual delivery status (marked as complete) 
is beyond our control. TEAMGROUP has no visibility into the physical receipt 
of the package, so it is normal procedure for you to file a claim.

4.	Unfortunately, we are unable to resend the package. Refunds are the only 
alternative in such cases. However, if you require assistance with the claim 
process or need relevant documentation, TEAMGROUP will do our best to support you. 
We appreciate your understanding.

We sincerely apologize for the inconvenience caused and regret that we are unable 
to provide further assistance in this matter.

If you have any further questions, please feel free let us know.

 

 

On paper, the WV2P basically makes the other model DOA unless it comes in much much cheaper but if you've already ponied up for a 5090.....With the ship dates so far out, we don't know what the status of Tariffs or FedEx shenanigans will be so this should be a "fun" ride. 😞

 

Oh yeah, MC openings are a major event/spectacle in the NerdWorld. As a general rule of thumb I tend to avoid all grand opening types of events (eateries, stores, etc...) or when events/movies premiere in theatres. I usually wait a full month or so before checking them out. I've even cut back on my normal convention hopping a bit because the crowds are ridiculous.

 

I kind of get where TG is coming from since the recipient many times can formally open a claim and they are correct in the delivery status. You have to follow up on your own end. I've had this happen with several shipments over the years delivered to the wrong recipients and having to follow up with the local PO or UPS/FedEx. With most delivery services now taking pictures of the deliveries for verification, it makes it pretty straight forward to submit proof that clearly isn't your domicile.

 

On the other hand, that six week wait is unacceptable.

 

 

19 hours ago, Papusan said:

 

Only $4733,03 USD incl tax. Not bad Asus. Why not let the retail break $5000 ? Or is it only for the Gold Edition cards? Don't forget punch the "Notify Me" button. You may have a chance to support Asus with more of your hard earned  money.

 

https://videocardz.com/newz/asus-rog-matrix-platinum-rtx-5090-slips-to-late-november-at-e4099

 

Don't forget you also need to get one of their aux powered MBs to go along with it.....

 

Crazy pricing but one of the few out of the box aux powered 5090s on the market and sad to say with only 1000 being made, these will sell out pretty quickly.

 

 

9 hours ago, jaybee83 said:

 

im in the same position here, will likely need to replace my 90° Seasonic cable, probably going back to the straight Seasonic one that came stock with my 1600W PSU, thus switching back from current top routing to bottom. should be fine 🙂 

 

Exactly. With the WV2P, I will move away from the MSI tentacle. For my own edification, I do plan on running it for at least a week so I can monitor what's going on.

 

How are 5090 stock levels there? They are drying up so quickly over here and back up to high pricing in rapid fashion.

 

[Talon]

44 minutes ago, electrosoft said:

Don't forget you also need to get one of their aux powered MBs to go along with it.....

 

Crazy pricing but one of the few out of the box aux powered 5090s on the market and sad to say with only 1000 being made, these will sell out pretty quickly.

 

Had they just gone with 2x 12v2x6 connectors, it would have been worth it for the niche market IMO. They would have instantly sold out. Nobody really wants to have to buy a BTF board, at least on Intel side and have worse memory performance over the 2x DIMM OC boards. Maybe next gen will have BTF on 2x DIMM boards, but that is a gamble and who really wants to wait. 

 

This entire gen has been a mess. I got my waterblock for my HOF XOC card from Ali delivered this week. I still have not gotten the rest of the parts but plan to have those soon and can finally put this bad boy under water. In the end, I think I'll still perfer a good air cooler. But given the recent news of 2027 for RTX 6000 series, I will at least get to get some use out of the setup before it's obsolete lol.