One of the standout features of NVIDIA’s GeForce RTX 50 GPUs is the redesigned Founders Edition, now referred to as “Double Flow Through,” available for the RTX 5090 and RTX 5080 models. This innovative design is touted as being more efficient than previous cooling systems, and NVIDIA has shared details on how it works.
During a post-CES 2025 event, where the company showcased the raw performance of the RTX 50 series without relying on DLSS 4, NVIDIA also revealed the specifics of this new reference design. Compared to the bulkier designs of the RTX 4090 and RTX 4080, this version is noticeably more compact, with a thickness of just 2 slots.
The key innovation lies in its vertical heat exchange system. Thanks to strategically placed openings on the back of the card, air can flow directly through the structure, enabling faster and more efficient heat dissipation. This design optimizes cooling and enhances the overall performance of the GPUs.
The new design promises to be silent.
The new Founders Edition design for the GeForce RTX 5090 and RTX 5080 also features a 3D Vapor Chamber and dual fans, allowing it to handle up to 600W of heat dissipation while maintaining noise levels below 32 dB. This is impressively quiet compared to earlier designs, which typically operated at around 50 dB.
These advancements make the Founders Edition of the RTX 5090 and RTX 5080 highly appealing, rivaling the advanced cooling systems typically found in custom models from NVIDIA’s partner manufacturers. With the improvements NVIDIA has highlighted so far, the reference design seems poised to stand out as a competitive option.
However, it’s worth noting that the mid-range GPUs in the lineup, such as the RTX 5070 Ti and RTX 5070, won’t have Founders Edition versions available. Instead, their production will be entirely handled by NVIDIA’s partner manufacturers.
The GeForce RTX 5090 and RTX 5080 are set to launch on January 30th, with initial global reviews expected to drop shortly before the release date.
