In crafting the Founders Edition version of this video card, NVIDIA utilized the design language from the previous generation, however, it is much evolved. The same dual-sided, opposing fan format is being utilized for the video card. The PCB is also compact and shortened, while the heatsink mass extends beyond. The heatsink is built from an extruded aluminum alloy and the frame has anodizing treatments throughout. The fins are made from a 99% pure aluminum alloy that is lightweight and rigid.
The memory pedestal has been improved to provide more even GPU to heatsink contact improving pressure from the memory modules, and the TIM thickness has been increased from 1.5mm to 2mm to provide better memory cooling. The vapor chamber and heat pipes have also been improved in many ways. The number of heat pipes has increased from 4 to 6 on the east side and a bigger vapor chamber is being used. The internal design of the vapor chamber has also been improved.
The GeForce RTX 4090 Founders Edition actually shrinks in length down to 12″ inches, from the RTX 3090’s 12.3″ inches. However, the height (thickness) increases from a 2.7-slot to a 3-slot height. The actual size is 304mm in length, 137mm in width, and 61mm in height. For comparison, the GeForce RTX 3090 measures 313mm in length, 138mm in width and 53mm in height. It has 3x DisplayPort 1.4a and 1x HDMI 2.1.