I just saw the most extreme RTX 5090 GPU at CES — and it definitely won’t fit inside my PC

Hands-On
By published

This GPU features an 8-inch display and has a power output beyond 1000W

GeForce RTX 5090 Lighting Z
(Image credit: Tom's Guide)

The MSI GeForce RTX 5090 32GB Lightning Z might be one of the most extreme GPUs ever released. Unveiled during CES 2026, this graphics card features several “world firsts,” including an 8-inch GPU display, power output beyond 1000W for extreme overclocking, and a full copper, full-cover cold plate to maximize cooling. This card is so power hungry that MSI recommends a 1600W+ power supply. That, my friends, is absolutely insane!

I wasn’t able to independently benchmark the Lighting Z when I met with MSI during CES, but MSI’s internal benchmarks claim some bold numbers. That includes a score of 513,272 on the Geekbench 6 CPU benchmark and 139,907 on the Wildlife Extreme 3D Mark graphics benchmark. Truly staggering stuff!

GeForce RTX 5090 32GB Lightning Z: Specs

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GeForce RTX 5090 32GB Lighting Z

Interface

PCI Express Gen 5x 16

Core clocks

Extreme Performance: 2775 MHz (MSI Center)

Boost: 2730 MHz

Cores

21760 Units

Memory

32GB GDDR7

Memory bus

512bit

Output

USB Type-C x 1 (Dedicated for Lightning display panel only),

DisplayPort x 3 (2.1b),

HDMI x 1

(As specified in HDMI 2.1b: up to 4K 480Hz or 8K 120Hz with DSC, Gaming VRR, HDR)

HDCP Support


Y

Power consumption

OC:800 W

EXtreme:1000W

Power connectors

16-pin x 2 (1-to-3 dongle not supported.)

Recommended PSU

1600W

Dimensions

Card: 10.2 x 5.9 x 2.4 inches

Radiator: 15.1 x 4.7 x 2.2 inches

Weight

TBD

Maximum displays

4

G-Sync

Y

Digital Maximum resolution

7680 x 4320

On the spec sheet, the boost clock is listed at 2330Hz. Then there’s the “Extreme Performance” profile that can jump to 2775Hz, but you’ll need to enable that through the MSI Center app. There are two settings to choose from, with one being an overclock mode at 800W and Extreme Performance rated at over 1000W. My electricity bill is already screaming at those numbers.

The GPU is huge since it’s an RTX 5090, measuring 10.2 x 5.9 x 2.4 inches. The weight wasn’t disclosed, but it felt heavy when I held it. Connection-wise, the Lighting Z features two 16-pin power connectors. For output, it has three DisplayPorts, an HDMI 2.1 port, and a single USB-C port.

GeForce RTX 5090 Lightning Z

(Image credit: Tom's Guide)

I saw the Lighting Z inside the MEG Maestro 900R, but it’s not exclusively for that PC case. But as you might have guessed, you’re going to need a huge PC case of your own to house this beastly graphics card.

MSI didn’t provide pricing, but it said the GeForce RTX 5090 32GB Lighting Z will release sometime in February. Considering how it’s limited to 1300 units, it’s probably going to cost a pretty penny—if you can snag a unit. But even if you can’t, I’m sure you can appreciate that such a powerful GPU even exists.

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Tony Polanco
Tony Polanco
Senior Computing Writer

Tony is a computing writer at Tom’s Guide covering laptops, tablets, Windows, and iOS. During his off-hours, Tony enjoys reading comic books, playing video games, reading speculative fiction novels, and spending too much time on X/Twitter. His non-nerdy pursuits involve attending Hard Rock/Heavy Metal concerts and going to NYC bars with friends and colleagues. His work has appeared in publications such as Laptop Mag, PC Mag, and various independent gaming sites.

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