The Curious Case of the Dumpster GPU
Well, folks, it seems like the tech world has a knack for surprise! A recently discarded NVIDIA graphics card prototype has made headlines after being discovered in an unexpected place—a dumpster. This isn’t just any GPU; it’s an experimental variant of the RTX 4090, reported exclusively by Videocardz from an anonymous tipster on Reddit.
Specs That Speak Volumes
This recovered prototype shares its core specifications with the retail RTX 4090 Founders Edition. They boast the same PG147 SKU 330 board architecture and matching power specs of 450W for typical draw, with a daring peak capacity of 600W. However, it reveals some differences under the hood: the BIOS version (95.02.01.22.01) and operating frequencies—2115 MHz base clock and 2355 MHz boost clock—run approximately 5% lower than its well-known cousin.
Cool Designs and Hidden Features
What’s more intriguing is the innovative triple-fan cooling solution that this prototype implements. It features a concealed middle fan cleverly tucked within the heatsink structure. This aligns with previous speculation surrounding NVIDIA’s ambition to develop a 900W-capable card. While this unit flaunts the standard RTX 4090 branding, it surprisingly lacks any “Ti” or “Titan” designations. It’s almost as if NVIDIA were playing hide and seek with its powerful variants!
Final analysis suggests that the unique three-section PCB layout was likely an exploration point for additional cores and memory components, hinting at a world of possibilities that NVIDIA may have envisioned but never brought to fruition. Who knew that the tech treasure buried in the trash could hold such potential?
