- New benchmark leaks have revealed MSI’s RTX 5090 Lightning Z GPU, which is likely to be revealed soon.
- It comes with 32 GB of memory, dual 12V-2×6 connectors, and an extreme 40-phase VRAM design.
- The GPU scored a record-breaking 53,207 on 3DMark Time Spy, with additional photo and score leaks on HWBOT.
MSI’s ultra-premium Lightning lineup often pushes the boundaries beyond what’s considered possible. So, fans have been patiently awaiting the Lightning variant of the RTX 5090, even as the high-end GPU market gets more expensive by the day due to a memory shortage.
New benchmark leaks have now revealed the brand’s magnum opus. A recent 3DMark Time Spy entry by user Dr. Antoine shows an MSI RTX 5090 GPU hitting a record-breaking 53,207 score. Testing by other HWBOT users also showed the GPU’s PCB and other unique features.
Why it matters: Some sort of embargo has been lifted, allowing users to post record-breaking scores of MSI’s RTX 5090 Lightning ahead of the official announcement. The GPU comes with impressive specs, as expected from MSI’s Lightning lineup.
MSI’s RTX 5090 Lightning Z boasts dual 12V-2×6 connectors and an extreme 40-phase VRAM power design. The images of the GPU’s PCB were uploaded by HWBOT users nv1diafan and oc_windforce, who achieved record-shattering 59,438 and 58,786 points, respectively.
MSI’s RTX 5090 Lightning variant was specifically used for these benchmarks because the latter user also commented, ‘Comeback! MSI GeForce RTX 5090 Lightning’ in their results.
The 3DMark scores were achieved using an Intel Core i9-14900KF system and an ASUS ROG Maximum Z790 Apex. The GPU reached a 3,457 MHz GPU clock, 32,640 MB VRAM, and an 18k MHz memory clock. In other words, the memory was overclocked up to 36 Gbps.
Additionally, MSI is also preparing to reveal its Lightning Z GPU. A recent teaser showed a weather forecast, with a thunderstorm expected on January 5, the first day of CES 2026.
It’s worth noting that these benchmark scores are only possible using exotic cooling solutions like liquid nitrogen, which was presumably used during the aforementioned testing since the recorded temperature was only 6°C.
Regardless, MSI is still expected to dominate the high-end GPU market with its upcoming Lightning Z 5090 model.
Do you think the RTX 5090 Lightning Z GPU will shatter the expectations of the community, or are these benchmark scores not indicative of everyday experience? Let us know your thoughts in the comments below, or join the discussion on the Tech4Gamers forum.
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Shameer Sarfaraz has previously worked for eXputer as a Senior News Writer for several years. Now with Tech4Gamers, he loves to devoutly keep up with the latest gaming and entertainment industries. He has a Bachelor’s Degree in Computer Science and years of experience reporting on games. Besides his passion for breaking news stories, Shahmeer loves spending his leisure time farming away in Stardew Valley. VGC, IGN, GameSpot, Game Rant, TheGamer, GamingBolt, The Verge, NME, Metro, Dot Esports, GameByte, Kotaku Australia, PC Gamer, and more have cited his articles.
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