Exploring ASUS’s Next-Gen ROG Astral, Strix, TUF Gaming, and PRIME Series for NVIDIA RTX 50 Graphics Cards

At CES, ASUS unveiled an impressive selection of next-generation GPUs for NVIDIA’s RTX 50 series, showcasing its ROG Astral, Strix, TUF Gaming, and PRIME product lines.

Overview of ASUS’s New RTX 50 GPU Lineup

ASUS remains a prominent name among graphics card manufacturers, particularly appealing to high-end gamers. This year, the brand is not only launching fresh iterations of its popular lines but is also introducing the new ROG Astral series. While a recent roundup highlighted the custom models for the RTX 5090, this article delves deeper into the robust offerings of the entire ASUS RTX 50 lineup.

ASUS ROG Astral: Premium Cooling Solutions for Enthusiasts

The ROG Astral series is engineered for high-performance graphics cards, specifically targeting the NVIDIA RTX 5090 and RTX 5080 models. These advanced variants are equipped with an innovative four-fan configuration—three at the front and one at the back—achieving a 20% boost in airflow and pressure when compared to previous ROG STRIX models. This enhanced cooling capability allows the Astral GPUs to reach elevated clock speeds.

Internally, the ROG Astral GPUs utilize a vapor chamber connected to eight heat pipes, ensuring optimal thermal management. The heatsink associated with the fourth fan is designed to be denser, thereby enhancing cooling efficiency. ASUS has integrated phase-changing thermal pads, which outperform traditional pastes by providing superior heat transfer and requiring less frequent maintenance.

Notably, ASUS also includes per-pin analytics for the 16-pin (12V-2×6) connectors, offering gamers the ability to monitor power fluctuations, enhancing overall performance reliability.

For those interested in liquid cooling, ASUS has also introduced the ROG Astral LC model, which boasts a 360mm radiator and a singular front fan. This variant reportedly provides a 30% increase in cooling efficacy compared to its air-cooled counterpart.

ASUS ROG Strix: Enhanced Features for Gamers

The ROG Strix GPUs, catering to RTX 5070 models and higher, present a sleek refresh with a triple-fan, three-slot design. This upgraded version incorporates a full-coverage backplate and strategically placed cut-outs to facilitate airflow. Additionally, it retains the dual BIOS switch feature, enabling users to toggle between Performance and Quiet modes.

Characterized by its vibrant RGB lighting accent, this lineup offers an exoskeleton for venting, Aura Sync RGB compatibility, and a protective PCB coating, ensuring enhanced durability while supporting a unified 16-pin connector architecture across all models.

ASUS TUF Gaming: Built to Last

ASUS’s TUF Gaming series is designed for those seeking robust construction. These models incorporate military-grade components alongside features similar to those found in the ROG series. Notably, the RTX 5090 utilizes a vapor chamber for efficient cooling.

Designed with an industrial aesthetic, these cards feature large ventilation cut-outs and employ triple axial fans for optimal airflow while maintaining a dual BIOS configuration, presented in a striking silver and grey color scheme.

ASUS PRIME: A Compact Solution

The PRIME series includes the RTX 5080, RTX 5070 Ti, and RTX 5070 models, boasting a compact 2.5-slot design that caters to smaller form-factor PCs. Key features include phase change thermal compounds, a triple-fan cooling setup, and an elegant matte black finish.

ASUS has yet to announce pricing details for these cards, but the much-anticipated NVIDIA GeForce RTX 50 GPUs are slated for release later this month. Stay tuned for further updates and extensive coverage on these innovative products.

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