Review: KFA2 RTX 3090 Ti HOF

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KFA2 RTX 3090 Ti HOF:

The architecture :

This KFA2 RTX 3090 Ti HOF benefits of course from the current NVIDIA architecture, i.e. Ampere. This was intended to replace the Turing architecture of the GeForce RTX 20xx launched a little over four years ago. This RTX 3090 Ti, like its little sister the RTX 3090, benefits from a GA102 graphics chip built on an 8nm manufacturing process from Samsung. The chip hosts 10752 Cuda cores and boasts 78 RT-TFLOPs, 40 Shader-TFLOPs and 320 Tensor-TFLOPs. Our KFA2 RTX 3090 Ti HOF has 24GB of 384-bit GDDR6X, which translates into a bandwidth of 1008GB/s. The TDP is much higher than the previous generation, with our example having a TDP of 480 watts. The box is still in the spirit of the Hall Of Fame range with the dark face on the left and the HOF logo.

The bundle :

Our sample is a HOF version which stands for “Hall Of Fame” and represents the top of the range models from GALAX/KFA2. The HOF series is always a big bundle and this KFA2 RTX 3090 Ti HOF is no exception. KFA2 has adopted the principle of a top opening for this model, which allows the card to be revealed in a pre-molded foam block for optimum protection.

Once the top of the box is removed, the graphics card is revealed, as well as the imposing 4.3 inch (480 x 272 pixels) removable screen called “HOF Panel III”. This is not connected directly to the graphics card but via a USB port on your motherboard.

On the bottom level we find a quick installation guide, a pair of HOF gloves to avoid leaving fingerprints on your graphics card and a bracket to place inside your case to prevent the card from sagging under its weight. Finally, in the last section, there are two USB cables, two PCIe 5.0 adapters and a user guide for the display. In short, a crazy bundle as we like them.

The cooling :

No doubt about it, this is a “HOF” model since it has all the visual codes of the series with a white PCB, white fairing and totally white fans. Aesthetically the card is a real success, KFA2 not having fallen into excess, with a front fairing and a backplate that give an impression of depth. It’s sober and efficient!

In terms of size, the card is impressive with its unusual dimensions of 352 x 160 x 68 mm, making it the largest RTX 3090 model we’ve ever seen. Needless to say, the card will occupy a width of 3 slots and if you want to buy it, make sure that the length is compatible with your case.

The front panel is equipped with three fans. The central one is slightly smaller (92mm) than the two outer ones (102mm) and has an RGB backlight. Each fan has 11 blades and the design has been revised to optimize static pressure while keeping noise levels low.

All three fans are equipped with fan stop technology, which allows them to idle when the GPU temperature is below 55°C, thus limiting noise.

Yes, some RGB :

The card benefits from some judiciously inserted backlighting. Three areas can be configured. The first is the outline of the central cooling system fan. The second is on the top edge where the Hall Of Fame inscription will be illuminated. Finally, on the back of the card, the HOF logo is also backlit. These little touches add to the card, without going full-on Christmas tree.

The RGB backlighting can be controlled via the HOF AI software, which we’ll come back to later in this article.

Dual BIOS and measurement points

The card benefits from two BIOS’s, which has become a common feature on high-end cards. You can choose between the Silence BIOS and the default Performance BIOS. The only difference between the two is fan speed and a frequency of 1860 MHz for the Silence and 1920 MHz for the Performance. Please note that via the HOF AI utility, you can activate 1-Click OC to switch to 1935 MHz. Both BIOS’s have a FAN STOP function.

The other very interesting feature is the presence of measurement points to read voltages. All you need is a multimeter.

The heatsink :

The heatsink is made of one solid block. As you can see from the pictures, its role is to dissipate the heat from the GPU, the memory chips on the front panel and part of the power supply stage. KFA2 has opted for eight 8mm heatpipes connected to a large heatsink and a steam chamber. The design is slightly different from that of the RTX 3090 HOF.

On the rear side there is an aluminum backplate which is used to stiffen the PCB and also to dissipate the memory chips and the power supply stages.

The connectors :

To power the board, there are two new 16-pin mini-connectors. HOF provides in its bundle two adapters to connect three 8-pin connectors. The three connectors each provide 3 x 150W. The card has three DisplayPort 1.4 video outputs and one HDMI 2.1 port.

As usual, a push-button switch is located on the bracket to adjust the three fans to their maximum speed when pressed.