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Why is my 3090 underperforming compared to lower end gp us?

3090 GPU Performance | Users Confounded by Low Benchmark Scores

By

Mark Johnson

May 3, 2025, 09:10 AM

Edited By

Tanya Melton

2 minutes of duration

A person checking their computer setup with a 3090 GPU, looking frustrated due to underperformance compared to lower-end models
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A cohort of gamers is baffled as reports emerge of NVIDIA's 3090 GPU underperforming compared to lower-end graphics cards. Recent benchmarks show a sizable discrepancy in 3DMark scores, prompting questions about potential underlying issues.

Context of the Performance Issues

The performance anomaly first came to light when a user reported their score at about 3,000 points below the average for a 3090, despite using a high-end rig equipped with an Intel i9-10900K CPU and the 3090 Founders Edition GPU. This user expressed frustration as they compared benchmarks with friends who were achieving significantly higher frame rates, even on older hardware.

  • CPU: Intel i9-10900K (non-OC)

  • GPU: NVIDIA 3090 Founders Edition (stock)

  • RAM: 2x8 GB CL16 3200 MHz

  • PSU: EVGA Supernova 850W

  • Resolution: 1440p

Interesting insights from the community reveal several possible factors affecting performance. User comments noted a few key themes:

  1. PCIe Slot Configuration: "Why is your PCIe 8x? It should be 16x," one commenter pointed out, indicating the potential bottleneck.

  2. Power Supply Consistency: Another concern raised was about the PSU, with a suggestion that it might not be delivering adequate power to the GPU.

  3. Thermal Management: Users are skeptical of thermal throttling given the reported temperatures, with the GPU maxing out at 68 degrees Celsius.

"I've adjusted Nvidia control panel for performance and disabled background apps," the frustrated user mentioned regarding their efforts to rectify the situation.

User Insights on Potential Fixes

Amid the confusion, some voices stand out. Users shared theories about adjusting BIOS settings to enhance PCIe lane performance, while others emphasized the importance of ensuring sufficient power delivery.

Key Points to Consider

  • ๐ŸŸข High benchmarks indicate a significant underperformance of 3090

  • ๐Ÿ”Œ Potential issues with PCIe configuration and power supply have been raised

  • ๐ŸงŠ Thermal performance seems adequate, dismissing overheating concerns

This ongoing discussion sheds light on the often complex relationships between hardware performance, configurations, and user expectations in the gaming community, compelling many to reassess their setups. As inquiries increase over potential solutions, will NVIDIA need to address these concerns head-on?

Stay tuned as we explore further into this developing story for updates on similar user experiences and solutions.