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The RTX Titan prototype has ignited considerable interest among tech enthusiasts since its rumored launch. Although it never officially hit the market, the GPU’s legend continues to grow, fueled by leaks and insights from prominent figures in the community. One such figure is Roman ‘der8auer’ Hartung, who recently disassembled this colossal piece of hardware to reveal its inner workings. Let’s delve into the remarkable design and technology that characterize this graphics card.
Unveiling the exterior design
At first glance, the RTX Titan prototype appears strikingly similar to the Founder’s Edition RTX 5090, featuring a robust heatsink design that dominates its exterior. When viewed from above, the card showcases a completely transparent structure, devoid of a conventional printed circuit board (PCB). Instead, its design incorporates two prominent side fans alongside a smaller central fan, which can only be seen from particular angles. This unique arrangement hints at the card’s innovative cooling solutions.
A glimpse into its size and configuration
The sheer size of this graphics card is something to behold—it boasts a four-slot configuration that feels almost oversized in a user’s hands. This immense footprint is not just for show; it serves a purpose in housing advanced components. The rear of the card reveals a vertically stacked input/output (I/O) layout, featuring three DisplayPort 1.4a connections and one HDMI 2.1 port, all soldered directly onto the mainboard, a departure from the daughterboard configuration seen in the RTX 5090 FE. The first step in exploring the card’s internals involves removing the I/O shield, which sets the stage for a further disassembly.
Diving into the internal components
Upon taking off the I/O shield, der8auer carefully pried apart the side plate, revealing an intricate network of heatpipes and thermal pads that are crucial for efficient heat dissipation. These components work in tandem to ensure that critical areas such as the memory and voltage regulation module (VRM) maintain optimal temperatures during operation. This attention to thermal management reflects the thoughtful engineering that went into the prototype.
Examining the PCB and memory architecture
As we shift our focus to the heart of the device—the PCB—it becomes apparent that it is mounted on the side of the card, reminiscent of the earlier RTX 4090 Ti prototype. The visible side of the board is graced with a total of 12 memory modules, each boasting 2GB of GDDR7 memory, complemented by an additional 12 modules on the reverse side. This configuration adds up to a staggering total of 48GB of VRAM, setting the stage for unparalleled graphics performance.
Power supply and connectivity features
To fully extract the PCB from its housing, the central frame of the GPU must be detached. This involves carefully removing screws and managing ribbon cables that connect the fans to the board. Interestingly, instead of a traditional PCIe x16 connector, this prototype employs ribbon cables leading to a daughterboard that resembles a riser cable, which is quite innovative. Power is delivered to the GPU through three contact points on the left side of the board, with one likely serving as a ground connection while the other two are utilized for the 12VHPWR power inputs.
Moreover, above these points, you’ll find sense pins that play a critical role in monitoring power delivery. These design choices not only streamline the power supply process but also enhance the overall efficiency of the GPU.
Final thoughts on the RTX Titan prototype
After successfully disassembling the entire graphics card, der8auer noted that reassembly took him approximately 90 minutes. His meticulous attention to detail ensured that no screws went unaccounted for. He expressed admiration for Nvidia’s engineering prowess, stating that both the RTX 5090 and the RTX Titan prototype stand out as some of the most impressive GPUs he has ever encountered. The engineering marvel encapsulated within this prototype reflects a commitment to innovation that drives the future of graphics technology.
In conclusion, while the RTX Titan prototype may not have made it to market, the insights gained from its design and functionality offer a glimpse into what could have been a game-changing GPU in the world of high-performance computing.