ASUS ROG Matrix RTX 5090 liquid metal upgrade confirmed after GPU recall rumours
ASUS upgraded its ROG Matrix RTX 5090 with an improved liquid metal application
After analysing his retail ROG Matrix RTX 5090 graphics card, der8auer uncovered a major difference between it and his review sample. In a newly released video, der8auer found that his retail GPU had a cleaner liquid-metal application and a cleaner thermal-paste seal.
After the first wave of ROG Matrix RTX 5090 GPUs were released, there were reports of a product recall. Retail stock was reportedly sent back to ASUS, with ASUS denying that the GPU has been recalled. Below is what ASUS said last year following reports of an ROG Matrix RTX 5090 recall.
There is no product recall for the ROG Matrix GeForce RTX 5090. We proactively adjusted the original timeline to allow additional time for product improvements and to ensure an optimal customer experience. The products will arrive at our partners within the next few days. Availability may vary by region.
(Images from der8auer video- YouTube)
Above, we see the difference between ASUS’ ROG Matrix RTX 5090 review sample and der8auer’s retail GPU. The thermal paste seal around the review sample appears to have been applied by hand. In contrast, the newer model has cleaner, machine-applied lines of paste. Additionally, the liquid metal itself appears to be applied in a cleaner way.
ASUS’ custom liquid metal formula
During his analysis, der8auer also uncovered some interesting aspects of ASUS’ liquid metal application process. ASUS’ liquid metal didn’t behave like standard liquid metal, implying that ASUS has a custom liquid metal formulation. It appears ASUS uses a custom application process that uses tiny liquid-metal droplets alongside silicon oil. If that is the case, this may be what allows ASUS to repeatably and reliably apply liquid metal thermal compound to its GPUs using machines. Liquid metal is notoriously difficult to work with, making reliable machine applications challenging.
You can join the discussion on ASUS upgrading its liquid metal application on its later ROG RTX 5090 Matrix models on the OC3D Forums.
