MSI embraces Retro with new Cyclone and FROZR GPU models
MSI embraces its classic designs with new RTX 50 series Cyclone and Twin FROZR GPUs
While Computex always focuses on cutting-edge hardware, MSI has wowed attendees by offering a delightful mix of Retro and Modern with its newest RTX 50 series graphics cards.
Below you can see our full MSI Computex booth tour, but we’re highlighting two specific products in this article. These MSI’s modern reimaginings of their classic Twin FROZR and Cyclone series GPUs, both of which are coming to market.
Meet the RTX 5060 Ti Twin FROZR
MSI’s Twin FROZR series was popular during the Nvidia GeForce GTX 400 and GTX 500 era. This was when DirectX 11 was coming into vogue, and tessellation was one of the newest graphical features to arrive on new graphics cards. Honestly, considering this design “classic” is making me feel old. That said, this GPU is filling me with nostalgia, so perhaps that feeling is justified.
MSI has recreated its TWIN FROZR design with Nvidia’s RTX 5060 Ti, merging its classic TWIN FROZR design with the latest Nvidia hardware and new cooling innovations. We have MSI’s new STORMFORCE fans, copper-aluminium composite fins, and a large metal backplate. MSI has made its old hardware designs new again, and I’m loving it.
Below, we can see MSI’s original Twin Frozr heatsink on the right and its new heatsink on the left. Aside from MSI’s use of composite fins, both designs are almost identical. That’s how committed MSI is to making this modern TWIN FROZR GPU authentic.
When Retro Becomes Modern – Meet the MSI RTX 5070 Cyclone Visual
Next, we have the RTX 5070 Cyclone Visual OC. This graphics card has blasted me into the past. If memory serves, I think I considered a Cyclone series graphics card for my first PC build. Now, this GPU is getting reborn as a 12GB RTX 5070.
With the Cyclone visual, MSI is aiming for a lower level of authenticity than its new TWIN FROZR design. With the Cyclone Visual, MSI are mixing together old and new ideas. At the centre of this GPU’s fan is an LCD screen, displaying MSI’s dragon mascot (Lucky) to Computex attendees.
Honestly, I am surprised that a cooler of this design can even cool an RTX 5070. That said, MSI has invested in an all-copper heatsink design and is using a custom fan design and custom GPU PCB to maximise its cooling potential. The GPU’s backplate is also made of copper to increase this GPU’s rigidity and enhance its cooling.
MSI are serious about bringing both of these GPUs to market. However, they were unable to confirm the release dates or pricing of these retro-themed GPU models. We expect to hear more about these new GPUs as they get closer to release.
You can join the discussion on MSI’s new retro-inspired RTX 50 series graphics cards on the OC3D Forums.
