In our first test we observe the max. CPU/GPU temperatures of the system while allowing Unigine Heaven 4.0 to run on a 30-minute loop with default system fan profile. Idle temperatures were read 10 minutes later, indicating how well the system exhausted latent heat. To report back on the temperatures we used Core Temp readings and GPU-Z.
With the launch of the Core i9-13900K-series Intel implemented new dynamic overclocking logic for all-core workloads that seeks to push CPU frequencies as high as its thermal limits will allow. Such workloads are far from typical in a gaming scenario, but you can expect taxing multi-core scenarios such as video rendering to push the CPU into the high 80’s.
The RTX 4090 meanwhile remains relaxingly cool despite its enormous power, below even the cooling potential of the standard triple-fan coolers on most partner variant RTX 4090’s.
Bear in mind however that all this heat doesn’t magically disappear once it’s exhausted from the chassis. This system will be outputting hundreds of watts of heat that ideally you won’t want hanging around in a room, so get yourself plenty of ventilation for real-world extended gaming sessions.
Speaking of power, system peak power draw was assessed under long game loads, and we found it to be exceptionally (but expectedly) high. A peak of 673W at the wall is paired with an average in the high 590’s, but once again this is by no means under true high-stress loads that would strain both GPU and CPU simultaneously. Under those conditions they could easily push over 700W in total.
This high power consumption, and its knock-on impact on your long term power bills, should factor into your purchase given the current energy supply climate.
Idle draw of 73W remains relatively low given the performance of these components, and can be pushed lower but transitioning to a more frugal power saving plan in Windows.
On your very first boot the system, like all Z790 DDR5 platform, will take longer than expected to POST and reach the OS as it is training the memory. Once complete, you’ll get these sub-15s cold boot times when paired with an SSD as fast as the Solidigm P44 PRO.
