u/Serious_Let8761

Hello, my fellow MSI enjoyers!

When I was in the market for a new GPU, I found very little information on the new Vanguard series. After using the 5080 Suprim and the 5090 Vanguard for a while, I would like to compare both models and share my thoughts.

[Performance] On paper, the Suprim is the better performer. It's clocked slightly higher than the Vanguard and I assume it has better binning. However, the performance difference is not something you will actually notice, in my opinion.

[Cooling] Tie. Both GPUs come with a very similar cooling design, including a vapor chamber. From what I understand, the main difference in the cooling solution is one less heat pipe on the Vanguard. I assume both the Suprim and the Vanguard would perform within a couple of degrees of each other in a controlled environment. The cooling solutions are both overkill for a 5080, and definitely enough for a 5090. The fan noise is about the same, in my experience.

[Build Quality] This is a clear win for the Suprim. It uses what seem to be higher quality materials and is noticeably heavier than the Vanguard. I haven't disassembled it, but I presume it has an additional metal cage for rigidity. Either way, if you use a GPU support bracket or a VGPU bracket, I doubt you will notice a difference. Just wear gloves when handling both of these to avoid fingerprints.

[Coil Whine] Tie. Coil whine is impossible to determine reliably, since it varies so much between samples. Additionally, people have a different tolerance to it and different PC cases as well. It's usually much more noticeable in a mesh case, for example. Regarding the two GPUs I have here with me - they have average coil whine. The Suprim is slightly less audible under load, but both are not bothersome in a closed panoramic case.

[Design] I'm going to give this win to the Vanguard. It's naturally subjective and in a vacuum, I'd say the Suprim is the more attractive card. However, I find that the Suprim's color scheme is neither here, nor there. It looks a bit off both in a black case, as well as in a white case. The Vanguard's design fits a wider range of aesthetics in my opinion.

[Alternatives, Pricing, Availability] The Suprim and the Vanguard are the best models within MSI's line-up and I think the price premium over the Gaming Trio and the Ventus is worth it. Addressing the elephant in the room, I know where pricing is at right now and how scarce availability is, especially in some regions. You know what the MSRP is and it is up to you whether you want to pay the current market price.

[Conclusion] Between the Vanguard and the Suprim, I think you should get what you can find / find at a better price. Real-world performance is close enough that I can comfortably recommend both.