"For over a decade, it has emerged only at pivotal moments.
Rare across generations—yet each return redefines the limit."
"Now it’s back: stronger, finer, and more legendary than ever."
The Pinnacle of precision
At MSI’s 2008 Master Overclocking Arena (MOA),
record-breaking overclockers shared bold ideas for the ultimate overclocking GPU
built with top-tier components, world-class performance, intuitive tuning, and exceptional cooling.
From these principles, the MSI LIGHTNING Series was born. Its philosophy ever since:
TOP-TIER COMPONENTS
Built with Lightning-grade components to ensure superior power stability, durability, and overclocking reliability.
WORLD-CLASS PERFORMANCE
Optimized power design unlocks outstanding performance with headroom for advanced tuning and demanding workloads.
EXCEPTIONAL COOLING
High-efficiency thermal design keeps temperatures low, sustaining stable performance under heavy loads.
Trusted By Elite Overclockers
Developed, tested, and validated by elite overclockers, this graphics card is built to meet the demands of record-breaking performance. From extreme stress testing to real-world tuning, it delivers the stability, precision, and headroom trusted by the world’s best.
A Legacy Of Greatness
From 2009 to today’s AI-generation GPUs, LIGHTNING has consistently defined the pinnacle of MSI engineering—where record-breaking performance meets uncompromising craftsmanship.
2009
N260GTX LIGHTNING
The N260GTX launched the Lightning Legacy in 2009, featuring military-class components, a pioneering 10-phase PWM design, and the original Twin Frozr cooler for unrivaled thermal performance.
2009
N275GTX LIGHTNING
Debuted a distinctive rifle-inspired aesthetic and Solid State Chokes for enhanced overclocking stability. Paired with Twin Frozr 2 and Super Pipe technology, it delivered noticeably improved cooling performance.
2010
N480GTX LIGHTNING
The world’s first GPU with adjustable GPU/Memory/PLL voltages for advanced overclocking. It introduced a 16-phase PWM with Copper MOS, Twin Frozr 3 with a nickel-plated base, Super Pipe, and was the first Lightning to debut both Dual BIOS and the Lightning Power Layer.
2011
N580GTX LIGHTNING XTREME EDITION
The first Lightning with 3GB GDDR5, featuring Dust Removal tech, Smart Temp fans, MSI’s exclusive Propeller Blade design, Super Pipe, and Twin Frozr 3 for exceptional cooling.
2012
N680GTX LIGHTNING
Added a digital PWM with Active Phase Switching, Golden SSC components, and the patented GPU Reactor for cleaner OC power. Debuted Lightning’s first LED lighting and used the Twin Frozr 4 with large 10 cm fans.
2013
N780 LIGHTNING
Debuted the Tri Frozr design with dual independent fan control and a current-reactive LED bar. Enhanced Super Pipe layout, nickel-plated base, Extra MOS heatsink, triple PWM controllers, and GPU Reactor enabled standout overclocking.
2015
GeForce GTX 980 Ti LIGHTNING
Introduced CNC diamond-cut accents and the first RGB Mystic Light bar. Tri Frozr paired MSI’s patented TORX Fan Gen1 with S-shaped pipes and dense aluminum fins for top-tier cooling, plus added ESD protection for extreme OC.
2017
GeForce GTX 1080 Ti LIGHTNING Z
First with a fully diffused RGB light bar and an industry-first rear light strip. Included interchangeable metal nameplates and integrated heat pipes into both the MOS heatsink and backplate. Square core pipes, TORX Fan 2.0, and Airflow Control fins boosted cooling efficiency.
2019
GeForce RTX 2080 Ti LIGHTNING Z
Introduced persistence-of-vision RGB fans with side/rear RGB rings and a live-readout OLED panel. A carbon-fiber backplate elevated durability and aesthetics, while TORX 3.0 fans, square core pipes, and rugged-edge fins improved airflow and heat transfer.
2026
GeForce RTX 5090 32G LIGHTNING Z
The first water-cooled Lightning marks a new milestone as the world’s only graphics card to feature both a full-cover cold plate and a full-size 8-inch display. Combined with its advanced cooling architecture, next-generation pump, and Lightning-grade aerodynamic fans, it delivers unrivaled thermal performance and complete system control.