Every couple of years, Nvidia releases a groundbreaking graphics card that ushers in a new era of PC gaming. The Nvidia GeForce RTX 5090 is such a card, but it brings next-generation performance in an unconventional way. In many games, the performance improvement over the RTX 4090 isn't as significant as one might expect, especially when not considering DLSS Frame Generation. However, with the latest generation of Nvidia's DLSS for both upscaling and frame generation, there are substantial leaps in both image quality and performance that surpass what is typically seen with a new graphics generation.
The extent of the upgrade you'll experience with the Nvidia RTX 5090 depends on the games you play, the resolution at which you play them, and your comfort with AI-generated frames. For most gamers using displays below 4K with a 240Hz refresh rate, this upgrade might not be compelling. However, if you own a high-end display, the AI-generated frames can offer a glimpse into the future of gaming.
Nvidia GeForce RTX 5090 – Photos
5 Images
RTX 5090 – Specs and Features
The Nvidia GeForce RTX 5090 is powered by Blackwell, Nvidia’s high-end architecture already driving data centers and supercomputers behind many leading AI models. This gives a clue about the RTX 5090's strengths, but Nvidia has not overlooked traditional gaming performance.
The RTX 5090 packs more Streaming Multiprocessors (SMs) into the same Graphics Processing Clusters (GPCs), resulting in 21,760 CUDA cores, a 32% increase over the 16,384 in the RTX 4090. This boost significantly enhances raw gaming performance. Each SM includes four Tensor Cores and one RT Core, totaling 680 Tensor Cores and 170 RT Cores, compared to 512 and 128 in the RTX 4090. The 5th-generation Tensor Cores improve AI performance by supporting FP4 operations, reducing VRAM dependency.
This powerful silicon is paired with 32GB of GDDR7 VRAM, a step up from the GDDR6X in the RTX 4090, offering faster and more power-efficient memory. Despite requiring 575W of power—a notable increase from the RTX 4090's 450W—efficiency isn't the primary focus here.
Nvidia has shifted the DLSS algorithm to run on a Transformer Neural Network (TNN) rather than a Convolutional Neural Network (CNN), aiming to enhance image quality and reduce issues like ghosting. Additionally, the RTX 5090 introduces Multi-Frame Generation, an advanced version of Frame Generation from the RTX 4090, which efficiently generates multiple frames per rendered image, significantly boosting frame rates.
Purchasing Guide
The Nvidia GeForce RTX 5090 will be available starting January 30, with the Founders Edition priced at $1,999. Be aware that third-party cards may be pricier.
The Founders Edition
Despite requiring 575W of power, the RTX 5090 Founders Edition surprisingly fits into a dual-slot chassis with a dual-fan configuration. During testing, including games with DLSS 4 and multi-frame generation, the card's temperature peaked at around 86°C, higher than the RTX 4090's 80°C but not enough to cause throttling.
Nvidia achieved this by compacting the PCB and optimizing airflow through the card. The design retains the aesthetic of recent generations with a silver 'X' design, gunmetal-gray chassis, and black heatsinks. The 'GeForce RTX' logo on the edge lights up with white LEDs.
The RTX 5090 uses a new 12V-2x6 power connector, an improvement over the previous 12VHPWR connector. Nvidia includes an adapter for four 8-pin PCIe connectors and has made the connection more secure and easier to manage. This design allows the RTX 5090 to fit into smaller PC builds, unlike its predecessors.
DLSS 4: Fake Frames?
Nvidia claims the RTX 5090 can boost performance by up to 8x, primarily through its ability to generate extra frames rather than traditional rendering. DLSS 4 introduces 'Multi-Frame Generation,' enhancing the Frame Generation technology from DLSS 3. The secret lies in a new AI Management Processor (AMP) core, which efficiently assigns tasks across the GPU.
At launch, DLSS 4 will be supported by a wide array of games that already use DLSS 3. Testing in beta builds of Cyberpunk 2077 and Star Wars Outlaws showed impressive results, with the RTX 5090 achieving frame rates far beyond what most displays can handle.
While some might dismiss these as 'Fake Frames,' they offer a significant advantage for those with high-refresh, high-resolution displays. Nvidia anticipates 75 games will support DLSS 4 at launch, though performance may vary.
RTX 5090 – Performance
The Nvidia GeForce RTX 5090 delivers substantial performance improvements in benchmarks like 3DMark, showing up to a 42% increase over the RTX 4090. However, real-world gaming performance often faces CPU bottlenecks, even with a top-tier CPU like the Ryzen 7 9800X3D.
In games like Call of Duty Black Ops 6 and Cyberpunk 2077, the RTX 5090 shows only a 10% performance increase over the RTX 4090 at 4K, suggesting that the upgrade might not be worth it for current games. However, in titles like Metro Exodus: Enhanced Edition and Total War: Warhammer 3, the RTX 5090 demonstrates more significant improvements.
Nvidia GeForce RTX 5090 – Benchmarks
14 Images
Games like Red Dead Redemption 2 and Forza Horizon 5 show minimal performance gains, highlighting the CPU bottleneck issue. The RTX 5090's real potential lies in future games that can leverage its power and AI capabilities.
Nvidia suggests that the era of significant generational leaps in GPU performance may be waning, yet the RTX 5090 remains the fastest consumer graphics card available. It's best suited for those looking to invest in the future of AI-powered gaming, willing to spend $1,999 or more. For others, the RTX 4090 should suffice for the foreseeable future.
Latest Downloads
Downlaod
Top News
