Every few years, Nvidia introduces a groundbreaking graphics card that pushes the boundaries of PC gaming, and the Nvidia GeForce RTX 5090 is no exception. This powerhouse of a GPU ushers in a new era of gaming performance, albeit in an unconventional manner. While the performance leap over the RTX 4090 might not be as dramatic as anticipated in many games without DLSS Frame Generation, the introduction of the next generation of Nvidia's DLSS for upscaling and frame generation significantly enhances both image quality and performance. This advancement feels even more substantial than what we typically see with a new graphics generation.
The Nvidia RTX 5090's upgrade potential largely depends on your gaming habits, the resolution at which you play, and your comfort with AI-generated frames. If you're gaming on anything less than a 4K monitor with a 240Hz refresh rate, the upgrade might not be justified. However, for those equipped with high-end displays, the AI-generated frames can offer a glimpse into the future of gaming.
Nvidia GeForce RTX 5090 – Photos
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RTX 5090 – Specs and Features
The Nvidia GeForce RTX 5090 leverages Nvidia's high-end Blackwell architecture, the same technology powering advanced data centers and supercomputers. This highlights its prowess in AI applications, but Nvidia has also ensured robust performance in traditional gaming contexts.
The RTX 5090 packs more Streaming Multiprocessors (SMs) into its Graphics Processing Clusters (GPCs), resulting in a significant increase in CUDA cores to 21,760 from the RTX 4090's 16,384—a 32% boost in shader cores. This is where the card's raw gaming performance stems from.
Each SM includes four Tensor Cores and one RT Core, mirroring the RTX 4090's configuration but scaled up to 680 Tensor Cores and 170 RT cores. The 5th-generation Tensor Cores enhance AI performance, now supporting FP4 operations to reduce VRAM dependency.
The RTX 5090 also features 32GB of GDDR7 VRAM, a step up from the RTX 4090's GDDR6X, promising faster and more power-efficient memory. Despite this, the RTX 5090's power requirement of 575W significantly exceeds the RTX 4090's 450W, indicating a focus on performance over power efficiency.
Nvidia has refined the DLSS algorithm to operate on a Transformer Neural Network (TNN), improving image quality and reducing artifacts like ghosting. Furthermore, the introduction of Multi-Frame Generation enhances the frame generation technology from the RTX 4090, enabling smoother and more efficient frame rate increases. This feature is best utilized when you're already achieving a decent baseline frame rate.
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 models might command a higher price.
The Founders Edition
Requiring 575W of power, the RTX 5090 demands robust cooling solutions. Surprisingly, Nvidia has managed to fit this power into a dual-slot, dual-fan design, a feat considering the RTX 4090's larger footprint. During testing, the card's temperature peaked at 86°C, slightly higher than the RTX 4090 but not enough to cause throttling.
The RTX 5090's compact design, achieved by centralizing the PCB and optimizing airflow, allows it to fit into smaller PC cases than its predecessors. Its aesthetic continues the design language of recent generations, with a silver 'X' design and gunmetal-gray chassis, complemented by a white LED 'GeForce RTX' logo.
The card uses a new 12V-2x6 power connector, an evolution from the 12VHPWR of the last generation, with an adapter included for four 8-pin PCIe power connectors. The angled connector design enhances ease of use and security.
DLSS 4: Fake Frames?
Nvidia claims the RTX 5090 can boost performance by up to 8x, a figure that's more about its AI-driven frame generation than raw rendering power. DLSS 4's Multi-Frame Generation, supported by the new AI Management Processor (AMP) core, efficiently assigns GPU tasks, traditionally managed by the CPU, resulting in a frame generation model that's 40% faster and requires 30% less memory.
Courtesy of Nvidia
This technology can generate three AI frames from a single rendered frame, with Nvidia's Flip Metering algorithm minimizing latency. However, enabling this feature is recommended only if you're already achieving around 60 fps, as it can introduce latency issues at lower frame rates.
When the RTX 5090 launches, DLSS 4 will be compatible with games supporting DLSS 3 Frame Generation. In testing with Cyberpunk 2077 and Star Wars Outlaws, the RTX 5090 significantly boosted frame rates, showcasing the potential of Multi-Frame Generation on high-end 4K displays.
While the concept of 'Fake Frames' might raise eyebrows, DLSS 4 offers tangible benefits for users with high-refresh, high-resolution setups, though its effectiveness may vary across games.
RTX 5090 – Performance
The RTX 5090's performance is impressive, though testing revealed a complex picture. In 3DMark benchmarks, it outperforms the RTX 4090 by up to 42%, but in real-world gaming scenarios, CPU bottlenecks often limit its potential, even when paired with top-tier processors like the Ryzen 7 9800X3D.
In games like Call of Duty Black Ops 6 and Cyberpunk 2077, the RTX 5090 shows only a 10% improvement over the RTX 4090 at 4K, highlighting the challenges of achieving next-generation performance in current titles. However, the RTX 5090 shines in games like Metro Exodus and Total War: Warhammer 3, where it can demonstrate more significant performance gains.
Testing was conducted without DLSS 4, using public drivers and the latest game builds, ensuring a fair comparison across different GPUs.
Nvidia GeForce RTX 5090 – Benchmarks
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Despite its raw power, the RTX 5090's performance in many current games suggests it's best suited for future titles that can fully leverage its capabilities. Nvidia's focus on AI-powered gaming with DLSS 4 positions the RTX 5090 as a forward-looking investment for those on the cutting edge of technology, willing to spend at least $1,999 for a glimpse into the future of PC gaming. For others, the RTX 4090 remains a formidable option for the next few years.
