Every couple of years, Nvidia unleashes a powerhouse graphics card, pushing PC gaming into a new era. The Nvidia GeForce RTX 5090 is that card, but its next-gen performance arrives in an unexpected way. In many games, the performance boost over the RTX 4090 isn't as dramatic as anticipated, at least without DLSS Frame Generation. However, the next generation of Nvidia's DLSS, for both upscaling and frame generation, delivers incredible leaps in image quality and performance, surpassing typical generational improvements.

The RTX 5090's upgrade value depends heavily on your games, resolution, and tolerance for AI-generated frames. For those with monitors below 4K 240Hz, this upgrade likely won't justify the cost. But for high-end display owners, the AI-generated frames 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 utilizes Blackwell, Nvidia's high-end architecture powering leading AI models. This hints at the 5090's strengths, but Nvidia hasn't neglected non-AI aspects.

The 5090 packs more Streaming Multiprocessors (SMs) into the same GPCs (Graphics Processing Clusters), resulting in 21,760 CUDA cores—a 32% increase over the RTX 4090's 16,384. This boosts raw gaming performance.

Each SM retains four Tensor Cores and one RT Core, totaling 680 Tensor Cores and 170 RT cores (compared to 512 and 128 in the RTX 4090). 5th-generation Tensor Cores enhance AI performance, adding FP4 support for reduced VRAM dependence.

The 32GB of GDDR7 VRAM represents a generational leap from the RTX 4090's GDDR6X, offering speed and efficiency improvements. However, the 5090's 575W power draw (significantly higher than the 4090's 450W) indicates power efficiency isn't a primary focus.

Improved Tensor Core efficiency allows Nvidia to shift the DLSS algorithm to a Transformer Neural Network (TNN) from a Convolutional Neural Network (CNN). This doesn't necessarily boost frame rates but enhances image quality and reduces artifacts.

Beyond this, Nvidia introduces Multi-Frame Generation, refining the RTX 4090's Frame Gen technology. It's more efficient, smoother, and generates multiple frames from each rendered image, drastically improving frame rates. Like its predecessor, it's best enabled with already decent frame rates.

Purchasing Guide

The Nvidia GeForce RTX 5090 launched January 30th, starting at $1,999 (Founders Edition). Third-party cards can be considerably more expensive.

The Founders Edition

The 575W power draw necessitates robust cooling. While expecting a larger card than the RTX 4090, Nvidia surprisingly created a smaller, dual-slot design with dual fans.

During testing (including DLSS 4 and multi-frame generation), temperatures peaked around 86°C at 578W—high, but not throttling. Nvidia achieved this by centralizing the PCB and using a heatsink spanning the card's width, with fans drawing air from below and expelling it through the top. There are no exhaust vents under the rear ports.

The design echoes previous generations, featuring a silver 'X' and a GeForce RTX logo with white LEDs. The angled 12V-2x6 power connector (with included adapter for four 8-pin PCIe connectors) is more secure and easier to connect.

This design allows compatibility with smaller PC cases, unlike previous generations. However, third-party cards will likely be larger.

DLSS 4: Fake Frames?

Nvidia claims up to 8x performance boosts, though reality is less dramatic. The RTX 5090 delivers high frame rates, primarily through frame generation. While raw rasterization performance improves, the real next-gen benefit lies in AI-generated frames.

DLSS 4's Multi-Frame Generation surpasses previous Frame Generation. A new AI Management Processor (AMP) core efficiently assigns tasks across the GPU, unlike CPU-based methods.

The AMP and 5th-gen Tensor Cores create a 40% faster, 30% less memory-intensive frame generation model, generating 3 AI frames per rendered frame. A Flip Metering algorithm minimizes input lag. This is why it doesn't work on RTX 4000 cards; their CPU-based frame pacing introduces more latency.

This isn't a magic bullet; it's best used with already acceptable frame rates (around 60fps without Frame Gen). Pairing it with DLSS upscaling maximizes performance.

At launch, DLSS 4 supported many DLSS 3 Frame Generation games. Testing on beta builds of Cyberpunk 2077 and Star Wars Outlaws showed impressive results. Cyberpunk 2077 at 4K with Ray Tracing Overdrive and DLSS Performance mode reached 94fps, increasing to 162fps with 2x frame gen and 286fps with 4x. Star Wars Outlaws achieved around 300fps with DLSS 4, up from 120fps without frame generation.

Multi-Frame Generation works remarkably well, with minimal artifacts observed. High-end 4K displays are needed to fully benefit. The game selection was limited during testing, but Nvidia claims 75 games will support DLSS 4 at launch.

RTX 5090 – Performance

The RTX 5090 is incredibly powerful, but testing revealed complexities. 3DMark showed generational improvements over the RTX 4090. However, in games, the RTX 5090 often faced CPU bottlenecks, even at 4K with a Ryzen 7 9800X3D. For many with high-end cards, the upgrade might not be transformative. It's a future-proofing investment. Note: DLSS 4 was disabled for comparative benchmarks, using public drivers (Nvidia 566.36, AMD Adrenalin 24.12.1).

In 3DMark, the RTX 5090 was up to 42% faster than the RTX 4090 (Speed Way: 14,399 vs 10,130; Port Royal: 36,946 vs 25,997). Compared to the RTX 3090, the improvement was 2.5x.

Call of Duty Black Ops 6 showed a 10% performance increase at 4K (161fps vs 146fps), while Cyberpunk 2077 showed a similar 10% improvement (125fps vs 112fps). Lower resolutions showed less scaling.

Metro Exodus: Enhanced Edition (DLSS disabled) demonstrated a 25% improvement over the RTX 4090 at 4K (95fps vs 76fps).

Red Dead Redemption 2 showed a minimal 6% improvement at 4K (167fps vs 151fps).

Total War: Warhammer 3 showed a 35% performance uplift (147fps vs 107fps), closer to 3DMark results.

Assassin's Creed Mirage experienced issues, initially showing low performance due to a likely driver bug. Even after resolution, performance was lower than the RTX 4090. This should be considered an outlier.

Nvidia GeForce RTX 5090 – Benchmarks

14 Images

Black Myth: Wukong showed a 20% performance increase at 4K (104fps vs 84fps). Forza Horizon 5 showed negligible differences.

The RTX 5090 is the fastest consumer graphics card, but many games can't fully utilize its power. This will change over time. The RTX 4090 remains powerful for several years.

The RTX 5090 focuses on AI-powered gaming. DLSS 4 significantly increases frame rates. It's ideal for cutting-edge gamers willing to invest in an AI-driven future. For others, the RTX 4090 suffices.