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 approach to next-gen performance is unique. In many games, the performance boost over the RTX 4090 isn't as dramatic as expected—at least without DLSS Frame Generation. However, the next generation of Nvidia's DLSS, for both upscaling and frame generation, delivers stunning improvements in image quality and performance, surpassing typical generational leaps.
The RTX 5090's upgrade value depends on your games, resolution, and tolerance for AI-generated frames. For those with displays below 4K 240Hz, this upgrade might not be worthwhile. But for high-end display owners, the AI-generated frames offer a glimpse into the future of gaming.
Nvidia GeForce RTX 5090 – Photos
RTX 5090 – Specs and Features
The Nvidia GeForce RTX 5090 utilizes Blackwell, Nvidia's high-end architecture powering data centers and supercomputers behind popular AI models. This hints at the RTX 5090's strengths, but Nvidia didn't overlook non-AI aspects.
The 5090 packs more Streaming Multiprocessors (SMs) into the same GPCs (Graphics Processing Clusters), resulting in 21,760 CUDA cores (up from 16,384 in the RTX 4090)—a 32% increase in shader cores driving raw gaming performance.
Each SM boasts four Tensor Cores and one RT Core, like its predecessor. This translates to 680 Tensor Cores and 170 RT cores (compared to 512 and 128 in the RTX 4090). The 5th-generation Tensor Cores are optimized for AI, adding FP4 support to reduce VRAM dependence in AI workloads.
This silicon powerhouse is paired with 32GB of GDDR7 VRAM, a generational leap from the RTX 4090's GDDR6X, offering speed and power efficiency improvements. However, the RTX 5090's 575W power requirement (a significant increase over the 4090's 450W) shows power efficiency wasn't the primary focus.
The improved Tensor Cores enabled a shift in the DLSS algorithm to a Transformer Neural Network (TNN) from a Convolutional Neural Network (CNN). While frame rates with DLSS enabled aren't necessarily improved, Nvidia claims image quality is enhanced, reducing ghosting and artifacts.
Beyond the internal DLSS changes, 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 boosting frame rates. Like its predecessor, it's best used 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 significantly more expensive.
The Founders Edition
The RTX 5090's 575W power draw generates more heat, demanding 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 standard benchmarks and DLSS 4 with multi-frame generation), temperatures peaked around 86°C at 578W power consumption. High, but not throttling.
Nvidia achieved this by centrally placing a compact PCB, flanked by fans drawing air from below and expelling it through the top. Unlike previous generations, there are no rear exhaust vents.
The design maintains a similar aesthetic to previous generations, featuring a silver 'X' design and a 'GeForce RTX' logo with white LEDs.
The power connector, while resembling the 12VHPWR connector, is a new 12V-2x6 connector, claimed to be more efficient. An included adapter uses four 8-pin PCIe connectors. The angled connector on the card improves cable connection.
This design allows for smaller PC builds, unlike previous generations. However, third-party cards will likely be larger.
DLSS 4: Fake Frames?
Nvidia claimed up to 8x performance boosts. While not that high, the RTX 5090 delivers extremely high frame rates in demanding games, primarily through frame generation. While raw rasterization performance improves, the real benefit lies in AI-generated frames.
DLSS 4's 'Multi-Frame Generation' builds upon DLSS 3's Frame Generation, but it's more efficient. A new AI Management Processor (AMP) core efficiently assigns tasks across the GPU, traditionally handled by the CPU.
Nvidia states the AMP and 5th-gen Tensor Cores create a 40% faster frame generation model using 30% less memory, generating 3 AI frames per rendered frame. A Flip Metering algorithm minimizes input lag. This explains why it doesn't work on RTX 4000 cards, as their frame generation relied on the CPU, introducing 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 games with DLSS 3 Frame Generation. Testing was limited to beta builds of Cyberpunk 2077 and Star Wars Outlaws.
In Cyberpunk 2077 at 4K with Ray Tracing Overdrive and DLSS Performance, the RTX 5090 achieved 94fps. DLSS 2x Frame Gen increased this to 162fps, and 4x Frame Gen to 286fps. Star Wars Outlaws showed similar results, reaching around 300fps with DLSS 4.
Multi-Frame Generation worked surprisingly well, with minimal artifacts. However, a high-end 4K display is necessary to fully benefit. While testing was limited, Nvidia claims 75 games will support DLSS 4 at launch.
RTX 5090 – Performance
The RTX 5090 is powerful, but testing revealed complexities. 3DMark showed generational improvements over the RTX 4090. However, in most games, the RTX 5090 was CPU-bottlenecked, even at 4K, with a Ryzen 7 9800X3D. For those with high-end cards, the upgrade may not be transformative. This is a card for future-proofing.
DLSS 4 was disabled for comparative benchmarks. Nvidia cards used driver 566.36, AMD cards used Adrenalin 24.12.1.
Test System:
- CPU: AMD Ryzen 7 9800X3D
- Motherboard: Asus ROG Crosshair X870E Hero
- RAM: 32GB G.Skill Trident Z5 Neo @ 6,000MHz
- SSD: 4TB Samsung 990 Pro
- CPU Cooler: Asus ROG Ryujin III 360
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, it's a 2.5x performance jump.
Call of Duty Black Ops 6 showed CPU bottlenecking at 4K. The RTX 5090 got 161fps (DLSS Performance), compared to 146fps from the RTX 4090 (a 10% difference). The RTX 3090 got 91fps.
Cyberpunk 2077 also showed CPU bottlenecking at 4K (RTX 5090: 125fps, RTX 4090: 112fps—a 10% difference). Lower resolutions showed less scaling.
Metro Exodus: Enhanced Edition (DLSS disabled) showed a 25% improvement over the RTX 4090 at 4K Extreme (RTX 5090: 95fps, RTX 4090: 76fps, RX 7900 XTX: 44fps).
Red Dead Redemption 2 at 4K max settings (DLSS Performance) showed a 6% improvement (RTX 5090: 167fps, RTX 4090: 151fps).
Total War: Warhammer 3 (no ray tracing or upscaling) showed a 35% improvement (RTX 5090: 147fps, RTX 4090: 107fps).
Assassin's Creed Mirage showed initially poor performance (likely a driver issue), but even after resolution, it performed lower than the RTX 4090.
Nvidia GeForce RTX 5090 – Benchmarks
Black Myth: Wukong (4K, Cinematic Preset, DLSS 40%) showed a 20% performance increase (RTX 5090: 104fps, RTX 4090: 84fps).
Forza Horizon 5 showed minimal difference (RTX 5090: 216fps, RTX 4090: 210fps).
The RTX 5090 is the fastest consumer graphics card, but many games don't fully utilize its power. This will change, but for RTX 4090 owners, an upgrade isn't essential.
The RTX 5090's future hinges on AI-powered gaming. DLSS 4 significantly boosts frame rates, but requires a high-end display. It's for those on the cutting edge, willing to invest in AI gaming. For others, the RTX 4090 remains sufficient.
