The Nvidia GeForce RTX 5090: A Leap Forward, But For Whom?
Nvidia's RTX 5090, a high-end graphics card, promises a new generation of PC gaming. However, its performance gains over the RTX 4090 are less dramatic than expected in many games, especially without DLSS Frame Generation. The real generational leap comes from Nvidia's next-gen DLSS, offering significant improvements in image quality and frame rates, particularly with its AI-powered frame generation.
The RTX 5090's value depends heavily on your gaming setup and preferences. For those with displays below 4K 240Hz, the upgrade is unlikely to justify the cost. But for high-end display users, the AI-generated frames offer a glimpse into the future of gaming.
Nvidia GeForce RTX 5090 – Image Gallery
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RTX 5090 – Specifications and Features
Built on Blackwell architecture, the RTX 5090 boasts increased Streaming Multiprocessors (SMs) and CUDA cores (21,760, a 32% increase over the RTX 4090), significantly boosting raw gaming performance. Each SM retains four Tensor Cores and one RT Core, resulting in a substantial increase in Tensor and RT cores compared to its predecessor. The 5th-generation Tensor Cores support FP4 operations, reducing VRAM dependency for AI workloads.
The card features 32GB of GDDR7 VRAM, offering improved speed and power efficiency over GDDR6X. However, its 575W power consumption is a significant increase over the RTX 4090.
DLSS improvements include a shift to a Transformer Neural Network (TNN) for the algorithm, enhancing image quality and reducing artifacts. Multi-Frame Generation, an evolution of Frame Gen, generates multiple frames from each rendered image, drastically improving frame rates, but ideally used with already decent frame rates.
Purchasing Guide
The RTX 5090 launched January 30th, starting at $1,999 (Founders Edition). Third-party models will likely command higher prices.
The Founders Edition
Despite its 575W power draw, the Founders Edition is surprisingly compact, fitting a dual-slot chassis with a dual-fan configuration. Temperatures reach approximately 86°C under load, a high but manageable level. Nvidia achieved this through a redesigned PCB layout, with fans drawing air from the bottom and expelling it through the top. The power connector is a new, angled 12V-2x6 connector, aiming for improved efficiency and connection security. An included adapter converts four 8-pin PCIe connectors to the 12V-2x6.
DLSS 4: Beyond "Fake Frames"?
The RTX 5090's performance claims of up to 8x improvement are exaggerated, but it achieves exceptionally high frame rates, largely due to DLSS 4's Multi-Frame Generation. This utilizes a new AI Management Processor (AMP) core, efficiently distributing workload across the GPU, resulting in a frame generation model that's 40% faster and 30% less memory-intensive than its predecessor. A Flip Metering algorithm minimizes input lag. Multi-Frame Generation requires a strong baseline frame rate to avoid latency issues.
Initial testing in Cyberpunk 2077 and Star Wars Outlaws demonstrated impressive results, with frame rates significantly boosted by Multi-Frame Generation, with minimal noticeable artifacts. However, wider testing across the claimed 75 DLSS 4-supported games is needed for a complete assessment.
RTX 5090 – Performance Benchmarks
While 3DMark benchmarks show a significant performance increase over the RTX 4090 (up to 42%), real-world game testing reveals a more nuanced picture. In many titles, the RTX 5090 is CPU-bound, even at 4K with a high-end CPU like the Ryzen 7 9800X3D. The generational leap isn't as pronounced as the RTX 4090's improvement over the RTX 3090. Benchmarks were conducted without DLSS 4 enabled, using public drivers.
Specific game results varied. While some games showed a notable improvement (e.g., Total War: Warhammer 3), others exhibited minimal gains or even slight regressions (e.g., Assassin's Creed Mirage, potentially due to driver issues). Forza Horizon 5 showed negligible differences.
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Conclusion
The RTX 5090 is undeniably powerful, currently the fastest consumer graphics card. However, its performance gains over the RTX 4090 are often limited by CPU bottlenecks and game optimization. Its true strength lies in its DLSS 4 capabilities, particularly Multi-Frame Generation. This makes it a compelling option for high-end users prioritizing cutting-edge AI-powered frame rates, but for most gamers, the RTX 4090 remains a powerful and cost-effective choice.
