Nvidia CEO Jensen Huang is scheduled to give a keynote speech at CES 2025 on January 6th, which is the expected date for the 5090 to be revealed to the public. When it was announced that Huang would be the keynote speaker at the kickoff, people in the tech and gaming worlds started getting excited. That’s because the RTX 5090 GPU promises to be something we’ve never seen before.
Leaks are suggesting significant performance improvements over its predecessor (RTX 4090), with the RTX 5090 expected to offer up to 70% faster performance. Other leaks indicate impressive hardware upgrades, including an upgrade to 32GB of video memory (VRAM) with a 512-bit memory interface. This increased memory capacity could significantly benefit demanding applications and high-resolution gaming. The GPU market is buzzing with anticipation for Nvidia’s next-generation flagship graphics card.
WIth CES 2025 in January approaching fast, more details about this powerful graphics card are likely to emerge. This article breaks down what we know so far about the RTX 5090. We look at its expected specs, compare it to the RTX 4090, discuss who it’s for, and explore alternative options. We will also cover the importance of VRAM in modern graphics cards.
RTX 5090: What to Expect
5090 Specifications (Rumored)
| Feature | RTX 4090 | RTX 5090 (Rumored) |
|---|---|---|
| Architecture | Ada Lovelace | Blackwell |
| CUDA Cores | 16,384 | 21,760 |
| Memory | 24GB GDDR6X | 32GB GDDR7 |
| Memory Bus | 384-bit | 512-bit |
| Expected Launch | October 2022 | January 2025 |
| Typical Launch Price | $1599 | $1899 (Expected) |
Release Date and Expected Price
Nvidia has not set an official release date for the RTX 5090. It’s widely expected that the GPU will be unveiled at CES 2025 on January 6, 2025. That would mean the release date would most likely be in the latter half of the month of January or early in February 2025, approximately sometime between January 20, 2025 – February 21, 2025. This would align with other past Nvidia flagship releases.
Official pricing is also unknown, but given past trends, we expect a price well above the $1599 MSRP of the 4090 and likely closer to $1899 for the MSRP of the 5090. As with all NVIDIA launches, the stock could get bought up quickly and the secondary market could see prices closer to $2500 or so. This would position it as the top-tier consumer graphics card.
Expected Specifications and Performance
The RTX 5090 will likely use the new Blackwell architecture. This new design should bring big performance gains. Leaks suggest a significant increase in CUDA cores compared to the RTX 4090. We also expect faster memory and a wider memory bus. These changes should boost performance in games and other graphics-heavy tasks. Some predict a performance jump of 50% or more over the RTX 4090. This would make it the most powerful gaming GPU on the market.
Comparison to RTX 4090
The RTX 5090 is set to be the successor to the RTX 4090. Here’s a table comparing the rumored specs of the RTX 5090 to the RTX 4090’s confirmed specs:
| Feature | RTX 4090 | RTX 5090 (Rumored) |
|---|---|---|
| Architecture | Ada Lovelace | Blackwell |
| CUDA Cores | 16,384 | Potentially over 24,000 |
| Memory | 24GB GDDR6X | GDDR7 |
| Memory Bus | 384-bit | 512-bit |
The table shows big improvements in key areas. More CUDA cores mean more processing power. Faster memory and a wider bus improve data transfer speeds. These changes should translate to much better gaming performance.
Who is the RTX 5090 For?
The RTX 5090 is aimed at a specific group of users. These include:
- Hardcore gamers who want the best performance at 4K and higher resolutions.
- Content creators who work with video editing, 3D rendering, and other demanding tasks.
- Professionals who need powerful GPUs for AI research and other specialized work.
If you play games at 1080p or 1440p, other cards might be a better value. The RTX 5090 is for those who demand the absolute best and are willing to pay for it.
Alternatives to the RTX 5090
If the RTX 5090 is too expensive or not available, there are other options. The RTX 4090 is still a very powerful card. AMD’s RX 7900 XTX is another great option. These cards offer good performance at lower prices. When making a choice, think about your budget and what you need the card for.
Understanding Graphics Card Memory (VRAM)
Graphics cards use a special type of memory called VRAM. This memory stores textures, frame buffers, and other graphical data. More VRAM lets the card handle higher resolutions and more detailed textures. If you don’t have enough VRAM, you may see performance issues like stuttering or lower frame rates. For 4K gaming, 16GB or more of VRAM is recommended. The RTX 5090 is expected to have enough VRAM to handle even the most demanding games.
Key Takeaways
- The RTX 5090 is rumored to offer a substantial performance boost over its predecessor
- Leaked specs suggest 32GB of VRAM and a wider memory interface
- Nvidia is expected to announce the RTX 5090 at CES 2025 in January
Anticipated Specifications of Nvidia RTX 5090
The NVIDIA RTX 5090 is generating significant buzz in the PC gaming world. Expected to launch at CES 2025, this high-end graphics card promises a substantial performance leap over its predecessor, the RTX 4090. Rumors suggest the RTX 5090 will use the new Blackwell architecture, potentially boasting over 24,000 CUDA cores, a move to GDDR7 memory, and a wider 512-bit memory bus.
The Nvidia RTX 5090 is expected to bring significant upgrades in performance, memory, and architecture. Rumors and leaks suggest substantial improvements over its predecessor, the RTX 4090.
Core Architecture and Performance
The RTX 5090 will likely feature Nvidia’s new Blackwell architecture. This advanced design is rumored to offer up to 70% better performance compared to the current Ada Lovelace architecture. The GPU may include:
- 18,000 to 20,000 CUDA cores
- 180 to 200 Ray Tracing cores
- 600 to 700 Tensor cores
These core counts represent a substantial increase from the RTX 4090. The boost clock is speculated to reach 2.9 GHz or higher. Nvidia might use TSMC’s 3nm or 4nm process for manufacturing, potentially allowing for better power efficiency and higher clock speeds.
Memory Capabilities and Bandwidth
Memory upgrades are a key focus for the RTX 5090:
- 32GB or 48GB of GDDR7 memory
- 512-bit memory bus
- Bandwidth potentially exceeding 1.5 TB/s
The move to GDDR7 memory could provide a significant boost in bandwidth and efficiency. A larger L2 cache, possibly 128MB or more, may also be implemented to improve data access speeds and overall performance.
Pricing and Availability Estimates
The RTX 5090 is expected to be unveiled at CES 2025 in January. Key points about pricing and availability:
- Estimated MSRP: $1,599 to $1,799
- Release date: 2-4 weeks after CES 2025 announcement
- Limited initial stock likely due to high demand
Power consumption may reach 600W or more, requiring robust cooling solutions and possibly retaining the 16-pin power connector. The high-end nature of this GPU suggests it will command a premium price, potentially surpassing the launch price of the RTX 4090.
Market Impact and Consumer Expectations
The RTX 5090 is poised to reshape the GPU landscape with its advanced features and performance gains. This next-generation card is expected to influence pricing trends, competitive dynamics, and future applications in gaming and AI.
Comparison with Previous Generations
The RTX 5090 is rumored to offer up to 70% faster performance than its predecessor, the RTX 4090. This significant leap could redefine high-end gaming and professional GPU capabilities.
Key improvements include:
- Enhanced CUDA core count
- Upgraded GDDR7 VRAM
- Advanced 4nm or 3nm manufacturing process
These enhancements may result in smoother gameplay at higher resolutions and framerates. The RTX 5090 is also expected to excel in AI and machine learning tasks, potentially offering substantial speedups for content creation and scientific applications.
Competitor Landscape and AMD Comparison
Nvidia’s RTX 5090 launch will likely intensify competition in the high-end GPU market. AMD, Nvidia’s primary rival, is expected to respond with its own next-generation offerings.
Current market dynamics:
| Aspect | Nvidia RTX 5090 | AMD Competitor |
|---|---|---|
| Release | Expected CES 2025 | TBA |
| Performance | Rumored 70% increase | Unknown |
| Price | Speculated high | Likely competitive |
AMD may focus on price-to-performance ratio to challenge Nvidia’s dominance. This competition could benefit consumers by driving innovation and potentially moderating prices in the high-end segment.
Prospective Gaming and AI Applications
The RTX 5090’s enhanced capabilities are expected to enable new possibilities in gaming and AI applications. In gaming, the card may support:
- 8K resolution gaming at high framerates
- Advanced ray tracing features
- Improved DLSS technology for upscaling
For AI and machine learning, the RTX 5090 could accelerate:
- Large language model training
- Real-time AI-assisted content creation
- Scientific simulations and data analysis
These advancements may lead to more immersive gaming experiences and faster AI model development. The RTX 5090’s impact could extend beyond enthusiast markets, influencing future software and application design across various industries.
Frequently Asked Questions
The upcoming RTX 5090 graphics card has generated significant interest among tech enthusiasts. Rumors and leaks have provided insights into potential specifications, performance improvements, and release timelines.
What are the anticipated specifications of the upcoming RTX 5090 graphics card?
The RTX 5090 is expected to feature NVIDIA’s new Blackwell architecture. Rumors suggest it may have up to 24,576 CUDA cores, 192 RT cores, and 768 Tensor cores. The card could come with 32GB or 48GB of GDDR7 memory.
Memory bandwidth might reach 1.5TB/s or higher. The GPU is likely to be manufactured using TSMC’s 3nm process, potentially allowing for higher clock speeds and improved power efficiency.
How does the RTX 5090 compare to the RTX 4090 in terms of performance?
Early speculation indicates the RTX 5090 could offer a 50-70% performance increase over the RTX 4090. This boost may come from architectural improvements, increased core counts, and faster memory.
Ray tracing and AI capabilities are expected to see significant enhancements. The card might also feature improved power efficiency, delivering more performance per watt than its predecessor.
What is the expected price range for the RTX 5090 upon release?
Given the high-end nature of the RTX 5090, its price is likely to be premium. Estimates range from $1,599 to $1,999 at launch.
The final price will depend on manufacturing costs, competition, and market conditions. NVIDIA may position it as a flagship product with a price tag to match its performance.
When is the RTX 5090 projected to be available on the market?
Industry insiders suggest the RTX 5090 could launch in late 2024 or early 2025. NVIDIA typically releases its high-end cards first, followed by mid-range and entry-level options.
The exact release date may be influenced by factors such as production readiness, market demand, and competition from AMD and Intel.
Can we expect a significant performance leap from the RTX 5090 over its predecessors?
Yes, the RTX 5090 is anticipated to offer a substantial performance increase. Improvements in architecture, manufacturing process, and memory technology are expected to contribute to this leap.
The card may excel in 4K and 8K gaming, as well as demanding tasks like 3D rendering and AI processing. Enhanced ray tracing capabilities could lead to more realistic lighting and reflections in games.
Have there been any official announcements regarding the RTX 5090’s capabilities?
As of December 2024, NVIDIA has not made any official announcements about the RTX 5090’s capabilities. The company typically keeps product details under wraps until close to launch.
Most information currently available comes from industry leaks and speculation. NVIDIA may provide teasers or partial information in the months leading up to the card’s release.
