The RTX 5090 and RTX 4090 represent the pinnacle of NVIDIA’s graphics card technology over two generations – the Blackwell and Ada Lovelace. The RTX 5090 will launch on January 30th, 2025 at a price of $1,999 while the RTX 4090 launched back on October 12, 2022 at a price of $1,599. These high-end GPUs offer unparalleled performance for gaming and content creation. The RTX 5090 boasts significant improvements over its predecessor, including 32GB of GDDR7 memory and a staggering memory bandwidth of 1.8 TBps.
The Blackwell lineup is also enhance with Ai capabilities so great that during the launch keynote NVidia CEO Jensen Huang claimed that the RTX 5070 (a $549 card) would offer about the same performance as the previous generation RTX 4090. Further comments made by him indicated that the RTX 5090 will outperform the RTX 4090 by a factor of 2x in some cases.
The RTX 5090 features 21,760 CUDA cores, a substantial increase from the RTX 4090’s 16,384 cores. This boost in processing power translates to enhanced gaming performance, particularly at 4K and 8K resolutions. The new GPU also incorporates advanced ray tracing capabilities, pushing the boundaries of real-time graphics rendering.
For gamers and professionals considering an upgrade, the choice between the RTX 5090 and RTX 4090 depends on specific needs and budget constraints. The RTX 4090 remains a powerful option for current high-end gaming and creative workloads, while the RTX 5090 offers future-proofing for upcoming demanding applications and higher resolution displays.
Nvidia’s RTX 5090 vs. 4090: A Generational Leap in Graphics
Core Counts and Clock Speeds
The RTX 5090 boasts a massive increase in CUDA cores compared to the RTX 4090, packing 21760 cores versus the 4090’s 16384. This substantial increase, combined with the 5090’s higher boost clock of 2.41 GHz (compared to the 4090’s 2.52 GHz), suggests a significant performance advantage for the 5090. Both cards are built on different architectures—the 5090 with Blackwell and the 4090 with Ada Lovelace—but the raw numbers point to a considerable generational leap.
Memory Configurations
One of the most striking differences is in memory capacity and type. The RTX 5090 features a whopping 32 GB of GDDR7 memory, doubling the 4090’s 24 GB of GDDR6X. This increased capacity and newer memory technology should provide a significant boost in memory-intensive tasks and high-resolution gaming. The 5090 also utilizes a wider 512-bit memory interface compared to the 4090’s 384-bit interface, further enhancing memory bandwidth.
Power Consumption and Thermal Design
With great power comes, well, greater power consumption. The RTX 5090 has a TDP of 575W, a significant increase from the 4090’s 450W. This means you’ll need a beefier power supply to accommodate the 5090. It’s likely that Nvidia has implemented advanced cooling solutions to manage this increased power draw, but it’s something to consider for your system build.
Performance Expectations
While benchmarks are still limited, early indications suggest the RTX 5090 delivers roughly twice the performance of the RTX 4090 in certain scenarios. This leap is attributed to the combination of architectural advancements, increased core counts, faster memory, and features like DLSS 4. Expect smoother gameplay, higher frame rates, and improved ray tracing capabilities, especially at 4K and higher resolutions.
Price and Value Proposition
The RTX 5090 launched with an MSRP of $1999, a $400 premium over the RTX 4090’s launch price. While expensive, the 5090’s substantial performance gains and feature set might justify the cost for enthusiasts and professionals who demand the best. However, the 4090 remains a powerful card, and its price may become more attractive as the 50 series enters the market.
Comparison Table
| Feature | RTX 5090 | RTX 4090 |
|---|---|---|
| Architecture | Blackwell | Ada Lovelace |
| CUDA Cores | 21760 | 16384 |
| Boost Clock | 2.41 GHz | 2.52 GHz |
| Memory | 32 GB GDDR7 | 24 GB GDDR6X |
| Memory Interface | 512-bit | 384-bit |
| TDP | 575W | 450W |
| Launch Price | $1999 | $1599 |
The Rest of the RTX 50 Series Lineup
Beyond the flagship 5090, the RTX 50 series includes other compelling options. The RTX 5080 offers a more balanced approach with 10752 CUDA cores, 16 GB of GDDR7 memory, and a 256-bit memory interface. It targets gamers who want high-end performance without the extreme cost of the 5090.
The RTX 5070 Ti and 5070 cater to the mid-range market, with 8960 and 6144 CUDA cores respectively, both featuring GDDR7 memory. These cards are poised to deliver excellent performance at more accessible price points.
Key Takeaways
- The RTX 5090 features 32GB GDDR7 memory with 1.8 TBps bandwidth, surpassing the RTX 4090’s specifications
- Both GPUs excel in 4K gaming, but the RTX 5090 provides better performance for future 8K applications
- The decision to upgrade depends on individual needs, budget, and desire for cutting-edge technology
Technical Specifications and Architecture
NVIDIA’s launch of the RTX 50 series GPUs has sent ripples through the tech world, with the RTX 5090 leading the charge as a graphics powerhouse. This new generation introduces Blackwell architecture, significant core count increases, GDDR7 memory, and promises of “twice the performance” of the previous generation. But how does this translate to real-world gains, and is the 5090 worth the investment compared to the still-powerful RTX 4090? This article provides a detailed comparison of the two flagship cards, examining their specifications, features, and potential performance implications to help you understand the generational leap and make informed decisions about your next GPU upgrade.
The RTX 5090 and RTX 4090 graphics cards differ significantly in their underlying architectures, memory configurations, and power requirements. These technological advancements impact performance and efficiency in gaming and professional applications.
Architecture Overview
The RTX 4090 uses NVIDIA’s Ada Lovelace architecture, introduced in 2022. This design features improved CUDA cores, Tensor cores, and RT cores for enhanced ray tracing capabilities. The RTX 5090 is built on the newer Blackwell 2.0 architecture, set to debut in 2025. Blackwell 2.0 promises substantial improvements in performance and efficiency over its predecessor.
NVIDIA has not yet revealed the exact CUDA core count for the RTX 5090. The RTX 4090 contains 16,384 CUDA cores. Both GPUs target the high-end desktop market segment, aiming to deliver exceptional gaming and content creation performance.
Memory and Bandwidth
The RTX 5090 introduces GDDR7 memory, a first for consumer GPUs. It boasts 32GB of VRAM on a 512-bit memory bus, achieving a remarkable bandwidth of 1.8 TBps (1,792 GBps). This represents a significant leap over the RTX 4090’s specifications.
The RTX 4090 utilizes 24GB of GDDR6X memory on a 384-bit bus. Its memory bandwidth reaches 1,008 GBps. The increased memory capacity and bandwidth of the RTX 5090 should provide notable improvements in texture handling and high-resolution gaming.
Power and Efficiency
Power consumption sees an increase with the RTX 5090. It has a TGP (Total Graphics Power) of 575W, pushing the limits of the 12V-2×6 power standard. This is a substantial jump from the RTX 4090’s 450W TGP.
The higher power draw of the RTX 5090 may require users to upgrade their power supplies. NVIDIA recommends at least an 850W PSU for the RTX 4090. The RTX 5090 will likely need an even more robust power solution.
Despite the increased power consumption, the Blackwell 2.0 architecture aims to deliver better performance per watt. This could result in improved efficiency in certain workloads compared to the Ada Lovelace-based RTX 4090.
Performance and Gaming Experience
The RTX 5090 and RTX 4090 offer remarkable performance for high-end gaming and graphics-intensive tasks. These GPUs excel in 4K gaming, ray tracing, and AI-powered features.
Benchmarking and Performance Metrics
The RTX 5090 outperforms its predecessor in various benchmarks. It delivers up to 2x better performance than the RTX 4090 in games like Cyberpunk 2077 and Alan Wake 2. The RTX 5090’s GDDR7 memory contributes to this performance boost.
In ray tracing, the RTX 5090 shows a 66% improvement over the RTX 4090. The 3rd-gen RT cores on the RTX 4090 deliver 191 TFLOPS, while the RTX 5090 pushes this further.
Passmark scores for both GPUs are impressive, with the RTX 5090 taking a significant lead. This gap reflects the generational leap in raw computing power.
Gaming at 4K Resolution
Both GPUs excel at 4K gaming, but the RTX 5090 pushes boundaries further. It handles demanding titles with ease, maintaining high frame rates even with ray tracing enabled.
The RTX 5090 introduces improved DLSS 4 technology. This AI-powered upscaling offers better image quality and performance compared to the DLSS 3 found in the RTX 4090.
Frame generation techniques have also advanced. The RTX 5090’s enhanced AI capabilities result in smoother gameplay and reduced input lag.
AI and Ray-Tracing Capabilities
Ray tracing performance sees a significant boost with the RTX 5090. Its advanced architecture allows for more realistic lighting, shadows, and reflections in games.
The RTX 5090’s Blackwell GPU architecture improves AI task performance. This benefits not only gaming but also content creation and 3D modeling workflows.
Both GPUs support DirectX 13, but the RTX 5090 leverages it more effectively. This results in improved graphics fidelity and more efficient use of hardware resources.
Frequently Asked Questions
The RTX 5090 and RTX 4090 GPUs from Nvidia have generated significant interest among gamers and tech enthusiasts. Key differences between these graphics cards include performance, specifications, release dates, and pricing.
What are the performance comparisons between the two latest Nvidia GPUs in gaming?
The RTX 5090 is expected to offer a substantial performance boost over the RTX 4090. Nvidia’s CEO claims the RTX 5090 is twice as fast as its predecessor.
In gaming, this could translate to higher frame rates at 4K and 8K resolutions. The RTX 5090 may enable more advanced ray tracing and AI-enhanced graphics features in future games.
When can consumers expect the release of the Nvidia RTX 5090?
Nvidia has not announced an official release date for the RTX 5090. Based on past release cycles, it may launch in late 2025 or early 2026.
The exact timing will depend on factors like manufacturing capabilities, market conditions, and competition from other GPU makers.
How do the specifications of the RTX 5090 compare to those of the RTX 4090?
The RTX 5090 is rumored to have more CUDA cores and faster memory than the RTX 4090. It may use GDDR7 memory, an upgrade from the GDDR6X in the 4090.
The 5090’s peak clock speed is reported to be 2.41 GHz, slightly lower than the 4090’s 2.52 GHz. However, its overall performance is expected to be significantly higher.
What is the anticipated pricing range for the Nvidia RTX 5090?
Pricing for the RTX 5090 has not been announced. It will likely be more expensive than the RTX 4090 at launch.
Given the current high-end GPU market, the RTX 5090 could potentially be priced between $1,500 and $2,000 or higher. The final price will depend on manufacturing costs and market positioning.
How does the RTX 5090’s power efficiency compare to the RTX 4090?
Specific power consumption figures for the RTX 5090 are not yet available. Nvidia typically aims to improve performance-per-watt with each new generation.
The RTX 5090 may offer better power efficiency than the 4090, but it could also have a higher total power draw due to its increased performance capabilities.
What advancements does the RTX 5090 bring over its predecessor, the RTX 4090?
The RTX 5090 is expected to feature Nvidia’s next-generation GPU architecture. This could bring improvements in ray tracing, AI processing, and overall graphics performance.
The new GPU may support more advanced DLSS (Deep Learning Super Sampling) technology for better image quality and performance. It could also introduce new features for content creation and AI workloads.
