NVIDIA GeForce RTX 5090:
The NVIDIA GeForce RTX 5090 has arrived, promising to redefine gaming, professional workloads, and AI applications. As NVIDIA’s flagship GPU in the Blackwell architecture lineup, it offers cutting-edge technology, jaw-dropping performance, and a hefty price tag. We haven’t been supplied with a review sample, so, I’ve meticulously reviewed available data from reviewers who have a sample card, their benchmarks, and also tech industry opinions to provide initial analysis of this GPU.
We will post a detailed review when we get ours at release on the 30th January.
NVIDIA GeForce RTX 5090: Full Specifications
Here’s a breakdown of the key specifications for the RTX 5090:
NVIDIA GeForce RTX 5090
The leap in raw power and memory capacity makes the RTX 5090 a beastly contender for gaming at 4K and even 8K, as well as intensive AI-driven workloads.
Benchmarks and Performance Analysis
Gaming Performance
Early benchmarks suggest that the RTX 5090 outpaces its predecessor, the RTX 4090, by 35-50% in gaming performance, depending on the title and resolution.
4K Gaming: The RTX 5090 achieves an average of 150 FPS in AAA titles like Cyberpunk 2077 and Call of Duty: Modern Warfare III at max settings with ray tracing and DLSS 4 enabled.
8K Gaming: For the few who game in 8K, the RTX 5090 handles this resolution far better than the RTX 4090, maintaining 60 FPS in select optimised titles with DLSS support.
NVIDIA GeForce RTX 5090: AI and Machine Learning
Thanks to its increased CUDA core count and tensor performance improvements, the RTX 5090 excels in AI workloads. Tasks such as training deep learning models, inferencing, and video upscaling with AI achieve up to a 40% speed improvement over the RTX 4090.
NVIDIA GeForce RTX 5090: Rendering Workloads
Professional applications like Blender and Adobe Premiere Pro see significant boosts, with rendering times slashed by over 35%. NVIDIA’s inclusion of GDDR7 memory ensures that memory-intensive tasks, like 3D rendering, operate seamlessly.
Comparison: RTX 5090 vs RTX 4090
NVIDIA GeForce RTX 5090
The RTX 5090 delivers a substantial performance uplift in almost every aspect. However, this comes at the cost of increased power consumption, requiring a robust PSU (1000W+ recommended) and improved cooling solutions.
New Features: DLSS 4 and Beyond
The RTX 5090 introduces DLSS 4, NVIDIA’s latest AI-powered upscaling technology. With multi-frame generation capabilities, DLSS 4 can amplify frame rates by up to 8x in supported games while maintaining exceptional visual fidelity.
Key improvements include:
Smarter AI Algorithms: Reduced artefacts in fast-paced games.
Higher FPS Gains: Especially impactful in ray-traced environments.
Broader Game Support: Over 200 titles are expected to support DLSS 4 within the first year.
Power Draw and Cooling Challenges
The RTX 5090’s TDP of 575W makes it one of the most power-hungry GPUs ever released. A high-end PSU (minimum 1000W) and excellent case airflow are essential to ensure stable performance. Many reviewers recommend liquid cooling solutions for users aiming to overclock the card to its full potential.
Value for Money: Is the RTX 5090 Worth It?
At $2000/£1939 (despite 2000 dollars equating to £1600), the RTX 5090 targets a niche audience of enthusiasts, professional creators, and early adopters of cutting-edge technology. Here’s a breakdown of its value proposition:
For Gamers: If you already own an RTX 4090, the upgrade may not be justifiable unless you’re gaming at 8K or require the absolute best performance. However, if you’re coming from an older card, the RTX 5090 offers a substantial upgrade.
For Professionals: Video editors, 3D artists, and AI researchers will find immense value in the RTX 5090’s capabilities, as it slashes rendering times and improves workflow efficiency.
For Casual Users: The high cost and power requirements make the RTX 5090 overkill for casual gaming or day-to-day tasks. Consider the RTX 4080 or other mid-tier options instead.
NVIDIA GeForce RTX 5090: Summing Up
The NVIDIA GeForce RTX 5090 is an engineering marvel that redefines GPU performance. Its unmatched capabilities make it the ultimate choice for gamers and professionals seeking the pinnacle of performance. However, its high power requirements and steep price mean it’s not for everyone.
Pros:
Unmatched gaming and professional performance
Future-proofing with DLSS 4 and GDDR7
Excellent for 4K/8K gaming and AI workloads
Cons:
High cost and power consumption
Limited appeal for casual users
For those who demand the best and are willing to invest in the ultimate graphics solution, the RTX 5090 is a game-changer.
Find out more from Nvidia here.