Nvidia has introduced its latest flagship graphics card, the GeForce RTX 5090 Founders Edition, designed to deliver exceptional performance for gaming and other demanding applications. Powered by the new Blackwell architecture, the RTX 5090 offers notable technical improvements, though the real-world benefits may vary based on individual gaming setups and needs.
Technological Advancements
The RTX 5090 is equipped with 21,760 CUDA cores, representing a 32% increase over the previous RTX 4090. Coupled with 32GB of GDDR7 VRAM, Nvidia claims this generational jump unlocks higher performance, particularly in AI-focused tasks and gaming.
A standout feature is DLSS 4 (Deep Learning Super Sampling), which introduces “Multi-Frame Generation.” This AI-driven technology generates multiple frames for each rendered image, significantly improving frame rates. For example, tests of Cyberpunk 2077 at 4K resolution saw the RTX 5090 achieve up to 286 fps with DLSS 4’s frame generation enabled.
While this technology excels at high resolutions and fast refresh rates, those using 1080p or 1440p monitors may not see as compelling a reason to upgrade.
Design and Efficiency
Despite the RTX 5090’s power requirement of 575W—a notable increase from the RTX 4090—Nvidia has successfully reduced the card’s size. The dual-slot design features an advanced cooling system that keeps temperatures below 86°C even under heavy load.
This more compact design makes the RTX 5090 better suited for smaller PC cases, a welcome change from the larger builds of previous models. The newly designed angled power connector and the inclusion of a 12V-2×6 adapter also enhance usability, addressing concerns over past power cable issues.
Real-World Gaming Performance
In synthetic benchmarks like 3DMark, the RTX 5090 shows a 42% performance improvement over the RTX 4090. However, when tested in real-world gaming scenarios, the performance gains are often more modest, ranging from 10-20% due to CPU bottlenecks in current-generation games.
For older or less demanding titles such as Forza Horizon 5 and Red Dead Redemption 2, the differences between the RTX 5090 and RTX 4090 are minimal. This suggests that the RTX 5090’s full potential will likely be realized with future game engines and more demanding applications.
Conclusion
The Nvidia GeForce RTX 5090 is a technological powerhouse, featuring groundbreaking AI-enhanced features and greater efficiency. However, with a starting price of $1,999, it is tailored for a niche group of gamers and creators who require ultra-high resolutions, high refresh rates, and future-proofing for AI-heavy workloads.
For the majority of users, the RTX 4090 remains an excellent alternative, offering top-tier performance at a lower price. The RTX 5090 is best suited for those eager to embrace the next generation of gaming and beyond.
The RTX 5090 will be available from January 30, marking a significant leap for Nvidia, although it may not yet revolutionize the gaming experience for all users.
