The Nvidia GeForce RTX 5090: A Next-Gen Leap Fueled by AI
Nvidia's RTX 5090 is the latest in its line of high-end graphics cards, promising a new generation of PC gaming. However, its performance gains over the RTX 4090 are less dramatic than expected in many games, excluding DLSS Frame Generation. The real leap comes from the next generation of DLSS, which significantly boosts image quality and performance, exceeding typical generational improvements.
The RTX 5090's value depends heavily on your gaming setup and preferences. For those with sub-4K, sub-240Hz displays, the upgrade is unlikely to be worthwhile. But for high-end display users, the AI-generated frames offer a glimpse into the future of gaming.
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Built on Blackwell architecture, already powering AI models in data centers and supercomputers, the RTX 5090 excels at AI-related tasks. However, Nvidia hasn't neglected non-AI aspects. The 5090 packs more Streaming Multiprocessors (SMs) into the same GPCs (Graphics Processing Clusters), resulting in 21,760 CUDA cores—a 32% increase over the RTX 4090. This boost in shader cores significantly enhances raw gaming performance.
Each SM retains four Tensor Cores and one RT Core, mirroring its predecessor. The RTX 5090 boasts 680 Tensor Cores and 170 RT cores, compared to the RTX 4090's 512 and 128, respectively. The 5th-generation Tensor Cores are optimized for AI performance, now supporting FP4 operations for reduced VRAM dependency in AI workloads.
The card features 32GB of GDDR7 VRAM, a generational upgrade from the RTX 4090's GDDR6X memory, offering improved speed and power efficiency. Despite this, the RTX 5090's power consumption is a hefty 575W, a substantial increase over the RTX 4090's 450W.
The improved Tensor Core efficiency enabled Nvidia to shift the DLSS algorithm to a Transformer Neural Network (TNN) from a Convolutional Neural Network (CNN). While frame rates aren't necessarily improved, Nvidia claims enhanced image quality and reduced artifacts like ghosting.
Beyond the algorithmic changes, Nvidia introduces Multi-Frame Generation, an evolution of the RTX 4090's Frame Gen technology. It's more efficient, smoother, and generates multiple frames from each rendered image, drastically improving frame rates. Similar to its predecessor, it's best enabled with already decent frame rates to avoid latency issues.
The Nvidia GeForce RTX 5090 launched January 30th, starting at $1,999 for the Founders Edition. Third-party cards may command significantly higher prices.
The RTX 5090's 575W power requirement necessitates robust cooling. Surprisingly, despite this, Nvidia managed to create a smaller, dual-slot card with a dual-fan configuration, unlike the larger triple-slot designs of previous generations.
During testing, temperatures peaked around 86°C at 578W power consumption—high but not throttling. Nvidia achieved this by centrally positioning a compact PCB and using a heatsink spanning the card's width, with fans drawing air from the bottom and expelling it through the top. There are no exhaust vents under the rear output ports.
The design maintains a similar aesthetic to previous generations, featuring a silver 'X' design and a 'GeForce RTX' logo with white LEDs.
A new, angled 12V-2x6 power connector (with an included adapter requiring four 8-pin PCIe power connectors) is more efficient and easier to connect than the previous generation.
This compact design allows for compatibility with smaller PC cases, a significant improvement over previous generations. However, third-party versions are likely to be larger.
Nvidia claims up to 8x performance boosts with DLSS 4, although the actual increase is more modest. The RTX 5090 delivers high frame rates, largely due to its frame generation capabilities. While raw rasterization performance is improved, the true next-gen advantage lies in AI-generated frames.
DLSS 4's Multi-Frame Generation is superior to DLSS 3's Frame Generation. A new AI Management Processor (AMP) core efficiently assigns tasks across the GPU, improving efficiency. The AMP, along with 5th-generation Tensor Cores, enables a 40% faster frame generation model using 30% less memory, generating 3 AI frames per rendered frame. A Flip Metering algorithm minimizes input lag.
This isn't a magic bullet; it's most effective with already acceptable frame rates (around 60fps without Frame Gen). It pairs best with DLSS upscaling. At launch, DLSS 4 supported a range of games already compatible with DLSS 3 Frame Generation.
Testing in Cyberpunk 2077 and Star Wars Outlaws showed impressive results, with frame rates significantly boosted by Multi-Frame Generation, with minimal noticeable artifacts. While "fake frames," the technology is genuinely beneficial for high-refresh, high-resolution displays. Further testing across a wider range of games is needed for a complete assessment.
The RTX 5090 is incredibly powerful, but testing revealed significant CPU bottlenecks in many games, even at 4K, even when paired with a high-end Ryzen 7 9800X3D CPU. For many with high-end graphics cards, the upgrade may not be transformative. It's a future-proof investment for upcoming demanding titles.
Benchmarks were conducted without DLSS 4, using public drivers (Nvidia Driver version 566.36 and AMD Adrenalin 24.12.1).
Test System:
3DMark showed up to a 42% performance increase over the RTX 4090. However, game benchmarks revealed more modest gains. Call of Duty: Black Ops 6 showed only a 10% improvement at 4K. Cyberpunk 2077 showed similar results, with scaling worsening at lower resolutions. Metro Exodus: Enhanced Edition (tested without DLSS) showed a 25% improvement. Red Dead Redemption 2 showed a meager 6% increase. Total War: Warhammer 3 showed a 35% improvement, closer to 3DMark results. Assassin's Creed Mirage results were anomalous, likely due to a driver issue. Black Myth: Wukong showed a 20% improvement. Forza Horizon 5 showed negligible differences.
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The RTX 5090 is the fastest consumer graphics card currently available. However, many current games don't fully utilize its power, resulting in less dramatic improvements over the RTX 4090 than expected in many scenarios. Its strength lies in its AI-powered features, particularly DLSS 4's Multi-Frame Generation. It's a compelling choice for those seeking cutting-edge technology and willing to invest in an AI-driven gaming future. For others, the RTX 4090 remains a powerful and cost-effective option.
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