Nvidia GeForce RTX 5090 Founders Edition Review

Every couple of years, Nvidia launches an extremely expensive, yet exceptionally powerful graphics card that ushers in a new era for PC gaming. The Nvidia GeForce RTX 5090 epitomizes this trend, but its approach to next-generation performance is unconventional. While the performance increase over the RTX 4090 might not be as dramatic as expected in many games, the introduction of the next generation of Nvidia’s DLSS technology for both upscaling and frame generation brings about significant leaps in both image quality and performance, surpassing what we typically see with a new graphics generation.

The extent to which the Nvidia RTX 5090 will enhance your gaming experience depends on the games you play, the resolution at which you play them, and your willingness to embrace AI-generated frames. For those using displays with resolutions below 4K and refresh rates under 240Hz, upgrading to the RTX 5090 may not be justified. However, for enthusiasts with high-end displays, the AI-generated frames offer a glimpse into the future of gaming.

Nvidia GeForce RTX 5090 – Photos

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RTX 5090 – Specs and Features

Built on Nvidia’s Blackwell architecture, the same that powers many of today's leading AI models in data centers and supercomputers, the Nvidia GeForce RTX 5090 excels in AI-driven tasks. Yet, Nvidia has not overlooked traditional gaming performance.

The RTX 5090 increases the number of Streaming Multiprocessors (SMs) within the same Graphics Processing Clusters (GPCs), resulting in 21,760 CUDA cores, a 32% increase from the 16,384 in the RTX 4090. This boost significantly enhances raw gaming performance. Each SM also includes four Tensor Cores and one RT Core, offering 680 Tensor Cores and 170 RT Cores, compared to 512 and 128 in the RTX 4090. The 5th-generation Tensor Cores enhance AI performance, now supporting FP4 operations, which reduces VRAM dependency for AI workloads.

The RTX 5090 comes equipped with 32GB of GDDR7 VRAM, a step up from the GDDR6X in the RTX 4090, offering improved speed and power efficiency. However, with a power requirement of 575W, a significant jump from the RTX 4090’s 450W, power efficiency is not the primary focus.

Nvidia has revamped the DLSS algorithm to operate on a Transformer Neural Network (TNN) rather than a Convolutional Neural Network (CNN), improving image quality and reducing issues like ghosting. Additionally, Nvidia introduces Multi-Frame Generation, an evolution of the Frame Gen technology from the RTX 4090, which generates multiple frames per rendered image to significantly boost frame rates, though it's best used when already achieving a decent frame rate.

Purchasing Guide

The Nvidia GeForce RTX 5090 is available starting January 30, with a base price of $1,999 for the Founders Edition. Third-party cards may be priced higher.

The Founders Edition

Despite its 575W power requirement, the RTX 5090 Founders Edition features a compact dual-slot design with a dual-fan configuration. The smaller PCB design and efficient cooling system allow it to maintain performance without throttling, reaching temperatures up to 86°C. The design retains the aesthetic of previous generations, featuring a silver ‘X’ design and a ‘GeForce RTX’ logo with white LED lighting.

The RTX 5090 uses a new 12V-2x6 power connector, slightly more efficient than its predecessor. An adapter for four 8-pin PCIe connectors is included, and the angled design of the connector on the card enhances ease of use.

The compact design of the RTX 5090 makes it suitable for smaller PC builds, though third-party models may be larger.

DLSS 4: Fake Frames?

Nvidia claimed the RTX 5090 could boost performance by up to 8x, though real-world results are not quite that high. The card’s strength lies in its ability to generate extra frames, thanks to DLSS 4 and the new AI Management Processor (AMP) core. This allows for more efficient workload distribution across the GPU, reducing the need for CPU involvement.

The AMP and 5th-generation Tensor Cores enable a new frame generation model that’s 40% faster and requires 30% less memory than its predecessor. It can generate three AI frames per rendered frame, with minimal latency thanks to the Flip Metering algorithm.

While not a magic solution for all games, DLSS 4 significantly improves performance in titles like Cyberpunk 2077 and Star Wars Outlaws, where it can increase frame rates from 94 fps to 286 fps and from 120 fps to 300 fps at 4K, respectively. Multi-Frame Generation works well, though it requires a high-end 4K display to truly benefit from it.

RTX 5090 – Performance

The RTX 5090 demonstrates a generational leap in raw performance, as seen in 3DMark benchmarks, where it is up to 42% faster than the RTX 4090. However, real-world gaming performance varies, with many games showing CPU bottlenecks, even at 4K. This means that for most users with existing high-end GPUs, the RTX 5090 may not offer a significant enough improvement to justify the cost.

In specific games like Call of Duty Black Ops 6 and Cyberpunk 2077, the RTX 5090 only shows a modest 10% performance increase over the RTX 4090. In Metro Exodus: Enhanced Edition and Total War: Warhammer 3, the performance uplift is more pronounced, at 25% and 35%, respectively. However, in games like Red Dead Redemption 2 and Forza Horizon 5, the improvement is marginal.

Nvidia GeForce RTX 5090 – Benchmarks

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Overall, the Nvidia GeForce RTX 5090 is a powerhouse, representing the cutting edge of consumer graphics cards. Its true potential, however, lies in future games that can fully leverage its AI-driven capabilities. For gamers ready to invest in the future of AI-powered gaming and equipped with high-end displays, the RTX 5090 is a worthwhile investment. For others, the RTX 4090 remains a more than capable choice for the foreseeable future.