The RTX 5090 vs AMD RX 7900 XTX is one of the most anticipated GPU battles as the newest flagship from NVIDIA and AMD’s top tier Radeon card go head to head. These GPUs are aimed at gamers and creators desperate for the best performance for 4K and beyond. The RTX 5090 takes NVIDIA’s newest Ada Lovelace Next architecture as well as the RX 7900 XTX brings RDNA 3 to the table.
Let’s see how these GPUs fare when it comes to gaming performance, ray tracing, power efficiency, pricing and features so you can determine just what GPU you need.
Overview of RTX 5090 vs AMD RX 7900 XTX
| Specification | RTX 5090 | AMD RX 7900 XTX |
|---|---|---|
| Release Year | 2025 | 2022 |
| Architecture | Ada Lovelace-Next | RDNA 3 |
| VRAM | 24GB GDDR7 | 24GB GDDR6 |
| CUDA Cores / Compute Units | 18,432 CUDA Cores | 96 Compute Units |
| Base/Boost Clock | 2520/3000 MHz | 1900/2500 MHz |
| TDP (Power Usage) | 500W | 355W |
RTX 5090 bumps next gen memory with more CUDA cores and a massive bump in clock speeds compared to RX 7900 XTX which concentrates on all the energy efficient performance and advanced rasterization.
Gaming Performance: RTX 5090 vs AMD RX 7900 XTX
In gaming benchmarks we found that the RTX 5090 outperforms the RX 7900 XTX in most 4K and ray tracing heavy ascites whereas the RX 7900 XTX palms off in rasterised performance.
| Game | RTX 5090 (FPS Avg) | RX 7900 XTX (FPS Avg) |
|---|---|---|
| Cyberpunk 2077 (4K Ultra) | ~130 FPS (DLSS 4.0) | ~105 FPS (FSR 3.0) |
| Call of Duty: Warzone | ~250 FPS | ~220 FPS |
| Shadow of the Tomb Raider (4K) | ~170 FPS | ~150 FPS |
| Fortnite (Performance Mode) | ~420 FPS | ~380 FPS |
Key Takeaway: With DLSS 4.0, RTX 5090 provides great performance in ray traced and AI accelerated games and RX 7900 XTX is solid at rasterized titles at 1440p and 4K.
Ray Tracing and Upscaling Technologies
Regardless of where they are, both GPUs are great at ray tracing but RTX 5090 takes it to new heights with 4th Gen Ray Tracing Cores and DLSS 4.0.
- RTX 5090 Advantages:
- DLSS 4.0 for advanced AI upscaling and higher frame rates.
- Superior ray tracing performance with 4th Gen Ray Tracing Cores.
- More realistic lighting, reflections, and shadows in next-gen titles.
- RX 7900 XTX Advantages:
- FSR 3.0 (FidelityFX Super Resolution) offers effective upscaling, though less advanced than DLSS.
- Competitive ray tracing performance for its price.
Key Takeaway: If ray tracing is your thing, then the RX 7900 XTX is a great card for the price, but the RTX 5090 is still the clear best option if you’re looking for the best visuals you can get.
Power Efficiency and Thermal Performance
The RTX 5090 will consume more power than the RX 7900 XTX, which makes it more power hungry and therefore needs more complex cooling solution and higher PSU wattage.
| Feature | RTX 5090 | RX 7900 XTX |
|---|---|---|
| TDP (Power Usage) | 500W | 355W |
| Recommended PSU | 1000W | 750W |
| Thermal Output | Higher | Lower |
Key Takeaway: The RX 7900 XTX is more energy-efficient, making it a better option for builds with power constraints or smaller form factors.
Pricing and Availability
Compared to NVIDIA’s RTX 5090, AMD’s RX 7900 XTX is a good deal less expensive, so budget gamers will find it attractive.
| Feature | RTX 5090 | RX 7900 XTX |
|---|---|---|
| Launch MSRP | $2,199 | $999 |
| Used Market Price | Not Available Yet | ~$800-$900 |
Key Features
| Feature | RTX 5090 | RX 7900 XTX |
|---|---|---|
| Ray Tracing Cores | 4th Gen | 2nd Gen |
| Upscaling Support | DLSS 4.0 | FSR 3.0 |
| VRAM | 24GB GDDR7 | 24GB GDDR6 |
| Driver Ecosystem | NVIDIA Game Ready | AMD Adrenalin Software |
In terms of cutting edge ray tracing and AI based features RTX 5090 are superior, while RX 7900 XTX offer a good compromise for gamers that prioritize rasterized performance and cost efficiency.
RTX 5090 vs AMD RX 7900 XTX: Which GPU Should You Choose?
Your choice between the RTX 5090 vs AMD RX 7900 XTX depends on your gaming preferences and budget:
- Choose the RTX 5090 if:
- You want the best ray tracing and AI upscaling performance.
- Future-proofing with DLSS 4.0 and GDDR7 memory is a priority.
- Budget is not a concern, and you demand flagship-level gaming and creative performance.
- Choose the RX 7900 XTX if:
- You’re looking for excellent rasterized performance at a lower cost.
- Power efficiency is a key consideration.
- You prioritize value for money without compromising 4K gaming performance.
CLICK HERE: RTX 5080 vs RTX 4090
Conclusion
The RTX 5090 vs AMD RX 7900 XTX comparison is about comparing two flagship cards from NVIDIA and AMD. The RTX 5090 redefining high-end gaming with its ray tracing and AI features, the RX 7900 XTX is a very well performing GPU at a much lower price point.
If you are looking the absolute best in gaming then it’s the RTX 5090. And if you’re aiming for 4K gaming capabilities at a lower cost, the RX 7900 XTX is a considered option.