The RTX 5090 VS RTX 4090 comparison has everyone talking in the gaming and tech community. NVIDIA has pushed GPU performance further than ever before with the launch of the RTX 5090. RTX 4090 was the aspiration of a flagship GPU, RTX 5090 is now pushing the scale of immersion and creativity with next generation of features, more power and greater efficiency.
Today, we’re going to do a deep dive into gaming performance, ray tracing ability, pricing, and key features for these two GPUs in this article. If you’re a gamer, content creator, or tech enthusiast then this guide will help you decide whether or not to make the jump to the RTX 5090.
Overview of RTX 5090 vs RTX 4090
| Specification | RTX 5090 | RTX 4090 |
|---|---|---|
| Release Year | 2025 | 2022 |
| Architecture | Ada Lovelace-Next | Ada Lovelace |
| VRAM | 24GB GDDR7 | 24GB GDDR6X |
| CUDA Cores | 18,432 | 16,384 |
| Base/Boost Clock | 2520/3000 MHz | 2235/2520 MHz |
| TDP (Power Usage) | 500W | 450W |
The RTX 5090 brings the number of CUDA cores up 20%, GDDR7 memory and all at higher clocks, making it a beast for 4K and especially 8K gaming.
Gaming Performance: RTX 5090 vs RTX 4090
RTX 5090 is built for gaming, providing higher frame rates, better visuals as well as the AI assisted gaming features.
| Game | RTX 5090 (FPS Avg) | RTX 4090 (FPS Avg) |
|---|---|---|
| Cyberpunk 2077 (4K Ultra) | ~130 FPS (DLSS 4.0) | ~100 FPS (DLSS 3.0) |
| Call of Duty: Warzone | ~250 FPS | ~210 FPS |
| Shadow of the Tomb Raider (4K) | ~170 FPS | ~140 FPS |
| Fortnite (Performance Mode) | ~420 FPS | ~350 FPS |
Ray Tracing and DLSS: Next-Level Graphics
The RTX 5090 brings 4th Gen Ray Tracing Cores and DLSS 4.0, offering:
- Improved ray tracing performance with realistic reflections, shadows, and lighting.
- Enhanced AI upscaling with DLSS 4.0 for higher frame rates at ultra-high resolutions.
- Better optimization in demanding games like Cyberpunk 2077 and Minecraft RTX.
The RTX 1090, with 3rd Gen Ray Tracing Cores and DLSS.3.0, isn’t an underdog either. It takes graphical fidelity to the next level, pushing the RTX 5090.
Power Efficiency and Thermal Management
Being more efficient and with better thermal management, the RTX 5090 has a higher TDP, but the tradeoff makes much more sense.
| Feature | RTX 5090 | RTX 4090 |
|---|---|---|
| TDP (Power Usage) | 500W | 450W |
| Recommended PSU | 1000W | 850W |
| Cooling Requirements | High-End Liquid or Air | High-End Liquid or Air |
The RTX 5090 is slightly more efficient per watt than the RTX 4090, but still quite power hungry and needs a high performance PSU and great cooling solutions.
Pricing and Availability
The RTX 5090 is a premium GPU since it is the flagship, but considering that it’s the cutting edge, this is to be expected.
| Feature | RTX 5090 | RTX 4090 |
|---|---|---|
| Launch MSRP | $2,199 | $1,599 |
| Used Market Price | Not Available Yet | ~$1,300-$1,500 |
Key Features
| Feature | RTX 5090 | RTX 4090 |
|---|---|---|
| Ray Tracing Cores | 4th Gen | 3rd Gen |
| DLSS Support | DLSS 4.0 | DLSS 3.0 |
| VRAM | 24GB GDDR7 | 24GB GDDR6X |
| Driver Support | Latest and Active | Stable and Mature |
Coming in GDDR7 and DLSS 4.0, which makes it future proofed not only for the latest AAA games and heavy professional workloads but for tomorrow’s technology as well. Still, for gamers and creators, there should be no complaints about the RTX 4090.
RTX 5090 vs RTX 4090: Which One Should You Buy?
The choice between the RTX 5090 vs RTX 4090 depends on your needs and budget:
- Choose the RTX 5090 if:
- You require the best GPU for 4K/8K gaming or professional 3D rendering.
- You want future-proofing with DLSS 4.0 and GDDR7 memory.
- Budget is not a concern, and you demand the highest level of performance.
- Choose the RTX 4090 if:
- You want flagship-level performance at a lower price.
- You’re satisfied with DLSS 3.0 and GDDR6X memory.
- You prefer a more affordable and readily available high-end GPU.
CLICK HERE: GTX 1660 Super vs RTX 2060
Conclusion
NVIDIA allows comparison of the RTX 5090 vs RTX 4090 to understand its dedication to competition. The RTX 5090 sets a new standard for gaming and professional performance and the RTX 4090 is still a great, powerful, and cost efficient choice.
The RTX 5090 offers extraordinary value to enthusiasts, gamers, and creators, while the more conservative RTX 4090 has proven itself to be a no nonsense gaming powerhouse.