Nvidia GeForce RTX 5090 Founders Edition Review

The Nvidia GeForce RTX 5090: A Next-Gen Leap Fueled by AI

Nvidia's RTX 5090, a high-end graphics card, promises 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 breakthrough lies in the next-generation DLSS, significantly enhancing image quality and performance through upscaling and frame generation.

The upgrade's value depends on your gaming setup and tolerance for AI-generated frames. For those with sub-4K, 240Hz displays, the upgrade may not be worthwhile. But high-end display owners will experience a significant performance boost thanks to AI-generated frames.

Nvidia GeForce RTX 5090 – Images

5 Images

RTX 5090 – Specifications and Features

Built on Blackwell architecture, the RTX 5090 boasts increased Streaming Multiprocessors (SMs) within the same Graphics Processing Clusters (GPCs), resulting in 21,760 CUDA cores (a 32% increase over the RTX 4090). This contributes significantly to raw gaming performance.

Each SM retains four Tensor Cores and one RT Core, totaling 680 Tensor Cores and 170 RT cores (up from 512 and 128, respectively, in the RTX 4090). The 5th-generation Tensor Cores, supporting FP4 operations, enhance AI performance and reduce VRAM dependency.

The card features 32GB of GDDR7 VRAM, a generational leap from the RTX 4090's GDDR6X memory, offering improved speed and power efficiency. However, its 575W power consumption is significantly higher than the RTX 4090's 450W.

The DLSS algorithm now runs on a Transformer Neural Network (TNN), instead of a Convolutional Neural Network (CNN), aiming for improved image quality and reduced artifacts.

Multi-Frame Generation, an enhanced version of the RTX 4090's Frame Gen, generates multiple frames from each rendered image, drastically boosting frame rates. Optimal performance requires a decent base frame rate.

Purchasing Guide

The RTX 5090 launched January 30th, starting at $1,999 (Founders Edition). Third-party cards may be significantly more expensive.

The Founders Edition

Despite its 575W power draw, the RTX 5090 Founders Edition is surprisingly compact, fitting a dual-slot chassis with a dual-fan configuration. Temperatures reach approximately 86°C under full load (578W), remaining below throttling levels.

The PCB is centrally located, with fans drawing air from the bottom and expelling it through the top. The design eliminates exhaust vents under the rear output ports. The card's aesthetics are similar to previous generations, featuring a silver 'X' design and a lit 'GeForce RTX' logo.

It uses a new, supposedly more efficient, 12V-2x6 power connector, including an adapter for four 8-pin PCIe power connectors. The angled connector placement improves cable management. This design allows compatibility with smaller PC cases.

DLSS 4: AI-Generated Frames

Nvidia claims up to 8x performance boosts with DLSS 4. While not reaching that level, the RTX 5090 achieves high frame rates, primarily through frame generation. The new AI Management Processor (AMP) core efficiently handles workload distribution across the GPU, improving the frame generation process.

The AMP and 5th-generation Tensor Cores enable a 40% faster frame generation model using 30% less memory, generating three AI frames per rendered frame. A Flip Metering algorithm minimizes input lag. Multi-Frame Generation is only effective with sufficient base frame rates (around 60fps).

DLSS 4 will support numerous games upon release, though initial testing was limited to beta builds of Cyberpunk 2077 and Star Wars Outlaws. Results were impressive, with significant frame rate increases, minimal artifacts, and surprisingly low latency.

RTX 5090 – Performance Benchmarks

The RTX 5090 is exceptionally powerful, but testing revealed CPU bottlenecks in many games, even at 4K with a high-end CPU (Ryzen 7 9800X3D). The upgrade's benefits are less pronounced for those already owning a high-end graphics card.

Benchmarks (without DLSS 4):

• 3DMark: Up to 42% faster than RTX 4090.
• Call of Duty Black Ops 6 (4K): 10% faster than RTX 4090.
• Cyberpunk 2077 (4K): 10% faster than RTX 4090.
• Metro Exodus: Enhanced Edition (4K): 25% faster than RTX 4090.
• Red Dead Redemption 2 (4K): 6% faster than RTX 4090.
• Total War: Warhammer 3 (4K): 35% faster than RTX 4090.
• Assassin's Creed Mirage (4K): Potentially a driver issue resulting in lower performance than RTX 4090.
• Black Myth: Wukong (4K): 20% faster than RTX 4090.
• Forza Horizon 5 (4K): Negligible difference compared to RTX 4090.

14 Images

Conclusion

The RTX 5090 is currently the fastest consumer graphics card, but its performance gains over the RTX 4090 are limited in many current games due to CPU bottlenecks. Its true potential lies in DLSS 4's AI-powered frame generation, offering significant frame rate improvements for high-refresh-rate, high-resolution displays. While a worthwhile upgrade for cutting-edge gamers, the RTX 4090 remains a powerful option for most users.

Which new graphics card are you planning to buy?

Nvidia GeForce RTX 5090Nvidia GeForce RTX 5080Nvidia GeForce RTX 5070 TiNvidia GeForce RTX 5070I'm waiting to see AMD's new cardsNot planning on upgrading this generationAnswerSee Results