The NVIDIA GeForce RTX 5090 is NVIDIA’s most powerful graphics card yet. Designed for gamers, content creators, and AI professionals, it takes graphics performance to the next level. Thanks to the new Blackwell architecture, this GPU delivers faster speeds, better visuals, and advanced AI features.
Let’s take a closer look at what makes the RTX 5090 so special, its top features, real-world performance, pricing, and any concerns you should know before buying.
What’s Inside the RTX 5090?
At the heart of the RTX 5090 is the GB202 chip, built using NVIDIA’s Blackwell architecture. This chip packs a huge 92.2 billion transistors, helping it handle intense workloads and complex visuals with ease.
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Core Features:
- 5th Generation Tensor Cores: These support FP4 format, making AI tasks faster and using less memory.
- 4th Generation Ray Tracing Cores: Double the speed of previous RT cores, enabling more detailed lighting and reflections.
- New Streaming Multiprocessors: Boost performance in games and AI software with twice the speed.
- AI Management Processor (AMP): Helps offload tasks from the CPU, reducing delays and improving smoothness.
Memory, Video Support, and Power Saving
- Memory: Comes with 32 GB of GDDR7, connected via a wide 512-bit memory bus, offering a top speed of 1792 GB/s.
- Video Encoders/Decoders: It has 3 encoders and 2 decoders, supporting modern formats like HEVC and H.264 — great for streamers and video editors.
- Max-Q Technology: Power-saving tools that reduce energy use without affecting performance.
AI and Gaming: What’s New?
The RTX 5090 introduces DLSS 4, NVIDIA’s latest AI-based graphics booster.
Key DLSS 4 Upgrades:
- Multi-Frame Generation: Adds AI-generated frames to improve performance without affecting image quality.
- Ray Reconstruction: It uses AI to enhance lighting and shadows in real-time.
- DLAA and Neural Rendering: Brings more realistic visuals, including lighting effects, facial detail, and smoother surfaces.
Performance: How Does It Compare to RTX 4090?
Real-world testing shows that the RTX 5090 is much faster than the RTX 4090.
| Game / Test | RTX 4090 FPS | RTX 5090 FPS | Performance Boost |
|---|---|---|---|
| Final Fantasy XIV (4K) | 139 FPS | 182 FPS | +31% |
| Black Myth: Wukong | 67 FPS | 86 FPS | +28% |
| Starfield | 92 FPS | 108 FPS | +17% |
| Dragon’s Dogma 2 | 98 FPS | 133 FPS | +35% |
| Cyberpunk 2077 (RT ON) | 42 FPS | 95 FPS | +125% |
It also delivers 40% to 50% more performance in synthetic benchmarks like 3DMark and up to 45% faster rendering in 3D software like Blender.
Design and Cooling
The RTX 5090 Founders Edition comes with a dual-slot, dual-fan design, using liquid metal and a sealed cooling system to keep it cool during heavy use. Other models (from brands like ASUS, MSI, etc.) include:
- Triple-fan or vapor chamber cooling systems
- Liquid-cooled versions for even better temperature control
- Custom loop options for advanced users who want to build their own cooling setup
Power Requirements
This card demands a significant amount of power.
- TGP (Total Graphics Power): 575W (can reach 610W during peak use)
- Power spikes may go up to 900W for a few seconds
- Recommended Power Supply: At least 1000W to avoid system crashes
Price and Availability
- Official Price: $1999 to $2000 (USD)
- Launch Date: January 30, 2025
- Real-World Pricing: Due to low stock and high demand, prices could go up to $5000 or more, especially in AI-focused markets
Issues and Concerns
Despite being powerful, the RTX 5090 has had some early problems:
- Melting Connectors: Some users reported melted power cables, even with updated versions. This happens under heavy, continuous use.
- Defective Units: Around 0.5% of the cards shipped with missing rendering parts (ROPs), which slightly affected performance. NVIDIA is replacing them for free.
- Scalping & Price Hikes: High resale prices are making it hard for regular buyers to get their hands on one.
Final Thoughts
The NVIDIA RTX 5090 is the ultimate GPU for 2025. It offers top-level performance for 4K gaming, AI development, and professional video editing. With advanced ray tracing, faster memory, and improved AI support, it’s built for users who want the very best.
But it comes at a cost — literally and technically:
- High price
- Massive power usage
- Early hardware concerns
- Limited supply
If you’re building a top tier gaming PC or running heavy AI tasks, and you can handle the heat (and the price), the RTX 5090 is the best you can get.