Nvidia GeForce RTX 5090 Review: The New King of 4K Gaming

The next-generation GPU battle has just begun, and Nvidia is once again leading the charge with its latest powerhouse, the GeForce RTX 5090. Slated for release on January 30th, 2025, this graphics card promises to set new benchmarks for 4K gaming and AI-powered workloads. But does it live up to the hype? In this review, we'll dive deep into the RTX 5090’s features, performance, and whether it’s worth the hefty $1,999 price tag.

Design and Build: Compact Powerhouse

When Nvidia unveiled the RTX 4090, it was a massive beast that took up a lot of space in PC builds. However, the RTX 5090 breaks that trend. Despite having the same length and width as the 4090, the new RTX 5090 is much thinner, making it more versatile for smaller form factor PCs. The two-slot design means it will fit more easily in compact cases, which is a huge plus for PC builders with space constraints.

In terms of cooling, Nvidia has revamped the cooling system with a new double flowthrough fan design. This system draws cool air from below the card and exhausts it above, rather than pushing it out the back, which helps maintain a lower temperature even during intense workloads. The power connector has also been updated with an angled design, making it easier to manage cable routing in tight spaces.

However, the power draw is still quite substantial, requiring a 1,000-watt power supply. The RTX 5090 consumes 575 watts, which is a 125W increase over the RTX 4090. Given the already high power requirements of the 4090, it’s a bit disappointing that Nvidia hasn’t focused on improving efficiency here.

Nvidia GeForce RTX 5090

Performance: A Giant Leap for 4K Gaming

The standout feature of the RTX 5090 is its ability to handle 4K gaming with ease. Equipped with 32GB of VRAM, this GPU can tackle demanding titles at ultra settings with full ray tracing enabled. Games like Cyberpunk 2077, Assassin’s Creed Mirage, and Forza Motorsport ran beautifully at 4K with the RTX 5090, delivering higher frame rates and improved stability over its predecessor, the RTX 4090.

In Cyberpunk 2077, for example, the RTX 5090 achieved 43% better performance at 4K with ray tracing, compared to the RTX 4090. The RTX 5090 was able to achieve a 371fps peak in ultra performance settings using DLSS 4 Multi-Frame Generation technology. This new AI-powered frame generation technique is a game-changer, providing up to four times the frame rate in some cases by generating frames using the GPU’s Tensor cores. The improvement is particularly noticeable in graphically demanding games, making the RTX 5090 the new king of 4K gaming.

DLSS 4 and Multi-Frame Generation: The Real Star

Nvidia’s new DLSS 4 (Deep Learning Super Sampling) and Multi-Frame Generation technology are what truly set the RTX 5090 apart from its predecessors. DLSS 4 uses an AI-powered transformer model to create additional frames and significantly boost frame rates. While this has sparked a debate over “fake frames,” the technology works remarkably well, especially when paired with ray tracing.

At 4K resolution, DLSS 4 boosts the frame rate by more than 8x in some instances. In Cyberpunk 2077, for instance, enabling Multi-Frame Generation took the frame rate from a base of 34fps all the way up to 371fps with minimal impact on image quality. This technology essentially inserts additional frames before the rendered frames, delivering a smooth and responsive gaming experience that feels far more fluid than raw hardware improvements alone.

While DLSS 4 is still in the early stages, the promise of massive frame rate increases with minimal latency is undeniable. For gamers and creators who want the best 4K experience, this tech is a game-changer.

Performance in AI and Video Editing Workloads

Apart from gaming, the RTX 5090 shines in AI workloads and video editing tasks. In DaVinci Resolve, a popular video editing software, the RTX 5090 was 12% faster than the RTX 4090, making it ideal for content creators who need to render high-quality videos quickly. The Procyon AI XL test also showed a 40% speedup over the 4090, demonstrating the RTX 5090’s capabilities in AI research and machine learning tasks.

This makes the RTX 5090 not only a great choice for gamers but also for professionals in fields like video production, 3D rendering, and AI model training.

Power Draw and Efficiency: A Growing Concern

One area where the RTX 5090 doesn’t shine as brightly is its power draw. With a peak consumption of 578 watts during heavy workloads, it’s clear that Nvidia is pushing the limits of what a single cable can deliver. The RTX 4090 had a peak draw of 427 watts, so the 5090’s power demands are notably higher. This raises concerns about efficiency, especially since the RTX 5090 has been marketed as the next evolution in gaming GPUs.

If you plan to overclock the RTX 5090, it’s important to note that it doesn’t leave much headroom, as the 12VHPWR cables that supply power are only rated for 600 watts. Users will need to make sure their power supply can handle the load, especially for users running high-end gaming rigs or multi-GPU setups.

Verdict: Is the RTX 5090 Worth the Price?

At $1,999, the RTX 5090 is a significant investment, especially when compared to the RTX 4090 and AMD’s Radeon RX 7900 XTX, which offers solid performance at a lower price point. However, for gamers and creators who demand the absolute best 4K gaming experience, cutting-edge AI performance, and faster video rendering, the RTX 5090 is a beast that delivers.

Its DLSS 4 Multi-Frame Generation, massive VRAM, and improved cooling system make it an ideal choice for enthusiasts looking to future-proof their PC. While it may not represent a giant leap over the RTX 4090 in some areas, it’s still a significant upgrade in 4K gaming and AI-driven workloads.

For those with a top-tier gaming rig and an eye on future-proofing, the RTX 5090 is a worthy, if expensive, investment. If you're not looking for cutting-edge tech and just want solid performance, the RTX 4090 remains a great alternative at a more reasonable price.

Final Thoughts

The RTX 5090 is an extraordinary GPU that excels in 4K gaming, AI performance, and video editing. While its price and power draw may be a concern for some, the performance improvements—especially with DLSS 4—are hard to ignore. If you're looking to push the limits of what's possible in gaming and content creation, the RTX 5090 is the card to get.

What do you think of the RTX 5090? Will you be upgrading to this new GPU, or do you think the price is too steep for the performance improvements? Let us know your thoughts in the comments below!