Nvidia GeForce RTX 5090 vs RTX 4090: What Are the Key Differences?
Nvidia’s RTX 5090 pushes the limits of GPU power, but is it a true game-changer or just a pricey incremental upgrade over the RTX 4090?
Nvidia’s RTX 5090 arrived at CES 2025, promising next-generation gaming performance, AI capabilities, and a significant leap over its predecessor, the RTX 4090. But how much better is it really?
If you already own the RTX 4090, should you upgrade, or is the 5090 simply an incremental improvement? Let’s break down how these two GPUs compare across key criteria that matter most in 2025.
David Adubiina
#1: Performance
The RTX 5090 brings a noticeable improvement in raw performance over the RTX 4090, thanks to its GB202 GPU die, upgraded 21760 CUDA cores, and DLSS 4 support. In synthetic benchmarks, the RTX 5090 consistently delivers around 20-25% higher frame rates in 4K gaming and up to 29% better minimum FPS, making it a powerhouse for next-gen gaming.
In contrast, the RTX 4090 is still an incredibly capable GPU, holding its own in 1440p and 4K gaming, but it lags behind when handling the latest AI-driven rendering features.
Which wins? The RTX 5090 takes the lead with its higher core count, improved memory bandwidth, and DLSS 4 integration, making it the best option for gamers chasing maximum performance.
#2: Memory and Bandwidth
The RTX 5090 introduces 32GB of GDDR7 VRAM with a 512-bit memory bus, pushing memory bandwidth up to 1792GB/s—a 77% increase over the RTX 4090.
The RTX 4090, with 24GB of GDDR6X VRAM and a 384-bit memory bus, is still capable of handling 4K gaming with ray tracing but lacks the ultra-fast memory speeds needed for future-proofed AI workloads and next-gen texture streaming.
Which wins? The RTX 5090 dominates with its massive memory boost, making it the better choice for high-resolution gaming and professional workloads like video editing and 3D rendering.
#3: Ray Tracing and AI Performance
Both GPUs support ray tracing and DLSS, but the RTX 5090 introduces DLSS 4 with Multi-Frame Generation, further improving AI-driven upscaling.
In ray-traced games, the RTX 5090 achieves up to 34% better frame rates, ensuring smoother reflections, lighting, and shadows in demanding AAA titles. The RTX 4090, while still impressive, struggles to keep up in newer, AI-enhanced workloads.
Which wins? The RTX 5090’s DLSS 4 and improved ray-tracing performance make it the obvious choice for gamers who want cutting-edge visuals.
#4: Power Consumption and Thermals
The RTX 5090 pushes power limits further with a 575W TDP, requiring better cooling and airflow management. However, Nvidia’s new dual flow-through cooling design helps mitigate overheating concerns.
The RTX 4090, with a 450W TDP, runs significantly cooler and more power-efficient, making it a better option for compact PC builds.
Which wins? The RTX 4090 is the better choice for thermals and efficiency, while the RTX 5090 delivers raw power at the cost of higher power draw.
#5: Price and Value
Pricing is a tricky factor in this comparison. The RTX 5090 launched at $1,999, but early demand has driven up prices significantly. The RTX 4090 originally launched at $1,599, but due to stock shortages and high demand, it has often been selling for well over $2,500.
For those upgrading from an older GPU, waiting for RTX 5090 prices to stabilize could be the better option. If you already own an RTX 4090, the price-to-performance jump might not justify an immediate upgrade.
Which wins? If you can find the RTX 5090 at the manufacturer's suggested retail price (MSRP), it’s a great investment. But if RTX 4090 prices drop, it remains an excellent high-end GPU for 4K gaming.
Which GPU Should You Choose?
Both the RTX 5090 and RTX 4090 are absolute powerhouses, but they cater to different types of users.
Choose the RTX 5090 if you want the best performance possible in 4K gaming and creative workloads, need future-proofed AI and ray tracing features with DLSS 4, or are building a high-end system with adequate power and cooling.
Otherwise go for the RTX 4090 if you already own one and don’t need incremental upgrades. Or maybe you want great 4K gaming performance without breaking the bank and prefer a more power-efficient and cooler-running GPU.
If pricing stabilizes, the RTX 5090 is a worthy successor, but the RTX 4090 remains a viable alternative for gamers who don’t need cutting-edge AI performance. Ultimately, the decision depends on your budget, use case, and whether the RTX 5090’s premium features justify the upgrade.
