RTX 4090 vs 5090: What's the hype about?

As we approach the next generation of graphics processing units (GPUs), the tech world is abuzz with excitement over NVIDIA's upcoming RTX 5090. How will this new 50 series GPU stack up against its predecessor, the formidable GTX 4090? Let's dive into what we know about these powerhouse GPUs and explore the potential advancements on the horizon for the NVIDIA 50 series.

RTX 4090: The Current Titan

Released in September 2022, the NVIDIA GeForce RTX 4090 has established itself as the pinnacle of consumer-grade GPUs. Built on the Ada Lovelace architecture, it offers unparalleled performance for both gaming and professional applications.

Key Specifications of the NVIDIA RTX 4090:

• Architecture: Ada Lovelace (AD102 chip)
• CUDA Cores: 16,384
• Ray Tracing Cores: 128 (3rd generation)
• Tensor Cores: 512 (4th generation)
• Memory: 24GB GDDR6X
• Memory Bandwidth: 1,008 GB/s
• Memory Bus: 384-bit
• Boost Clock: 2.52 GHz
• L2 Cache: 72MB
• TDP: 450W

The RTX 4090 excels in 4K gaming, handling even the most demanding titles with ease. Its ray tracing capabilities and DLSS 3 support have set new standards for visual fidelity and performance in games. The NVIDIA RTX 4090 price at launch was $1,599, reflecting its premium position in the market.

RTX 5090: The Anticipated Challenger

The RTX 5090 release date is expected to be later in 2024, though NVIDIA has not yet confirmed an official RTX 5000 series release date. This new 5090 RTX is poised to redefine high-end GPU performance. Based on the new Blackwell architecture, it promises significant improvements across the board.

Rumored Specifications of the NVIDIA 5090:

• Architecture: Blackwell (GB202 die)
• CUDA Cores: 24,576 (estimated)
• Ray Tracing Cores: 192 (4th generation)
• Tensor Cores: 768 (5th generation)
• Memory: Up to 32GB GDDR7 (NVIDIA 5090 RAM)
• Memory Bandwidth: Up to 1,532 GB/s
• Memory Bus: 512-bit
• Boost Clock: 2.9 GHz (estimated)
• L2 Cache: 128MB
• TDP: 450W - 600W (estimated)

While these specifications are based on leaks and industry speculation, they paint a picture of a GPU that could offer a 50-70% performance improvement over the RTX 4090 and even the rumored 4090 Super.

Key Comparisons: RTX 5090 vs RTX 4090

1. Architecture: The move from Ada Lovelace to Blackwell architecture is expected to bring significant efficiency and performance gains to the 50 series card PCB.
2. CUDA Cores: With a potential 50% increase in CUDA cores, the 5090 FE (Founder's Edition) could offer substantially more raw computing power.
3. Memory: The jump to GDDR7 memory and a wider 512-bit bus could result in a 52% increase in memory bandwidth, crucial for 4K and 8K gaming.
4. Ray Tracing and AI: Improved RT and Tensor cores suggest even better ray tracing performance and AI-driven features like a potential DLSS 4 technology.
5. Power Consumption: Despite the performance leap, the RTX 5090 is expected to have a similar or slightly higher TDP compared to the 4090.

Performance Expectations for the 5090 RTX

Early rumors suggest the RTX 5090 could deliver:

• 50-70% overall performance improvement
• Superior 4K gaming performance, potentially enabling 4K gaming at 240 FPS
• Enhanced ray tracing capabilities
• Improved AI-driven features, including a potential DLSS 4 technology

Pricing and Availability

The RTX 4090 launched with a price tag of $1,599. Given the anticipated performance improvements, the 5090 FE is expected to be priced higher, potentially between $2,000 and $2,500.

Availability may be a concern, as NVIDIA might prioritize its most powerful chips for the burgeoning AI market. This could affect the supply of both the 5090 and potential variants like a 4090 Super.

Comparison with Other GPUs

While we await the RTX 5090, it's worth noting how the current RTX 4090 stacks up against other high-end GPUs:

• A16 vs 4090: The NVIDIA A16 is designed for data centers and virtualization, while the 4090 is geared towards high-end gaming and content creation. The 4090 generally offers better performance for gaming and single-user workloads.
• RTX 5000 vs 4090: The current-gen RTX 5000 (part of the professional Quadro line) offers different features aimed at professional workflows, while the 4090 excels in raw gaming performance.

Conclusion

While the NVIDIA GeForce RTX 4090 remains an incredibly powerful GPU, capable of handling any current gaming or professional task with ease, the upcoming RTX 5090 promises to push the boundaries even further. If you're serious about performance, whether in gaming, AI, or professional workloads, now is the time to get hands-on.
Try out the RTX 4090 today at poolcompute.com and be ready for the future with the RTX 5090 when it drops. Experience the cutting-edge technology that’s defining the next generation of GPUs.