Nvidia’s GeForce RTX 5090, launched at CES 2025, has set a new benchmark in graphics processing, particularly for creative professionals and AI enthusiasts. Priced at $1,999, this powerhouse GPU promises unparalleled performance across various applications.
Unmatched Performance in Creative Applications
Early benchmarks from Puget Systems reveal that the RTX 5090 significantly outperforms its predecessor, the RTX 4090, in several creative tasks:
- Adobe Premiere Pro: The RTX 5090 delivers a 9% performance boost over the RTX 4090, enhancing video editing workflows.
- DaVinci Resolve Studio: Achieving a 17% lead over the RTX 4090 and a 35% improvement over the 3090 Ti, the RTX 5090 excels in color grading and video editing tasks.
- Adobe After Effects: In 3D rendering tasks, the RTX 5090 shows a substantial 35% improvement over the RTX 4090, benefiting motion graphics professionals.
- Unreal Engine: The RTX 5090 leads the RTX 4090 by 17% overall, enhancing real-time rendering and game development processes.
- Blender and V-Ray: In rendering applications, the RTX 5090 is up to 38% faster than the RTX 4090 and three times as fast as the 3090 Ti, streamlining 3D rendering workflows.
Advancements in AI Capabilities
The RTX 5090 introduces DLSS 4 (Deep Learning Super Sampling), leveraging AI to enhance frame rates and image quality in supported games.
This technology can generate up to three additional frames, significantly boosting performance in demanding titles.
For instance, in games like Cyberpunk 2077 and Star Wars Outlaws, the RTX 5090’s AI capabilities result in smoother gameplay and higher frame rates.
Hardware Specifications and Design
Built on the Blackwell architecture, the RTX 5090 features:
- CUDA Cores: 21,760, providing substantial parallel processing power.
- Memory: 32 GB of GDDR7 VRAM, ensuring ample bandwidth for high-resolution textures and complex models.
- Ray Tracing Cores: Fourth-generation cores that enhance real-time ray tracing performance.
- Tensor Cores: Fifth-generation cores optimized for AI and machine learning tasks.
Despite its powerful performance, the RTX 5090 maintains a compact design suitable for small form-factor PCs. However, it requires a substantial power supply, drawing up to 575 watts, necessitating at least a 1,000-watt power supply.
Comparative Performance
In gaming benchmarks, the RTX 5090 demonstrates significant improvements over the RTX 4090:
- Cyberpunk 2077 (4K Ultra + Ray Tracing): Achieves 120 FPS, up from 85 FPS on the RTX 4090.
- Hogwarts Legacy (4K Ultra): Reaches 140 FPS, an increase from 95 FPS on the RTX 4090.
- Forza Horizon 5 (4K Ultra): Delivers 160 FPS, up from 110 FPS on the RTX 4090.
- Red Dead Redemption 2 (4K Ultra): Achieves 130 FPS, an improvement from 90 FPS on the RTX 4090.
Software Compatibility and Future Updates
While the RTX 5090 offers impressive performance, some early software compatibility issues have been noted:
- Redshift (Cinebench) and Octanebench: The RTX 5090 is not yet supported in these applications.
- V-Ray’s CUDA Rendering: There are known performance issues that Nvidia plans to address with future driver updates.
Nvidia is actively working on resolving these issues, and users can anticipate performance improvements through upcoming software updates.
Conclusion
The Nvidia GeForce RTX 5090 sets a new standard in graphics processing, offering exceptional performance for creative applications and AI tasks.
Its advanced hardware specifications, combined with innovative technologies like DLSS 4, make it a formidable tool for professionals seeking top-tier performance.
While it comes at a premium price point, the RTX 5090’s capabilities justify the investment for those requiring the utmost in graphical power and efficiency.