Nvidia asserts that this flagship model offers double the power of its predecessor, the RTX 4090, despite a substantial increase in power requirement to 1,000 watts. Remarkably, it maintains a more compact form factor, ensuring it fits comfortably even in smaller PC builds.
“The RTX 5090 is not just about raw power; it’s about smarter, more efficient power,” said an Nvidia spokesperson. This theme of enhanced performance coupled with efficient design pervades the entire series. The RTX 5080, for example, also claims to deliver twice the speed of the RTX 4080 for just $1,000.
For those on a budget, the RTX 5070 offers an impressive alternative. Priced at $550, it manages performance levels comparable to the RTX 4090, making high-end gaming more accessible than ever. The 5070 Ti, sitting at $750, serves as the perfect middle ground between the 5070 and 5080 in both cost and capabilities.
A New Era of AI-Enhanced Gaming
Nvidia’s new 50-series GPUs leverage cutting-edge machine learning technologies, including RTX Neural Shaders and the latest DLSS 4 upscaling. DLSS 4 not only allows for higher resolution gameplay at 1440p or 4K but also enhances frame rates through Multi Frame Generation. This technology, akin to frame smoothing for movies and TVs, enriches gaming visuals without the need for additional hardware exertion.
“Multi Frame Generation introduces up to three additional frames for every one frame rendered, enhancing the gaming experience significantly,” explained the spokesperson. This approach to performance, focusing on AI and machine learning, allows the GPUs to be both more compact and cost-effective.
However, the integration of AI upscaling and frame generation technologies does introduce certain trade-offs. While these can potentially match the performance of traditional hardware rendering in terms of quantity, the quality and consistency of the visuals might vary. Input delay is another concern, particularly for gamers who rely on high frame rates for an optimal experience.
Availability and Pricing
Eager gamers should note that the RTX 5090 and RTX 5080 are set to hit the market on January 30, with the RTX 5070 and 5070 Ti following in February. Although preorders are not yet available, prospective buyers can sign up at major retailers like Best Buy to receive notifications as soon as sales go live.
Nvidia’s announcement also included news of forthcoming RTX 50-series GPUs for laptops, expected to launch in March, broadening the accessibility of top-tier gaming performance across devices.