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NVIDIA is set to launch theRTX 5090 and RTX 5080 “Blackwell” GPUson January 30, 2025.
I’m here to supply those reasons, but I’ll also make a few argumentsforbuying the RTX 5090.
NVIDIA’s RTX 5090 Founders Edition with dual fans in view.
Here’s what you better know.
Have the money but remain unsure if it’s the right GPU for your next PC?
I have three reasons not to buy the RTX 5090 that will hopefully help you make the right decision.
The RTX 5090 Founders Edition installed in a gaming PC for testing.
The main deterrent to the RTX 5090 is undoubtedly the $1,999 MSRP.
Who is buying these?
Why is Multi Frame Generation such a big deal?
It’s ultimately what allowed NVIDIA to make bold performance claims at its CES 2025 keynote presentation.
For example, NVIDIA showed off Cyberpunk 2077 running on an RTX 5090 without Multi Frame Gen enabled.
It ran at about 30 FPS.
Comparing measured temperatures from the RTX 4090 and RTX 5090 FE GPUs.
With it enabled, that number climbed to 235 FPS and beyond.
That’s … not insignificant.
That also affects the PSU in your PC, which NVIDIA now recommends being at least 1,000W.
The RTX 5090 (on top) is about half as thick as the RTX 4090 (on the bottom).
There’s also a matter of heat, at least in the Founders Edition card.
Don’t care how much it costs?
Here’s a quick look at the raw specs of the two GPUs.
NVIDIA GeForce RTX 5090 FE vs. RTX 4090 FE performance in a selection of games.(Image credit: Windows Central | Ben Wilson)
Here’s a look at some comparison charts between the RTX 5090 and RTX 4090.
There’s not much else to say.
If you want the best, you have to get the RTX 5090 no matter the cost.
NVIDIA GeForce RTX 5090 FE vs. RTX 4090 FE performance in 3DMark.(Image credit: Windows Central | Ben Wilson)
This advice also applies to those shopping for a GPU with next-gen AI capabilities.
As I explained, DLSS 4 Multi Frame Generation could be coming to older RTX GPUs in the future.
How long might the rumored stock shortage last?
NVIDIA GeForce RTX 5090 FE vs. RTX 4090 FE performance in Blender 4.3.0.(Image credit: Windows Central | Ben Wilson)
It could be weeks.
It could be months.
It could be years.
NVIDIA GeForce RTX 5090 FE vs. RTX 4090 FE performance in Geekbench 6.(Image credit: Windows Central | Ben Wilson)
My colleague Ben Wilson sums up the current GPU landscape in hisRTX 5090 review:
“Bottom line?
Something else even the RTX 5080 at $999 will be a much better fit for most enthusiast-level gamers.
