The RTX 5090 and RTX 4090 are both powerhouse graphics cards, but they cater to slightly different needs. The RTX 5090 boasts improved specifications, including enhanced ray tracing capabilities and faster memory speeds, making it a superior choice for enthusiasts and professionals seeking the highest performance in gaming and graphics rendering. However, it comes at a higher price point. On the other hand, the RTX 4090 still delivers outstanding performance, excelling in 4K gaming and offering great value for gamers who may not need the absolute latest technology. The 4090 is also more power-efficient under typical loads. Ultimately, while the RTX 5090 may provide cutting-edge advancements, the RTX 4090 remains an excellent option for those prioritizing performance without breaking the bank, ensuring that both cards hold their own in the competitive GPU market.
NVIDIA RTX 5090
Nvidia’s 5000 series GPUs are around 20% faster than their corresponding 4000 series counterparts. The RTX 5090 was the most anticipated graphics card in the RTX 5000 series leading up to its launch in January 2025—and it absolutely lives up to the hype. With a massive 32GB of ultra-fast GDDR7 VRAM on a 512-bit memory bus, lightning-fast clock speeds, and robust cooling, this GPU delivers everything you’d expect from a top-tier component in a high-end gaming PC.
Designed for uncompromising 4K performance, the RTX 5090 lets you crank every setting to ultra in your favorite games while maintaining exceptional frame rates. When paired with technologies like DLSS and Frame Generation, this graphics card pushes your gaming computer’s capabilities even further. Thanks to NVIDIA’s ongoing improvements in AI-driven upscaling, DLSS now offers a seamless experience with minimal drawbacks, making it a must-use feature wherever it's supported.
See specification for RTX 5090 below:
NVIDIA RTX 4090
The fact that the 4090 is currently the fastest performing graphics card available is reflected in its jaw-dropping MSRP of $2,500. Prospective buyers will need a top of the line system to extract maximum performance from the 4090 and because of its monstrous dimensions, many will also need a new PC case.
With this price, this graphics card is perfect for hardcore gamers that don't want their bank to break. The performance of the RTX 4090 is more than adequate in 2025. If you love gaming and want to have 144+ fps (1080p) on every game, the RTX 4090 is perfect for you. It handles 4K resolution very well, however it comes just shy of the what the RTX 5090 can do. Yet, the RTX 4090 is still a very good option for 4K gaming.
Why the 4090? Well, it performs very close to the level of an RTX 5090 but is much cheaper. The value for money for an RTX 4090 supersedes the RTX 5090 by far. My personal opinion is, get the RTX 4090 over the RTX 5090. If I were to define the RTX 5090 it would simply be 'overkill' and I'm just not that type of gamer.
See specifications for RTX 4090 below:
