The NVIDIA GeForce RTX™ 5090 has been officially unveiled, and it is shaping up to be a game-changer for gamers, creators, and AI enthusiasts alike. Powered by the cutting-edge Blackwell architecture, the RTX 5090 sets a new benchmark in GPU performance, boasting 32 GB of ultra-fast GDDR7 memory, unprecedented AI capabilities, and next-gen ray tracing technology. With its revolutionary features like DLSS 4, NVIDIA Reflex 2, and a massive 21,760 CUDA cores, the RTX 5090 promises to deliver true-to-life graphics, ultra-low latency, and unparalleled performance for 4K and even 8K gaming.
This article dives deep into the specs, features, release date, price, and performance of the RTX 5090 and explains why it’s the most powerful GeForce GPU ever made.
NVIDIA GeForce RTX 5090: Release Date and Price
The RTX 5090 was officially announced at CES 2025 by NVIDIA CEO Jensen Huang, with a release date of Thursday, January 30, 2025.
Price
- Starting Price (MSRP): $1,999 (Founders Edition)
- Third-Party Cards: Overclocked models from brands like ASUS, MSI, and EVGA may come at higher price points.
While the price is significantly higher than the RTX 4090’s launch price of $1,599, the RTX 5090 offers groundbreaking performance that justifies the premium.
Key Specifications of NVIDIA GeForce RTX 5090
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Architecture | NVIDIA Blackwell |
| CUDA Cores | 21,760 |
| Memory | 32 GB GDDR7 |
| Memory Bandwidth | 1,792 GB/s |
| Ray Tracing Cores | 170 Fourth-Gen RT Cores |
| Tensor Cores | Fifth-Gen Tensor Cores with FP4 |
| Base Clock | 2.01 GHz |
| Boost Clock | 2.41 GHz |
| Power Draw | 575W |
| Interface | PCIe 5.0 |
| Display Support | Up to 8K 165Hz or 4K 480Hz |
The Blackwell architecture, a successor to the Ada Lovelace architecture, brings revolutionary upgrades, including enhanced neural rendering, AI-driven ray tracing, and multi-frame generation capabilities.
Top Features of NVIDIA GeForce RTX 5090
1. Blackwell Architecture: A New Era in GPU Performance
The RTX 5090 is built on the NVIDIA Blackwell architecture, which introduces:
- Fourth-Gen Ray Tracing Cores: Designed for mega geometry and ultra-realistic lighting, reflections, and shadows.
- Fifth-Gen Tensor Cores: Deliver massive AI performance for tasks like DLSS 4 and AI-enhanced graphics.
- Optimized Streaming Multiprocessors: Tailored for neural shaders, ensuring smooth multitasking for gaming and creative workflows.
2. NVIDIA DLSS 4: AI-Powered Frame Boost
DLSS 4 (Deep Learning Super Sampling) is a revolutionary neural rendering technology that boosts FPS while maintaining superior image quality. Key advancements include:
- Multi-Frame Generation (4X Mode): Generates multiple AI-powered frames for seamless visuals.
- Ray Reconstruction: Enhances ray-traced effects for cinematic-level realism.
- Super Resolution (Performance Mode): Provides ultra-crisp visuals at higher frame rates.
With DLSS 4, gamers can enjoy 4K and even 8K gaming at max settings, with reduced latency and unparalleled image quality.
3. Full Ray Tracing: Cinematic Graphics Redefined
Powered by 170 Fourth-Gen RT Cores, the RTX 5090 delivers full ray tracing with neural rendering, unlocking life-like realism in games. The Blackwell architecture enables:
- Dynamic global illumination for realistic lighting.
- Perfectly mirrored reflections and high-fidelity shadows.
- Support for over 700 RTX-enabled games and applications.
4. NVIDIA Reflex 2: Game-Winning Responsiveness
For competitive gamers, NVIDIA Reflex 2 optimizes the graphics pipeline for ultra-low latency and fast reaction times.
- Frame Warp (new in Reflex 2): Adjusts latency dynamically based on mouse input for even faster responsiveness.
- Provides a competitive edge in fast-paced eSports games.
5. Built for Creators: NVIDIA Studio Tools
The RTX 5090 is a powerhouse for creators, offering transformative performance for:
- Video Editing: Harness the ninth-gen NVIDIA Encoder (NVENC) for faster exports and real-time AI effects in tools like Adobe Premiere Pro and DaVinci Resolve.
- 3D Rendering: Accelerate workflows in Blender, Maya, and Unreal Engine.
- Livestreaming: NVIDIA Broadcast uses AI to remove background noise, enhance video quality, and add virtual backgrounds for streamers.
RTX 5090 also supports RTX Remix, enabling modders to remaster classic games with ray tracing and DLSS.
6. Revolutionary Design: Double Flow Cooling System
The RTX 5090 features an advanced thermal design, with:
- Double the airflow of traditional GPU configurations.
- A 3D vapor chamber with integrated heat pipes and active fins for superior cooling.
- A dual-slot form factor, making it the most efficient high-performance GPU.
Gaming Performance: RTX 5090 Benchmarks
The RTX 5090 is designed to handle the most demanding gaming workloads, including 4K max settings, ray tracing, and DLSS 4. Here’s a glimpse of its performance compared to the RTX 4090:
| Game | RTX 4090 (4K, Max Settings) | RTX 5090 (4K, Max Settings) |
|---|---|---|
| Cyberpunk 2077 | 70 FPS | 120 FPS |
| Horizon Forbidden West | 85 FPS | 150 FPS |
| Call of Duty: Modern Warfare | 100 FPS | 175 FPS |
| Assassin’s Creed Mirage | 80 FPS | 140 FPS |
With DLSS 4 and multi-frame generation, the RTX 5090 delivers up to 4X FPS improvement over previous GPUs.
Display Support
The RTX 5090 supports the latest display technologies:
- 4K 12-bit HDR at 480Hz with DisplayPort 2.1b.
- 8K 12-bit HDR at 165Hz with HDMI 2.1a + DSC.
- Multi-monitor configurations:
- Up to 4 independent 4K 165Hz displays or
- 2 independent 8K 100Hz displays.
Power and Compatibility
- Power Draw: 575W.
- Recommended PSU: 850W or higher.
- Form Factor: Dual-slot design with dimensions of 12″ x 5.4″.
The RTX 5090 supports PCIe 5.0, but it remains backward-compatible with PCIe 4.0 and 3.0 slots (though with limited bandwidth).
Why the RTX 5090 Is a Game Changer: Author Says
The NVIDIA GeForce RTX 5090 is the most powerful GPU ever created, offering unmatched gaming and creative performance. From DLSS 4 to full ray tracing, it redefines realism and speed for gamers, creators, and AI enthusiasts alike.
Whether you’re an avid gamer looking to dominate in 4K/8K or a creator seeking cutting-edge tools for your projects, the RTX 5090 delivers everything you need and more. At $1,999, it’s an investment in the future of computing.
Aman is a tech enthusiast with a strong interest in emerging technologies like artificial intelligence, machine learning, and digital transformation. A graduate of Sri Venkateswara College, Delhi University, he is passionate about how technology can reshape industries and improve lives. While Aman prefers to keep his personal life private and doesn’t like revealing much about himself, his work speaks for him. At SAMSA, he serves as a Moderator, ensuring the accuracy of facts, reviewing technical details, and collaborating with the team to enhance content quality. His keen eye for detail and deep understanding of tech help create insightful and reliable articles.