NVIDIA has two new graphics cards, the RTX 5090 and RTX 5080, that use its latest Blackwell design. Let’s compare the performance of the NVIDIA RTX 5090 vs RTX 5080 and examine how these two powerful gaming cards compare.
Tech Specs and Design of NVIDIA RTX 5090 vs RTX 5080
The new Blackwell design makes these cards much better than older ones. Both the RTX 5090 and RTX 5080 are potent performers.
Main Features Compared:
Feature | RTX 5090 | RTX 5080 |
---|---|---|
CUDA Cores | 21,760 | 10,752 |
Memory | 32GB GDDR7 | 16GB GDDR7 |
Memory Speed | 1,792 GB/s | 672 GB/s |
Clock Speed | 2.41 GHz | 2.62 GHz |
Power Use | 575W | 360W |
Power Supply Needed | 1000W | 850W |
Key Design Features:
- New Blackwell design with better ray tracing from 4th-gen RT cores
- New Tensor cores that work better with DLSS 4
- A better memory system that helps games run smoother
- Uses new GDDR7 memory that’s faster than before
Gaming Speed Tests NVIDIA RTX 5090 vs RTX 5080
The RTX 5090 runs games faster than the RTX 5080. This is most clear when playing at 4K or with ray tracing.
4K Game Speed (Frames Per Second):
- Cyberpunk 2077 runs at 124 FPS on the 5090 but 80 FPS on the 5080
- A Plague Tale Requiem hits 128 FPS on the 5090, with 78 FPS on the 5080
- Dying Light 2 reaches 122 FPS on the 5090 vverses78 FPS on the 5080
How Smooth Games Run:
- The 5090 stays above 105 FPS even in tough spots
- The 5080 keeps above 68 FPS in the same tough spots
- Both cards run games very smoothly with no stuttering
Power Use
Knowing how much power these cards need for your PC is essential.
Power Numbers:
RTX 5090:
- Standard max power: 575W
- When idle: 31W
- While gaming: 588W
- With ray tracing: 562W
- Highest power use: 602W
RTX 5080:
- Standard max power: 360W
- When idle: 21W
- While gaming: 326W
- With ray tracing: 333W
- Highest power use: 376W
Also read: How to Choose the Perfect Power Supply for Your RTX 3080 in 2024
Special Features
Both cards have new features that make games look and run better:
DLSS 4 Features:
- Better AI that makes games look sharper
- There are jagged edges in games
- It makes moving objects look clearer
- Fewer visual problems in fast scenes
Ray Tracing Features:
- New ray tracing cores make lighting more real
- Better shadows and reflections
- More natural lighting in dark areas
- Less slowdown when using ray tracing
Also read: Ultimate RTX 4090 Compatibility Guide: Unleash Maximum Gaming Power (2024 Edition)
Value for Money
Let’s look at what you get for your money:
Power Use vs Performance:
- The 5080 uses less power while still running games great
- The 5090 focuses on pure speed over saving power
- Higher power use means higher electric bills
Best Uses:
- Get the 5090 if you play at 4K/8K or do professional work
- Choose the 5080 for 1440p/4K gaming with better value
Final Thoughts
The RTX 5090 and 5080 are both great cards with different strengths. The 5090 is the fastest you can get, perfect for 4K and 8K gaming. The 5080 uses less power but still runs games very well. Pick the one that fits your needs, budget, and power supply.
Things to Think About:
- What screen resolution do you play at
- If your power supply is strong enough
- How much you want to spend
- If you want it to last several years
Want the fastest card out there? Get the 5090. Want a better value? The 5080 runs games great while using less power and costing less.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Is the RTX 5090 worth buying?
The RTX 5090 is a high-speed GPU that performs better than older models in games and heavy tasks. If you play games at very high settings or need it for demanding work, the RTX 5090 might be worth its $1,999 price tag. But if you play casual games or want to save money, you can pick a less expensive option.
2. What does the RTX 5080 cost?
The basic RTX 5080 (Founders Edition) costs $999. Other brands make their versions with extra features and better cooling, which cost more.
3. What does the RTX 5090 cost?
The basic RTX 5090 (Founders Edition) costs $1,999. Other brands’ versions cost more, with some fancy models selling for over $3,000.
4. Which RTX GPU is best for games?
The RTX 5090 is the top gaming GPU right now. It runs games the best, especially ones with ray tracing and DLSS features. The RTX 5080 is also great for gaming if you want to spend less but still get good performance.