GeForce RTX 5090 vs GeForce RTX 4090
A detailed head-to-head comparison of the NVIDIA GeForce RTX 5090 and NVIDIA GeForce RTX 4090. Which GPU should you buy in 2026?
The NVIDIA GeForce RTX 5090 wins on overall performance, scoring higher across our benchmark suite. However, the NVIDIA GeForce RTX 4090 at $1,499 delivers better performance per dollar, making it the value pick. The $500 price difference is significant — consider whether the extra performance justifies the cost for your use case.
Specifications Comparison
| Spec | GeForce RTX 5090 | GeForce RTX 4090 |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $1,999 | $1,499 |
| MSRP | $1,999 | $1,599 |
| Architecture | Blackwell | Ada Lovelace |
| VRAM | 32GB GDDR7 | 24GB GDDR6X |
| Memory Bus | 512-bit | 384-bit |
| Boost Clock | 2410 MHz | 2520 MHz |
| Base Clock | 2010 MHz | 2235 MHz |
| TDP | 575W | 450W |
| Recommended PSU | 1000W | 850W |
| Power Connector | 2x 16-pin (12V-2x6) | 1x 16-pin (12VHPWR) |
| Display Outputs | 3x DisplayPort 2.1, 1x HDMI 2.1b | 3x DisplayPort 1.4a, 1x HDMI 2.1 |
Benchmark Comparison
Category Winners
| 1080p Gaming | GeForce RTX 5090 |
| 1440p Gaming | GeForce RTX 5090 |
| 4K Gaming | GeForce RTX 5090 |
| Ray Tracing | GeForce RTX 5090 |
| Productivity | GeForce RTX 5090 |
| AI / ML | GeForce RTX 5090 |
| Overall Winner | GeForce RTX 5090 |
| Best Value | GeForce RTX 4090 |
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is better, the GeForce RTX 5090 or GeForce RTX 4090?
In overall performance, the NVIDIA GeForce RTX 5090 wins with a combined benchmark score of 600 vs 516. The GeForce RTX 5090 is stronger in most categories, while the GeForce RTX 4090 offers the best value for money at $1,499.
Is the GeForce RTX 5090 worth it over the GeForce RTX 4090?
The NVIDIA GeForce RTX 5090 costs $1,999 while the NVIDIA GeForce RTX 4090 costs $1,499, a difference of $500. The extra cost gets you more VRAM (32GB vs 24GB). Whether that's worth it depends on your resolution and use case.