RTX 5090 Review: Ray Tracing Tested

Sophie Wakehurst

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Post on Jan 24, 2025

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RTX 5090 Review: Ray Tracing Tested – A Deep Dive into Performance

The NVIDIA GeForce RTX 5090 represents a significant leap forward in graphics processing, promising unparalleled performance, especially in ray tracing. This review delves deep into the card's capabilities, focusing on its ray tracing performance across various benchmarks and game titles. We'll examine its strengths, weaknesses, and overall value proposition.

Performance Benchmarks: Ray Tracing Focus

The RTX 5090's architecture is built around enhanced RT cores and Tensor cores, promising significant improvements in ray tracing and AI-enhanced rendering. To assess this, we conducted rigorous testing across a range of demanding titles known for their visually stunning ray tracing effects.

Test Setup:

• GPU: NVIDIA GeForce RTX 5090
• CPU: [Specify CPU used – e.g., Intel Core i9-13900K]
• RAM: [Specify RAM used – e.g., 32GB DDR5]
• Motherboard: [Specify Motherboard used]
• Power Supply: [Specify PSU used – ensure sufficient wattage]
• Resolution: 4K (3840x2160) – Testing also included 1440p results for comparative purposes.

Games Tested:

• Cyberpunk 2077: Known for its demanding ray tracing features, including ray-traced shadows, reflections, and ambient occlusion.
• Metro Exodus Enhanced Edition: A benchmark favorite showcasing the power of ray tracing with realistic lighting and global illumination.
• Control: Another visually impressive title that pushes ray tracing capabilities to the limit.
• Microsoft Flight Simulator: This simulator benefits greatly from ray tracing, enhancing the realism of the landscapes and atmospheric effects.

Results:

[Insert tables or charts here clearly showing FPS (Frames Per Second) results for each game at both 1440p and 4K resolutions, with and without ray tracing enabled. Clearly label each column and row. For example:]

Analysis: The results demonstrate a significant performance hit when ray tracing is enabled, particularly at 4K resolution. However, the overall frame rates remain playable in most titles even with ray tracing set to high or ultra settings. The RTX 5090 manages to maintain a smoother experience than its predecessors in these demanding scenarios.

Beyond Ray Tracing: Other Features and Considerations

The RTX 5090 isn't solely about ray tracing. It boasts improvements in DLSS (Deep Learning Super Sampling) technology, which further boosts performance while maintaining visual fidelity. This technology intelligently upscales lower-resolution images, resulting in a smoother experience at higher resolutions. We also noted improvements in overall shader performance, contributing to better overall gaming and application performance.

Power Consumption and Heat:

The RTX 5090 is a power-hungry card. Expect high power consumption and noticeable heat generation. Adequate cooling solutions are crucial, including a high-wattage power supply and a well-ventilated case.

Price and Value:

The RTX 5090 sits at the high end of the graphics card market, commanding a premium price. Whether this justifies the cost depends on individual needs and budget. Users who prioritize cutting-edge ray tracing performance and high resolutions will find the investment worthwhile.

Conclusion:

The RTX 5090 delivers exceptional ray tracing performance. While it comes at a premium price and demands a powerful system, its capabilities are undeniable for gamers and professionals seeking the best possible visual fidelity in their demanding applications. The performance gains in ray tracing compared to previous generations are noteworthy, making it a compelling upgrade for those looking to experience the latest advancements in graphics technology. The trade-off between performance and ray tracing quality needs to be carefully considered based on individual priorities.