NVIDIA GeForce RTX 4090 vs NVIDIA GeForce RTX 5080
The NVIDIA GeForce RTX 4090 is the faster card by roughly 11%. Here is how the two compare across every spec that matters for gaming.
| Specification | NVIDIA GeForce RTX 4090 | NVIDIA GeForce RTX 5080 |
|---|---|---|
| Performance score | 78/100 | 70/100 |
| Tier | S | S |
| VRAM | 24 GB | 16 GB |
| Power draw (TDP) | 450 W | 360 W |
| Launch MSRP | $1599 | $999 |
| Performance per $100 | 4.9 | 7.0 |
| Release year | 2022 | 2025 |
| DLSS | ✓ Yes | ✓ Yes |
| FSR | ✓ Yes | ✓ Yes |
| XeSS | — No | — No |
| Ray tracing | ✓ Yes | ✓ Yes |
Which should you buy?
The NVIDIA GeForce RTX 4090 is the stronger performer of the two, and it is the default choice if raw frame rate is what you care about. The NVIDIA GeForce RTX 4090 carries more VRAM (24GB vs 16GB), which matters at 1440p and above and for texture-heavy titles. The NVIDIA GeForce RTX 5080 draws 90W less, so it is easier on your power supply and case cooling — check the PSU calculator before committing. On launch pricing, the NVIDIA GeForce RTX 5080 offers better performance per dollar.