The highly anticipated NVIDIA RTX 5090, part of the upcoming Blackwell GPU lineup, is already making waves as leaks shed light on its massive GB202 chip. Measuring a jaw-dropping 744 mm², the die size is 22% larger than the AD102 chip found in the current RTX 4090. While this increase promises significant performance upgrades, it also hints at a price tag that might leave enthusiasts reeling.
Here’s everything we know about the RTX 5090, from its potential specs to its projected price—and why this might be the most powerful (and expensive) consumer GPU ever made.
Bigger Chip, Bigger Performance: What the GB202 Means for the RTX 5090
The GB202 GPU at the heart of the RTX 5090 is more than just a large chip—it’s a statement of NVIDIA’s intent to push boundaries. At 744 mm², it surpasses the AD102 chip in the RTX 4090 by over 22%, a size increase that directly translates into more CUDA cores, higher performance, and undoubtedly, more heat.
More CUDA Cores, More Power
Leaked details suggest the RTX 5090 will feature 21,760 CUDA cores, a 33% increase over the RTX 4090’s 16,384 cores. This increase in raw processing power promises unparalleled performance in gaming, rendering, and AI-driven tasks. For gamers, the RTX 5090 is poised to deliver fluid 4K gaming at ultra settings and could even push the envelope for 8K gaming.
Increased Heat and Power
With power comes heat, and the RTX 5090 isn’t shy about either. The card is rumored to have a 600W TDP (thermal design power), up from the 450W TDP of the RTX 4090. This power increase will likely necessitate even larger cooling solutions, making the RTX 5090 one of the physically biggest GPUs ever produced. For PC builders, this means ensuring your case and PSU can handle the card’s demands.
The Price of Innovation: What to Expect at Checkout
While NVIDIA hasn’t announced official pricing, leaks suggest the RTX 5090 could be priced between $1,800 and $1,900 at launch. Compared to the RTX 4090’s $1,600 MSRP, this might not sound extreme at first. However, with factors like TSMC’s 4nm node price hike and increased silicon usage driving up production costs, the reality for buyers could be quite different.
Why the Price May Go Even Higher
The RTX 4090 already retails above its launch MSRP, often selling for over $2,000 due to high demand and limited supply. If the same trends persist, the RTX 5090’s actual cost could soar well beyond its projected MSRP, especially for premium aftermarket models from brands like ASUS, MSI, and Gigabyte.
AMD and the Competition: No Clear Answer Yet
Another factor driving demand for the RTX 5090 is AMD’s lack of a direct competitor. While AMD’s RDNA 4 GPUs are expected to make waves, they likely won’t match the raw power of NVIDIA’s flagship. This leaves the RTX 5090 as the clear choice for enthusiasts looking for the absolute best in performance, further solidifying its position as a must-have for those with deep pockets.
What the RTX 5090 Means for Gamers
For gaming enthusiasts, the RTX 5090 represents the pinnacle of performance. Its increased CUDA cores and memory bandwidth will make it a 4K gaming powerhouse, capable of maxing out every setting in the most demanding AAA titles. With advancements in ray tracing and DLSS 4 expected as part of NVIDIA’s Blackwell architecture, the RTX 5090 could redefine what’s possible in real-time graphics rendering.
For 8K gaming, the RTX 5090 could be the first card to make it a truly viable option, though this will depend on continued improvements in software optimization and game development.
A Beast of a Card, But at What Cost?
The RTX 5090 is shaping up to be an extraordinary piece of hardware, but its size, power requirements, and price tag are likely to make it a niche product aimed at ultra-enthusiasts and professionals. While the performance gains are undeniable, the potential cost increase could put it out of reach for many gamers.
If you’re eyeing the RTX 5090 but hesitant about the price, it’s worth considering its predecessor, the RTX 4090, which is still an incredible GPU. Currently, models like the Asus TUF Gaming GeForce RTX 4090 OC are available on Amazon and may see discounts as NVIDIA prepares for the Blackwell launch.
Check out the latest deals on Nvidia GPUs
Final Thoughts: Is the RTX 5090 Worth the Hype?
The RTX 5090 promises to be a groundbreaking GPU, delivering unmatched performance and pushing the limits of what’s possible in gaming and creative workloads. However, its rumored price and power demands mean it’s not for everyone.
If you’re a high-end PC builder, a professional needing extreme performance, or a gamer seeking the absolute best, the RTX 5090 will likely be the GPU to beat. But if budget constraints are a concern, the RTX 4090 or even mid-range Blackwell options like the upcoming RTX 5070 might offer better value.
As more details emerge, one thing is clear: the RTX 5090 isn’t just a graphics card—it’s a statement of NVIDIA’s dominance in the GPU market. Whether it’s a dream or a stretch depends entirely on your priorities—and your wallet.
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