Nvidia Claims RTX 5090 Doubles Performance with DLSS 4

Nvidia has announced groundbreaking performance claims for its new GeForce RTX 5090 and other models at CES 2025, stating that the new GPUs are twice as fast as their predecessors, including the GeForce RTX 4090. This leap in performance is attributed to the company’s latest DLSS 4 technology, which introduces Multi Frame Generation, capable of generating up to three additional frames for every traditionally rendered frame. According to Nvidia, this innovation can boost performance by up to eight times compared to traditional rasterization.

However, these performance gains come with a significant caveat: they are heavily dependent on games supporting Nvidia’s DLSS technology. Without DLSS, the raw rasterization performance of the RTX 5090 shows more modest improvements, with Nvidia’s own data suggesting a 20% to 40% increase over the RTX 4090. This disparity highlights the growing reliance on AI-driven upscaling and frame generation in modern gaming.

DLSS 4 also introduces a new transformer model, enhancing image quality with improved temporal stability, reduced ghosting, and higher detail in motion. These advancements are powered by the Blackwell architecture, which features new Tensor Cores, RT Cores, and GDDR7 memory, delivering unprecedented performance for gaming and creative workflows.

Despite the impressive claims, skepticism remains about the visual quality of AI-generated frames. While DLSS can significantly improve frame rates in demanding games like Microsoft Flight Simulator, some gamers remain cautious about the technology’s impact on image fidelity. Nvidia’s ecosystem, however, continues to grow, with over 500 games and apps supporting RTX features, and the company dominating the GPU market with over 75% share on Steam.

The RTX 5090 is set to launch on January 30, 2025, with prices starting at $1,999. Benchmark results will be crucial in determining whether Nvidia’s claims hold up across a broad range of games, especially those without DLSS support.