GPU vs GPU
RTX 4090 vs RTX 5090
The RTX 5090 is 17% faster at 1440p but costs $4149 more. For value, the RTX 4090 gives more fps per dollar; buy the RTX 5090 only if you need the extra speed.
Key facts· updated
- At 1440p the RTX 4090 averages 143 fps and the RTX 5090 averages 167 fps (Tom's Hardware GPU hierarchy, June 2026, 11-game average at Ultra).
- The RTX 5090 is 17% faster than the RTX 4090 at 1440p (Tom's Hardware GPU hierarchy, June 2026).
- The RTX 4090 costs $4,450 and the RTX 5090 costs $8,599 (PC Atlas price check, Nov 3, 2026; catalog estimates, not live store prices).
- At those prices the RTX 4090 gives the most 1440p fps per $100: 3.2 vs 1.9.
- The RTX 4090 has 24 GB of video memory and the RTX 5090 has 32 GB (maker spec pages, checked Oct 29, 2026).
| Spec | RTX 4090 | RTX 5090 |
|---|---|---|
| Price today | $4,450Sample | $8,599Sample |
| Average fps at 1080p | 184 | 204 |
| Average fps at 1440p | 143 | 167 |
| Average fps at 4K | 89 | 111 |
| fps per $100 at 1440p | 3.2 | 1.9 |
| Video memory | 24 GB | 32 GB |
| Gaming power | ~450 W | ~575 W |
| Power supply advice | 850 W | 1000 W |
| Card length | ~304 mm | ~340 mm |
| Power plug | 12V-2x6 | 12V-2x6 |
fps: Tom's Hardware GPU hierarchy (June 2026), 11-game average at Ultra. Highlighted = better. Prices last checked . Prices marked Sample are PC Atlas catalog estimates, not live store prices.
Which one should you buy?
The RTX 5090 32GB replaced the RTX 4090 24GB, and this page answers whether the newer card is worth it over the older one still sold new. In the Tom's Hardware GPU hierarchy (June 2026), the RTX 4090 24GB averages 143 fps at 1440p and 89 at 4K; the RTX 5090 32GB averages 167 and 111. At 1080p the averages are 184 and 204 fps. That makes the RTX 5090 32GB about 17% faster at 1440p (11% at 1080p, 25% at 4K).
Memory differs: 24GB on the RTX 4090 24GB against 32GB on the RTX 5090 32GB. More memory keeps texture settings high for longer as games get heavier. In games the RTX 4090 24GB draws about 450W and the RTX 5090 32GB about 575W; power supply advice is 850W (maker's advice) vs 1000W (maker's advice). The RTX 4090 24GB is about 304mm long, 3 slots thick and uses the 12V-2x6 plug; the RTX 5090 32GB is about 340mm long, 3.5 slots thick with the 12V-2x6 plug.
Both use DLSS for upscaling.
Our take: the newer card is a real step up (17% at 1440p). Buy the older one only at a clear discount.
Good to know
- RTX 4090 and RTX 5090 use the 12V-2x6 power plug; older power supplies work with the adapter in the box.
Questions
Is the RTX 4090 better than the RTX 5090?
The RTX 5090 is 17% faster at 1440p but costs $4149 more. For value, the RTX 4090 gives more fps per dollar; buy the RTX 5090 only if you need the extra speed.
Which is better value, RTX 4090 or RTX 5090?
At today's prices the RTX 4090 gives more frames per dollar at 1440p (3.2 vs 1.9 fps per $100).
What power supply do I need?
RTX 4090: 850 W (the maker's advice). RTX 5090: 1000 W (the maker's advice).
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