Performance comparison: which is faster?
GeForce RTX 4090 (NVIDIA, 2022) and GeForce RTX 3090 Ti (NVIDIA, 2022) are compared here. Compare scores and VRAM, generative AI usability, and CPUs that pair well with each GPU.
Overall performance: RTX 4090 is about 32.2% faster
Both have 24GB of VRAM, so they support a similar range of generative AI models. For gaming, prioritize performance score and CPU compatibility; for AI, prioritize VRAM.
Relative performance score (higher is faster). Actual fps varies by resolution, game, and CPU configuration.
| Item | RTX 4090 | RTX 3090 Ti |
|---|---|---|
| Performance Score | 39,000 | 29,500 |
| VRAM | 24GB | 24GB |
| Manufacturer | NVIDIA | NVIDIA |
| Series | RTX 40 | RTX 30 |
| Release Year | 2022 | 2022 |
| Compatible CPU Example | Ryzen 9 9950X3D | Ryzen 7 7800X3D |
| If You Want To... | Recommended |
|---|---|
| Prioritize high fps and smooth performance in demanding games | RTX 4090 |
| Run larger generative AI and LLM models | RTX 4090 |
| Prioritize value and adequate performance | RTX 3090 Ti (the lower model is often sufficient) |
RTX 4090 is about 32.2% higher by score (RTX 4090: 39000 points / RTX 3090 Ti: 29500 points). Actual fps also varies by resolution, game, and CPU, so price is a reasonable deciding factor when the gap is only a few percent.
Both have 24GB of VRAM, so the range of generative AI models they can run is nearly the same.
Using our guideline, Ryzen 9 9950X3D pairs well with RTX 4090 and Ryzen 7 7800X3D with RTX 3090 Ti (CPU:GPU ≈ 0.9:1). If the CPU is too weak, replacing the GPU may not raise fps, so check the combination before buying.
