Performance comparison: which is faster?
GeForce RTX 5090 (NVIDIA, 2025) and GeForce RTX 4090 (NVIDIA, 2022) are compared here. Compare scores and VRAM, generative AI usability, and CPUs that pair well with each GPU.
Overall performance: RTX 5090 is about 33.3% faster
For generative AI, the higher-VRAM RTX 5090（32GB） has the advantage. 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 5090 | RTX 4090 |
|---|---|---|
| Performance Score | 52,000 | 39,000 |
| VRAM | 32GB | 24GB |
| Manufacturer | NVIDIA | NVIDIA |
| Series | RTX 50 | RTX 40 |
| Release Year | 2025 | 2022 |
| Compatible CPU Example | Ryzen 9 9950X3D | Ryzen 9 9950X3D |
These generative AI models can run on only one GPU because of the VRAM difference (Stable Diffusion, Flux, LLMs, and others).
— None (all models that run on RTX 5090 also run here)
| If You Want To... | Recommended |
|---|---|
| Prioritize high fps and smooth performance in demanding games | RTX 5090 |
| Run larger generative AI and LLM models | RTX 5090 |
| Prioritize value and adequate performance | RTX 4090 (the lower model is often sufficient) |
RTX 5090 is about 33.3% higher by score (RTX 5090: 52000 points / RTX 4090: 39000 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.
RTX 5090 has 32GB of VRAM, while RTX 4090 has 24GB; RTX 5090 has more. If image generation or a local LLM is even a possibility, the higher-VRAM option provides more room.
Using our guideline, Ryzen 9 9950X3D pairs well with RTX 5090 and Ryzen 9 9950X3D with RTX 4090 (CPU:GPU ≈ 0.9:1). If the CPU is too weak, replacing the GPU may not raise fps, so check the combination before buying.
