The GPU Radar

NVIDIA RTX 5090vsAMD RX 7800 XT

Generation comparison: The AMD RX 7800 XT is superseded but at current street prices may deliver strong value. Compare clearance pricing against the NVIDIA RTX 5090's launch MSRP to decide.
NVIDIA RTX 5090
Buy/Wait:Caution

Mid-cycle — next generation may be on the horizon

Best for: Content creators, AI researchers, and enthusiast gamers who want the absolute fastest GPU regardless of price or power consumption.

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AMD RX 7800 XT
Buy/Wait:Wait

Overdue for a refresh — no successor announced yet. Prices should be at their lowest

Superseded by RX 9070

Best for: 1440p gamers seeking the best possible value — clearance RX 7800 XT is one of the strongest price-to-performance options available.

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NVIDIA RTX 5090AMD RX 7800 XT
TierEnthusiastHigh-end
GenerationRTX 5000RX 7000
VRAM32 GB16 GB
Memory TypeGDDR7GDDR6
TDP575W263W
UpscalingDLSS4FSR3
Ray Tracing
Launch MSRP$1999$499
ReleasedJan 30, 2025Sep 6, 2023
Cycle length~850 days~550 days
Cycle adviceCautionWait
Deals adviceCautionBuy
SuccessorRX 9070

Why buy each?

NVIDIA RTX 5090

32GB GDDR7 — future-proofed VRAM

Double the VRAM of the RTX 5080 ensures headroom for 8K textures, AI model training, and multi-monitor setups.

DLSS 4 Multi Frame Generation

Generates multiple frames per rendered frame, dramatically boosting perceived frame rates in supported games.

Blackwell architecture

New shader cores, enhanced RT cores, and Tensor cores deliver the largest generational leap NVIDIA has shipped.

AMD RX 7800 XT

Outstanding clearance value

Superseded but strong value — at clearance pricing, delivers excellent 1440p performance for well under $400.

16GB GDDR6

Same VRAM as its successor — no VRAM compromise.

Mature RDNA 3 drivers

Well-optimized after 18+ months of updates.