The GPU Radar

NVIDIA RTX 5090vsNVIDIA RTX 4070 Super

Generation comparison: The NVIDIA RTX 4070 Super is superseded but at current street prices may deliver strong value.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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NVIDIA RTX 4070 Super
Buy/Wait:Superseded

This GPU is no longer the current generation. It has been replaced by the NVIDIA RTX 5070.

Superseded by RTX 5070

Best for: 1440p gamers who find a well-priced used unit and can accept 12GB VRAM without DLSS 4.

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NVIDIA RTX 5090NVIDIA RTX 4070 Super
TierEnthusiastHigh-end
GenerationRTX 5000RTX 4000
VRAM32 GB12 GB
Memory TypeGDDR7GDDR6X
TDP575W220W
UpscalingDLSS4DLSS3
Ray Tracing
Launch MSRP$1999$599
ReleasedJan 30, 2025Jan 17, 2024
Cycle length~850 days~415 days
Cycle adviceCautionSuperseded
Deals adviceWaitClearance
SuccessorRTX 5070

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.

NVIDIA RTX 4070 Super

Used market value

New units sell above MSRP. Used units (~$480) are the only path to value — delivers ~75% of RTX 5070 performance at a significant saving.

220W TDP

Efficient power draw works with modest PSUs.

Mature drivers

Over 2 years of stability optimizations ensure excellent game compatibility.