The GPU Radar

NVIDIA RTX 5090vsNVIDIA RTX 4080 Super

Generation comparison: The NVIDIA RTX 4080 Super is superseded but at current street prices may deliver strong value.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.

Full details →
NVIDIA RTX 4080 Super
Buy/Wait:Superseded

This GPU is no longer the current generation. It has been replaced by the NVIDIA RTX 5080.

Superseded by RTX 5080

Best for: 4K gamers who can find a well-priced used unit, understanding they miss out on DLSS 4 and Blackwell's efficiency gains.

Full details →
NVIDIA RTX 5090NVIDIA RTX 4080 Super
TierEnthusiastEnthusiast
GenerationRTX 5000RTX 4000
VRAM32 GB16 GB
Memory TypeGDDR7GDDR6X
TDP575W320W
UpscalingDLSS4DLSS3
Ray Tracing
Launch MSRP$1999$999
ReleasedJan 30, 2025Jan 31, 2024
Cycle length~850 days~365 days
Cycle adviceCautionSuperseded
Deals adviceWaitClearance
SuccessorRTX 5080

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 4080 Super

Used market value

New units sell above MSRP, but used units (~$800) represent the only realistic value option for this card.

16GB GDDR6X

Ample VRAM for 4K gaming and content creation.

Mature Ada Lovelace drivers

Over 2 years of optimizations ensures stability across all titles.