This GPU is no longer the current generation. It has been replaced by the NVIDIA RTX 5090 →
No longer the current generation — clearance and second-hand prices are at their lowest. The current replacement is the NVIDIA RTX 5090 →
| AIB Card | Boost Clock | Cooling | TDP | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Founders Edition | 2520 MHz | Triple-fan | 450W | Reference design |
| ASUS ROG Strix OC | 2610 MHz | Triple-fan 3.5-slot | 450W | Maximum overclocking |
The NVIDIA GeForce RTX 4090 was the Ada Lovelace flagship with 24GB GDDR6X. Now superseded by the RTX 5090 and out of production, new retail prices have risen well above its $1,599 launch MSRP due to scarcity. The used market is the only realistic option for value-seekers, though at used prices exceeding $2,000 the RTX 5090 at MSRP is more compelling when available.
More VRAM than the RTX 5080 (16GB), relevant for AI workloads and 4K texture packs even in the Blackwell era.
New retail units are scarce and priced above MSRP. The used market (eBay, local classifieds) is the only viable path to value.
Over 3 years of driver optimizations make this one of the most stable GPUs available.
4K enthusiasts who can find a well-priced used RTX 4090 and don't need DLSS 4 or Blackwell's efficiency improvements.
New units sell above $2,700 — more than the RTX 5090's $1,999 MSRP, making it a poor new purchase. A used RTX 4090 around $1,400–1,600 could be reasonable if you can verify condition, but at those prices the RTX 5090 is preferable when in stock at MSRP.
The 5090 is roughly 50-70% faster in rasterization and has DLSS 4. But the 4090 at clearance prices delivers ~60-70% of the performance for potentially half the price.
Superseded doesn't mean slow. The RTX 4090 was the fastest consumer GPU for over 2 years. At clearance pricing, it's one of the best performance-per-dollar options available.
Used 4090s can be excellent value. Check for mining wear, verify warranty transferability, and test before buying. The card has proven long-term reliability.