The comparison between NVIDIA's RTX 5090 with DLSS 4 and the RTX 4090 with DLSS 3 reveals significant advancements in performance and technology.
DLSS Technology Overview**
**DLSS 3 introduced frame generation, allowing the RTX 4090 to produce one AI-generated frame for every rendered frame, enhancing performance in demanding scenarios. In contrast, DLSS 4 on the RTX 5090 utilizes an advanced feature called Multi Frame Generation (MFG), which can generate up to four AI frames for each rendered frame. This capability allows for a more substantial increase in frame rates while maintaining image quality, effectively doubling or even tripling performance in some cases compared to DLSS 3[1][2][4].
Performance Improvements**
The RTX 5090 demonstrates a notable performance uplift over the RTX 4090. Benchmark tests indicate that the RTX 5090 can achieve approximately 20-34% higher average frame rates at 4K resolution compared to its predecessor, particularly when leveraging DLSS 4's MFG capabilities[2][5][8]. For instance, in games like Cyberpunk 2077, the RTX 5090 can deliver frame rates nearing 200 fps with high settings, while the RTX 4090 struggles to maintain smooth performance under similar conditions[3][4].
Moreover, the RTX 5090's architecture includes improvements such as fifth-generation Tensor Cores and enhanced memory bandwidth (32GB of GDDR7), which further contribute to its superior performance in high-resolution and ray-traced gaming scenarios[1][3][6].
Visual Quality and Latency**
DLSS 4 not only boosts performance but also improves visual fidelity. The new architecture reduces visual artifacts and enhances image stability during motion, thanks to a Transformer model that analyzes pixel importance across frames[7]. While increased frame generation can introduce latency, NVIDIA has optimized this with Reflex 2 technology, which helps reduce input lag effectively compared to the RTX 4090[4][8].
Conclusion**
In summary, the RTX 5090 with DLSS 4 represents a significant leap over the RTX 4090 with DLSS 3. The introduction of Multi Frame Generation allows for higher frame rates and improved visual quality while maintaining low latency. This advancement positions the RTX 5090 as a leading choice for gamers seeking cutting-edge performance in modern titles.
Citations:
[1] https://www.cclonline.com/article/4117/Blog/cclonline/How-DLSS-4-Revolutionizes-Gaming-with-the-New-50-Series-GPUs/
[2] https://www.rockpapershotgun.com/nvidia-geforce-rtx-5090-review
[3] https://www.pcworld.com/article/2585806/nvidia-geforce-rtx-5090-review.html
[4] https://www.club386.com/nvidia-geforce-rtx-5090-vs-rtx-4090/
[5] https://www.techradar.com/computing/gpu/nvidia-rtx-5090-vs-rtx-4090
[6] https://gamersnexus.net/gpus/nvidia-geforce-rtx-5090-founders-edition-review-benchmarks-gaming-thermals-power
[7] https://en.as.com/meristation/news/geforce-rtx-5090-a-review-of-a-graphics-card-that-represents-a-revolution-in-graphics-performance-n/
[8] https://www.techloy.com/nvidia-rtx-5090-vs-rtx-4090-what-are-the-key-differences/
[9] https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8wEXrZSnsRM
[10] https://www.reddit.com/r/nvidia/comments/1i8ycnf/dlss_4_on_4090_vs_5090_evaluation/
[11] https://www.reddit.com/r/pcgaming/comments/1hxdvgp/nvidia_rtx_5090_50_series_is_dlss_4_worth_the/