The NVIDIA GeForce RTX 5080 and RTX 4090 are both high-end graphics cards designed for gaming enthusiasts. Here’s a detailed comparison of their gaming performance.
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RTX 5080
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RTX 4090
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Ray Tracing Cores : 4th Gen
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Ray Tracing Cores : 3rd Gen
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Tensor Cores : 5th Gen
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Tensor Cores : 4th Gen
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Nvidia Decoder : 6th Gen
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Nvidia Decoder : 5th Gen
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Nvidia Encoder : 9th Gen
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Nvidia Encoder : 8th Gen
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VDPAU : Feature Set M
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VDPAU : Feature Set L
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PureVideo HD : VP13
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PureVideo HD : VP12
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In our RTX 5080 vs RTX 4090 comparison, we conducted extensive gaming tests across multiple resolutions to evaluate real-world performance. We tested 10 popular games at 1080p, 10 games at 1440p, and 10 games at 4K (2160p) to measure raw performance differences. Additionally, we analyzed 5 games with Ray Tracing + DLSS 4 at both 1440p and 4K resolutions, showcasing how AI-driven upscaling impacts frame rates. To push the limits, we also tested Ray Tracing + DLSS 4 Multi-Frame Generation, which significantly improves smoothness. With all these benchmarks, we calculated the average performance across each category, offering a comprehensive breakdown of how the RTX 5080 and RTX 4090 compare in modern gaming scenarios.
10 Games Tested 1080p Resolution
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10 Games Average at 1080p Resolution
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RTX 5080
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RTX 4090
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Average FPS : 144.4
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Average FPS : 151.9 ﹙ +5.1% ﹚
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1% Low FPS : 100.1 ﹙ +5% ﹚
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1% Low FPS : 95.3
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0.1% Low FPS : 78.6 ﹙ +44.7% ﹚
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0.1% Low FPS : 54.3
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Conclusion : RTX 5080 vs RTX 4090 at 1080p
In our 10-game average test at 1080p, the RTX 4090 leads in raw performance, delivering an average of 151.9 FPS, which is 5.1% higher than the RTX 5080’s 144.4 FPS. However, the RTX 5080 shows better frame stability, particularly in 0.1% low FPS, where it records 78.6 FPS (+44.7%) vs. the RTX 4090’s 54.3 FPS.
The 1% low FPS tells a different story, with the RTX 5080 at 100.1 FPS (+5%), slightly ahead of the RTX 4090 at 95.3 FPS. This suggests the RTX 5080 handles frame pacing more smoothly, likely due to GDDR7 memory improvements or driver optimizations.
Final Thoughts
- RTX 4090 is still the faster card overall in terms of raw FPS.
- RTX 5080 provides a smoother experience, especially in 0.1% lows, which helps reduce stutters.
- If you’re gaming at high refresh rates, the RTX 5080 may feel more consistent, despite the RTX 4090’s higher top-end performance.
10 Games Tested 1440p Resolution
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10 Games Average at 1440p Resolution
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RTX 5080
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RTX 4090
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Average FPS : 114.6
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Average FPS : 124.5 ﹙ +8.6% ﹚
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1% Low FPS : 84.9 ﹙ +1.9% ﹚
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1% Low FPS : 83.3
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0.1% Low FPS : 65.2 ﹙ +33% ﹚
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0.1% Low FPS : 49
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Conclusion : RTX 5080 vs RTX 4090 at 1440p
In our 10-game average benchmark at 1440p, the RTX 4090 maintains its lead in raw FPS, delivering 124.5 FPS, which is 8.6% higher than the RTX 5080’s 114.6 FPS. However, the RTX 5080 once again demonstrates better frame stability, particularly in 0.1% low FPS, where it achieves 65.2 FPS (+33%) compared to the RTX 4090’s 49 FPS.
The 1% low FPS performance shows a minor edge for the RTX 5080, reaching 84.9 FPS (+1.9%), slightly outperforming the RTX 4090’s 83.3 FPS. This suggests that while the RTX 4090 delivers superior peak performance, the RTX 5080 offers smoother frame pacing, reducing micro-stutters and improving gameplay fluidity.
Final Thoughts
- RTX 4090 is the better choice for raw FPS, making it ideal for high refresh rate gaming.
- RTX 5080 offers more stable frame times, especially in 0.1% lows, leading to smoother gameplay.
- If your priority is consistent frame delivery, the RTX 5080 is the better option despite having slightly lower average FPS.
10 Games Tested 2160p Resolution
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10 Games Average at 2160p Resolution
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RTX 5080
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RTX 4090
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Average FPS : 68.6
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Average FPS : 77.7 ﹙ +13.2% ﹚
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1% Low FPS : 53.6 ﹙ +2.0% ﹚
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1% Low FPS : 52.5
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0.1% Low FPS : 43.6 ﹙ +25.2% ﹚
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0.1% Low FPS : 34.8
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Conclusion : RTX 5080 vs RTX 4090 at 2160p
At 4K resolution (2160p), the RTX 4090 continues to dominate in raw performance, achieving an average of 77.7 FPS, which is 13.2% higher than the RTX 5080’s 68.6 FPS. This reinforces the RTX 4090’s strength in high-resolution gaming, where its extra CUDA cores and higher memory bandwidth make a noticeable difference.
However, the RTX 5080 once again excels in frame stability, particularly in 0.1% low FPS, where it reaches 43.6 FPS (+25.2%), significantly outperforming the RTX 4090’s 34.8 FPS. This suggests that while the RTX 4090 delivers higher peak FPS, the RTX 5080 provides a smoother gameplay experience with fewer stutters.
The 1% low FPS values are nearly identical, with the RTX 5080 at 53.6 FPS (+2.0%) and the RTX 4090 at 52.5 FPS, further supporting the argument that the RTX 5080 handles frame pacing better in demanding 4K gaming scenarios.
Final Thoughts
- RTX 4090 remains the better choice for maximum FPS at 4K.
- RTX 5080 provides better frame stability, especially in 0.1% lows, reducing stutter.
- For cinematic and immersive gaming, the RTX 4090’s raw power is unmatched, but for a smoother experience, the RTX 5080 is a strong alternative.
5 Games Tested With Ray Tracing+DLSS4 1440p & 4K Resolution
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5 Games Average at 1440p with Ray Tracing + DLSS4
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RTX 5080
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RTX 4090
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Average FPS : 89
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Average FPS : 101.6 ﹙ +14.1% ﹚
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1% Low FPS : 64.4
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1% Low FPS : 69.6 ﹙ +8% ﹚
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0.1% Low FPS : 52.2 ﹙ +23.1% ﹚
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0.1% Low FPS : 42.4
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5 Games Average at 2160p Ray Tracing + DLSS4
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RTX 5080
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RTX 4090
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Average FPS : 56.8
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Average FPS : 64.6 ﹙ +13.7% ﹚
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1% Low FPS : 42.2
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1% Low FPS : 47 ﹙ +11.3% ﹚
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0.1% Low FPS : 35.4 ﹙ +3.5% ﹚
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0.1% Low FPS : 34.2
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Conclusion: RTX 5080 vs RTX 4090 with Ray Tracing + DLSS 4
1440p Ray Tracing + DLSS 4
At 1440p with Ray Tracing and DLSS 4, the RTX 4090 outperforms the RTX 5080 in raw FPS, delivering an average of 101.6 FPS, which is 14.1% higher than the RTX 5080’s 89 FPS. However, once again, the RTX 5080 provides better frame stability, with 0.1% low FPS reaching 52.2 FPS (+23.1%), while the RTX 4090 drops to 42.4 FPS.
The 1% low FPS values show a smaller difference, with the RTX 5080 at 64.4 FPS, just 8% lower than the RTX 4090’s 69.6 FPS. This indicates that while the RTX 4090 has superior top-end performance, the RTX 5080 offers smoother frame pacing with fewer deep frame-time dips.
2160p (4K) Ray Tracing + DLSS 4
At 4K with Ray Tracing and DLSS 4, the RTX 4090 maintains its lead in raw FPS, hitting 64.6 FPS (+13.7%), compared to the RTX 5080’s 56.8 FPS. However, just like in lower resolutions, the RTX 5080 offers better stability in frame times, with 0.1% lows at 35.4 FPS (+3.5%), while the RTX 4090 drops to 34.2 FPS.
The 1% low FPS results tell a similar story—RTX 5080 at 42.2 FPS and RTX 4090 at 47 FPS (+11.3%), meaning the RTX 4090 maintains better minimum frame rates but suffers more from deeper dips.
Final Thoughts
- RTX 4090 is the better performer in raw FPS at both 1440p and 2160p with Ray Tracing + DLSS 4.
- RTX 5080 has better frame stability, particularly in 0.1% lows, making gameplay smoother with fewer stutters.
- At 1440p, the RTX 5080 delivers solid performance with improved frame pacing, making it an excellent option for those who prioritize stability over max FPS.
- At 4K with heavy ray tracing, both GPUs struggle to maintain high FPS, but DLSS 4 helps them stay in playable ranges.
Ray Tracing + DLSS4 Multi Frame Generation
Conclusion : RTX 5080 vs RTX 4090 in Ray Tracing & DLSS4
The battle between the RTX 5080 and RTX 4090 in Ray Tracing + DLSS4 Multi Frame Generation showcases interesting results. While the RTX 5080 demonstrates improved frame generation scaling, the RTX 4090 still holds a lead in raw performance in most scenarios.
- Alan Wake 2: The RTX 5080 at x4 FG surpasses the RTX 4090 at x2 FG, proving that NVIDIA’s next-gen frame generation technology enhances performance significantly.
- Cyberpunk 2077 (RT Overdrive): The RTX 5080 with x4 FG achieves higher FPS than the RTX 4090, but lower-tier DLSS settings still favor the 4090.
- Indiana Jones (Full RT + DLSS + FG): The RTX 4090 dominates, while the RTX 5080 struggles with ultra-demanding RT workloads, showing that it may not yet replace the 4090 in extreme cases.
Final Thoughts
The RTX 5080 brings impressive advancements in AI-driven upscaling and frame generation, making it a strong contender for high-performance gaming. However, the RTX 4090 remains a powerhouse in pure GPU performance, especially in extreme ray-tracing scenarios.
For gamers prioritizing DLSS4 enhancements and next-gen efficiency, the RTX 5080 is a solid choice. But if uncompromised raw power and stability are your goals, the RTX 4090 still reigns supreme. Your decision ultimately depends on whether you value cutting-edge AI-driven performance or brute-force rendering power.