Nvidia’s latest 50 Sequence GPUs are slowly trickling out, and as standard, the very top-end RTX 5090 (7/10, WIRED Recommends) is the graphics card that everybody is speaking about. It boasts excessive 4K gaming, the newest in AI-powered gaming enhancements, and an influence draw to match.
I can’t blame you for not desirous to spend $2,000 on a GPU; that’s sufficient to construct a midrange gaming PC by itself. At simply $1,000 for the RTX 5080 Founders Version, this still-expensive step-down card would be the mannequin that extra individuals severely think about, even when it is nonetheless a splurge. It is a more sensible choice from a efficiency perspective, assembly individuals the place they already are by way of monitor decision, recreation alternative, and current energy provides.
However how does it fare towards the costlier card, and the way does it deal with among the extra in style and evergreen video games? Properly sufficient to my eyes. When you’re building your next high-end gaming PC and are searching for a high-end video card to match, this is perhaps precisely what you are searching for—if you’ll find one on the market.
Identical Measurement, Extra Environment friendly
The shape issue of the RTX 5080 is similar to its extra highly effective counterpart, with a real two slot design that ought to match usually very comfortably. I actually recognize the scale discount total, and I hope AIC playing cards observe swimsuit.
{Photograph}: Brad Bourque
The place the RTX 5090 attracts an immense 575 watts, the 5080 solely asks for 360 watts with the identical new energy connector. Just like the RTX 5090 FE, the RTX 5080 consists of an adapter, and I think about most associate playing cards will as nicely.
Meaning a decrease total system energy requirement, with Nvidia recommending simply 850 watts for the Founders Version. I count on this can be a better requirement for current rigs to satisfy while not having to purchase a brand new 1,000-watt or higher PSU.
DLSS Efficiency
Nvidia launched a brand new model of its AI-powered enhancement instruments for the RTX 50 Sequence. These notably add help for multi-frame era, which makes use of AI to generate as much as three frames between. When you’re fascinated by studying extra concerning the results of utilizing this tech on picture high quality, be certain that to take a look at the RTX 5090 evaluate.
The brief model is that multi-frame era can produce minor artifacts, significantly in areas the place two objects at completely different depths overlap, comparable to wanting via a fence. These are exhausting to identify throughout a complete display screen although, and the upper body price makes the gaming expertise a lot smoother, so the frames are onscreen much less time.
I’ll begin by testing efficiency in Cyberpunk 2077, one of many extra demanding video games that at the moment helps multi-frame era.
Screenshot courtesy of Brad Bourque
