GeForce RTX 5090 tested in Cyberpunk 2077
The Nvidia GeForce RTX 5090, the most powerful gaming GPU that Nvidia has ever built, is set to appear on store shelves on January 30. Initial reviews for the top RTX 5000 graphics card are to drop on January 24 with RTX 5080 independent performance testing results reportedly landing on January 30. However, even though no reviews are allowed yet, we already know what to expect from the RTX 5090 thanks to various leaks and some gaming performance numbers, all unofficial and to be taken with a grain of salt, of course.
One such gaming test by PC Centric reveals the performance of the RTX 5090 in Cyberpunk 2077 with and without DLSS Frame Generation.
RTX 5090 gaming performance with DLSS Frame Generation
Unsurprisingly, the RTX 5090 performs quite well with 4x Frame Generation and DLSS set to “Performance” mode. The GPU reportedly runs Cyberpunk 2077 at 4K/Ultra with max ray tracing at up to 290 FPS. This frame rate is coupled with 35 to 40+ ms of latency.
Turning on DLSS “Quality” drops the average FPS down to about 200 and introduces a small spike in latency. Interestingly, changing the Frame Generation settings from 2x to 4x, and vice versa, doesn’t have as much of an effect on latency as one might’ve expected, if the YouTuber's findings are to be believed.
RTX 5090 performance without DLSS Frame Generation
PC Centric’s testing shows a night and day difference between the average FPS with and without Frame Generation. Where the RTX 5090 was hitting 200 FPS with DLSS “Quality” and 4x Frame Generation, the GPU is only managing around 65 FPS with Frame Generation off. For reference, per zWORMz Gaming on YouTube, the RTX 4090 nets around 40-47 FPS in a similar scenario.
Finally, with DLSS and Frame Generation both disabled, the RTX 5090 buckles under the weight of Cyberpunk 2077 running with full Path Tracing at 4K/ultra, as the FPS dips below 30.
Long story short, the RTX 5090, a GPU with a $2,000 MSRP, requires DLSS for smooth gameplay in Cyberpunk if you want to crank all graphics settings to the max. If you want to enjoy the game on a high refresh rate display, Nvidia’s new Multi Frame Generation will be your best friend.
Source(s)
PC Centric on YouTube, zWormZ Gaming on YouTube, Teaser image: Nvidia, FlyD on Unsplash, edited
