Nvidia’s latest 50 Collection GPUs are slowly trickling out, and as traditional, 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 eager 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 folks critically take into account, even when it is nonetheless a splurge. It is a more sensible choice from a efficiency perspective, assembly folks the place they already are by way of monitor decision, recreation alternative, and current energy provides.
However how does it fare in opposition to the costlier card, and the way does it deal with a few of the extra fashionable and evergreen video games? Effectively sufficient to my eyes. For those who’re constructing your subsequent high-end gaming PC and are on the lookout for a high-end video card to match, this may be precisely what you are on the lookout for—if you will discover one on the market.
Identical Dimension, Extra Environment friendly
The shape issue of the RTX 5080 is equivalent to its extra highly effective counterpart, with a real two slot design that ought to match typically very comfortably. I actually admire the dimensions discount general, and I hope AIC playing cards observe swimsuit.
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{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 accomplice playing cards will as nicely.
Meaning a decrease general system energy requirement, with Nvidia recommending simply 850 watts for the Founders Version. I count on this will likely be a neater requirement for current rigs to satisfy with no need to purchase a brand new 1,000-watt or greater PSU.
DLSS Efficiency
Nvidia launched a brand new model of its AI-powered enhancement instruments for the RTX 50 Collection. These notably add assist for multi-frame era, which makes use of AI to generate as much as three frames between. For those who’re desirous about 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, notably in areas the place two objects at completely different depths overlap, equivalent to trying by means of a fence. These are onerous to identify throughout a complete display 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
