No NVIDIA, My High-End GPU Shouldn't Need Fake Frames to Be Good

The RTX 5090: A Powerful Card Hampered by DLSS 4's Reliance

The RTX 5090 is a phenomenal graphics card, but its performance hinges heavily on DLSS 4's multi-frame generation. For a near-$2000 price tag, the RTX 5090 should offer significantly more raw power, and DLSS 4 is currently the limiting factor.

The Evolution of GPU Performance

Historically, NVIDIA and AMD competed based on real-world performance. Before AI-assisted frame generation, raw processing power determined frame rates. Each generation brought increased horsepower and higher frame rates. However, the focus has shifted from raw performance to frame generation, regardless of the method.

DLSS 3 and Single-Frame Generation

DLSS 3 introduced single-frame generation, inserting an AI-generated frame between real frames. While effective in some games, this marked a departure from pure performance. While impressive at CES 2023, concerns remained, particularly for fast-paced games where response time is critical. The generated frame, while often imperceptible, can impact competitive gameplay.

DLSS 3's benefits were most apparent in 4K gaming, enabling playable frame rates in previously unplayable titles. However, its use in fast-paced FPS games like CS:GO and Call of Duty remained questionable due to potential latency issues.

DLSS 4 and Multi-Frame Generation

DLSS 4 takes this further with multi-frame generation, creating three "fake" frames for every real frame. While theoretically beneficial, the practical results are mixed. In Dune: Awakening, for example, the RTX 5090 achieves around 75 FPS without DLSS 4, a respectable but underwhelming figure for a card of its price and capabilities. Enabling DLSS 4 boosts the frame rate to 230 FPS, highlighting a reliance on AI-generated frames rather than native performance. This suggests a lack of game optimization, relying on DLSS to compensate.

DLSS 4's Place in the Market

DLSS 4 is a valuable technology for entry-level cards, significantly improving playability in demanding titles. However, its use on high-end cards like the RTX 5090 masks underlying performance issues. The RTX 5070, with its 12GB VRAM, shouldn't achieve similar frame rates to the RTX 4090 simply due to DLSS. The actual gaming experience differs significantly despite similar frame counts.

The High Cost of Artificial Frames

The RTX 5090's price point demands superior native performance. Game developers' reliance on DLSS 4 to compensate for suboptimal optimization is concerning. The card's high price, coupled with its dependence on DLSS 4 for acceptable frame rates, is disappointing. Compared to previous high-end cards like the RTX 2080 Ti, GTX 1080 Ti, and even the Titan X, which prioritized raw power, the RTX 5090 falls short in terms of value and native performance.

Conclusion

The RTX 5090 possesses impressive specifications, but its performance is underwhelming without DLSS 4. The reliance on AI-generated frames masks a lack of native performance, leaving users paying a premium for a feature that compensates for subpar optimization. At its price point, significantly better native performance is expected.

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