Nvidia CEO Jensen Huang, speaking at CES 2025, justified the unprecedented $2,000 price tag of the newly announced RTX 5090, claiming that many customers simply desire “the best.” This flagship GPU marks a significant price jump from the rest of the 50-series lineup, with the RTX 5080 priced at $1,000, half the cost.
RTX 50-Series: More Than Just Graphics Cards
Huang emphasized the role of AI and Tensor cores in achieving the performance leaps of the 50-series, stating that DLSS 4 is integral to the new capabilities. He also hinted at the possibility of an RTX 5060, though no concrete details were revealed. The new generation represents a significant technological advancement, according to Huang, beyond a simple generational upgrade.
Pricing Strategy and Performance Gains
While the RTX 5090’s price has raised eyebrows, other cards in the 50-series are priced competitively. The RTX 5080 matches the RTX 4080 Super’s $1,000 price point, and the RTX 5070 Ti and RTX 5070 are $50 less than their predecessors, retailing at $750 and $550, respectively. Nvidia claims the 50-series offers twice the performance of the previous generation, largely due to DLSS 4.
DLSS 4: A Game Changer
DLSS 4, exclusive to the 50-series, introduces multi-frame generation. This allows the RTX 5090 to utilize 4X frame generation, meaning the GPU renders only one out of every four frames. This technology represents a major shift in graphics processing and contributes significantly to the performance improvements.
The Future of High-End Gaming
The RTX 5090’s $2,000 price point positions it as a premium product aimed at enthusiasts seeking top-tier performance. Its performance potential, fueled by DLSS 4, suggests a significant leap in gaming capabilities.
Both the RTX 5090 and RTX 5080 are scheduled for release on January 30th, promising a new era of high-performance gaming. While the value proposition of the RTX 5090 remains to be seen in real-world testing, its advanced features and promised performance make it a compelling offering for those seeking the ultimate gaming experience.
The Value Proposition
The true value of the RTX 5090 will ultimately depend on its real-world performance. Its high price will undoubtedly limit its accessibility, but for those willing to invest, it promises unprecedented gaming performance. The coming weeks will reveal whether the RTX 5090 truly lives up to its hefty price tag and delivers the revolutionary experience Nvidia claims.
