Nvidia GeForce RTX 4090 vs Nvidia GeForce RTX 3090
Verdict
Our overall take, at a glance
Key takeaways
- Nvidia GeForce RTX 4090 leads Nvidia GeForce RTX 3090 overall by 15 points (96 vs 81 out of 100).
- Nvidia GeForce RTX 4090 stands out on Core Specifications Base Frequency: 2.23 GHz, Core Specifications Base Power: 450 W, Core Specifications Maximum Frequency: 2.52 GHz.
Nvidia GeForce RTX 4090 leads overall
$1,599 at launch
Nvidia GeForce RTX 4090
96
Nvidia GeForce RTX 3090
81
Why it stands out
- Core Specifications Base Frequency: 2.23 GHz
- Core Specifications Base Power: 450 W
- Core Specifications Maximum Frequency: 2.52 GHz
In-depth analysisAI
AI-generated from the cited sources — may be incomplete or inaccurate; verify important details before deciding · generated Jun 2026.
Nvidia GeForce RTX 4090
The GeForce RTX 4090 is the flagship graphics card in Nvidia's consumer GPU family, succeeding the GeForce RTX 30 series. It is based on Nvidia's Ada Lovelace architecture and features third-generation RT cores and fourth-generation Tensor Cores for hardware acceleration.
Best for High-end graphics tasks
Pros
- Features a TSMC 4N process designed by Nvidia
- Includes three-generation Ray Tracing Cores for accelerated ray tracing
- Supports OpenGL 4.6, Vulkan 1.4, and DirectX Direct3D 12.0 Ultimate APIs
- Features dual NVENC with 8K 10-bit 120FPS AV1 fixed function hardware encoding
Cons
- No NVLink support
- Double-precision performance is 1/64 of single-precision performance
Nvidia GeForce RTX 3090
This is a high-end GPU utilizing the Ampere architecture, built for intensive visual computing tasks. Its advanced design caters to professionals in fields requiring extreme graphical fidelity, including rendering, scientific visualization, and complex model design.
Best for 3D Content CreationBest for Architectural VisualizationBest for Professional Rendering Workstations
Pros
- Utilizes Ampere-based hardware, placing it among Nvidia's powerful lines of GPUs.
- Supports features vital for modern computer graphics, such as ray tracing acceleration.
- General support for multiple graphics APIs (e.g., OptiX and DXR) enables use in varied professional software suites.
Cons
- Targeting high-end institutional or workstation needs suggests a focus away from typical mainstream consumer gaming
- Its high-end nature implies significant power consumption requirements.
Value for Money
Which is the better deal for the price
Pre-filled with launch prices where known — enter today's price for an up-to-date check. Use the same currency for both.
Nvidia GeForce RTX 4090
Nvidia GeForce RTX 3090
Performance
Higher benchmark score = faster
Nvidia GeForce RTX 409039,178
Nvidia GeForce RTX 309026,564
Benchmark score — a measured indicator of raw performance, not a guarantee of real-world speed.
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Detailed Specifications
The full spec sheet, side by side