Introduction

The recent launch of the NVIDIA RTX 5090 has been met with mixed reviews from both gaming and productivity users, eager to evaluate its performance. While the CUDA cores, clock speeds, and power draw of the GPU are primary performance factors, a key enhancement is the adoption of GDDR7 memory technology. This represents a notable advancement from the GDDR6X memory utilized in the RTX 4090 that delivers generational uplift. NVIDIA's new lineup of GPUs will utilize GDDR7, so let's explore the implications the new memory standard has for various workloads and their impact on overall system performance.

GDDR7 vs GDDR6X & GDDR6

The RTX 5090 marks a significant leap forward in graphics card technology, not just in raw processing power, but also in its memory architecture. It's equipped with cutting-edge GDDR7 memory, the newest memory technology that breaks performance expectations. GDDR7 is the successor to GDDR6X and GDDR6, with a generational uplift in speed, efficiency, and latency, all of which contribute to a more responsive and powerful GPU.

• Advancements Over GDDR6X:
  • Increased Speed: With a higher gigatransfer speed, GDDR7 can deliver more data faster, which results in a more responsive experience in various workloads.
  • Increased Bandwidth: GDDR7 will have higher bandwidth compared to GDDR6X, allowing the GPU to access and process data much faster, critical for handling high-resolution, high-complexity gaming and complex professional workloads like inferencing AI models, HPC simulations, and more.
  • Improved Power Efficiency: GDDR7 is designed to operate more efficiently, potentially reducing power consumption and heat generation.
  • Potential Latency Reductions: Although specific latency figures can vary, GDDR7 is engineered to minimize the time it takes for data to travel to and from the memory, further enhancing responsiveness.
  • New Signaling Methods: GDDR7 incorporates more advanced signaling techniques, potentially moving beyond PAM4, allowing for faster and more efficient data transfer.

The First GDDR7 GPU - NVIDIA RTX 5090

Let’s see how the GDDR7 memory in the RTX 5090 compares to the memory GDDR6X in the RTX 4090.

Implications on Gaming and Professional Workloads:

• Gaming: The enhanced memory bandwidth of the RTX 5090, thanks to GDDR7, translates directly into higher frame rates, especially at higher resolutions like 4K and beyond. Gamers can expect a much smoother and more immersive experience. RTX 5090 and the Blackwell generation are the only GPUs to support DLSS 4.0 which introduces multi-frame gen and uses a transformer AI model (as opposed to a CNN) likely only possible with the faster GDDR7 memory.
• Professional Applications: In professional workloads such as video editing, 3D rendering, and AI training, the increased memory bandwidth and speed of GDDR7 in the RTX 5090 result in significant time savings for a smoother experience. Complex scenes can be rendered faster, and large datasets can be processed more efficiently.
• Bottleneck Reduction: The faster data access provided by GDDR7 significantly reduces potential bottlenecks, allowing the GPU's processing power to be fully utilized. This ensures that the RTX 5090 can achieve its maximum performance potential.

The shift from GDDR6X to GDDR7 is not just an incremental improvement; it's a significant leap forward. The RTX 5090, armed with GDDR7 memory, delivers a notable performance advantage over the RTX 4090 in both gaming and professional workloads.

Conclusion & Key Takeaway

The introduction of the RTX 5090, powered by cutting-edge GDDR7 memory is an appropriate upgrade for the increasingly higher complexity workloads. We expect to see GDDR7 available in professional GPUs that will succeed the RTX 6000 Ada, which is used for HPC simulation, light AI workloads, and more.

SabrePC is a high-performance computing solutions integrator with extensive partnerships with top-tier companies including NVIDIA. SabrePC will stock the NVIDIA RTX 5090 in our configurable workstations. Stay tuned for more in-depth analyses, benchmarks, and comparisons as we continue to explore the exciting world of GPU technology.