Tag: Nvidia RTX 5090

January 6, 2026

Asus ROG Zephyrus Duo 16: Dual OLED Screens & Intel CPUs Upgrade

Key Takeaways

1. The ROG Zephyrus Duo 16 has been updated with Intel’s Panther Lake platform, featuring a 16-core CPU and enhanced Nvidia Blackwell GPU options (RTX 5070 Ti and RTX 5090).

2. Memory and storage options are limited, with the RTX 5090 model offering 64 GB RAM and 2 TB storage, while the RTX 5070 Ti model has 32 GB RAM and 1 TB storage.

3. Both models include a 90 Wh battery, 1080p webcam, multiple USB ports, HDMI 2.1, and a micro SD card reader.

4. The new display features two 16-inch WQXGA OLED screens with a 120 Hz refresh rate, enhancing its gaming capabilities.

5. The ROG Zephyrus Duo 16 will launch in Q2 2026, with pricing details to be announced later.

The ROG Zephyrus Duo 16 was, without a doubt, one of the most fascinating devices introduced by Asus in 2023. Our thorough analysis praised its dual-screen feature and robust hardware. This laptop-tablet hybrid has just been updated at CES 2026. It now boasts considerable upgrades under the hood. The launch is set for Q2 2026, and the pricing details will be disclosed later.

New Intel Platform

In contrast to its 2023 predecessor, which utilized AMD Ryzen 7000 processors, the latest ROG Zephyrus Duo 16 is built on Intel’s cutting-edge Panther Lake platform. Asus hasn’t specified any SKU names but has indicated it incorporates a 16-core CPU, likely the anticipated Core Ultra X9 388H. The GPU has also received an enhancement to Nvidia Blackwell, with options limited to the GeForce RTX 5070 Ti and RTX 5090.

Memory and Storage Limitations

Regrettably, Asus does not provide much in terms of memory and storage options. The RTX 5090 model comes equipped with 64 GB of LPDDR5x RAM and 2 TB of storage, while the RTX 5070 Ti version is restricted to 32 GB of RAM and 1 TB of storage. Fortunately, the rest of the features are the same for both models, such as a 90 Wh battery, 1080p webcam, two Thunderbolt 4.0 ports, two USB 3.2 Gen2 Type-A ports, one HDMI 2.1 port, a 3.5 mm combo audio jack, and a micro SD card reader.

Stunning Display Enhancements

The most remarkable upgrade, however, is its display. Rather than providing a small secondary screen to complement a bigger one, the new ROG Zephyrus Duo 16 truly lives up to its name, featuring two 16-inch WQXGA (2,880 x 1,880) OLED screens with a 120 Hz refresh rate. Essentially, it serves as a gaming-oriented version of the ZenBook Duo. Additional specifications include Wi-Fi 7 and Bluetooth 6.0. Weighing in at 2.80 kilograms, the ROG Zephyrus Duo isn’t the lightest laptop on the market, but this is a trade-off for having dual screens and high-performance components.

Tags: Intel Panther Lake, Nvidia RTX 5090, ROG Zephyrus Duo 16
October 29, 2025

Nvidia RTX 5090 Giveaway with Custom Battlefield 6 Design

Key Takeaways

1. Nvidia is giving away an RTX 5090 graphics card through a gaming skills contest on the Battlefield subreddit.
2. Participants must upload their best Battlefield 6 gameplay clip under three minutes, without cuts or edits, to enter.
3. The gameplay must be recorded by the entrant and should not contain offensive content.
4. The giveaway is open to residents of specific countries, including the US, UK, Canada, and several European nations.
5. Entries are due by October 31, 2025, with the winner announced on November 3, 2025.

Nvidia has kicked off a fresh giveaway where participants can win the RTX 5090, which is the top model in the RTX 50-series. This announcement was made on the Battlefield subreddit, where Nvidia laid out the details for fans to enter and have a chance at this impressive graphics card.

Show Your Skills

Unlike typical giveaways that involve just signing up, this one requires you to display your gaming talent. To join in, gamers must capture their most thrilling Battlefield 6 gameplay moment and upload it to the r/Battlefield subreddit with the “Got Clips” flair. The Nvidia team will choose the player who submits the most exciting clip as the recipient of the custom Battlefield 6-themed RTX 5090 GPU.

Simple Guidelines to Follow

There are a few straightforward rules participants must adhere to. The gameplay clip should solely feature Battlefield 6, and it must be under three minutes long without any cuts or edits. Any video resolution is fine as long as it’s clear enough for viewers to understand what’s happening. Additionally, the gameplay should be recorded by the entrant, and all content needs to be suitable and not offensive in nature.

Eligibility and Deadlines

It’s crucial to remember that this giveaway is available to people living in Australia, Austria, Belgium, Canada (except Quebec), Colombia, Croatia, Czech Republic, Denmark, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hong Kong, Hungary, Ireland, Japan, Mexico, New Zealand, Norway, Peru, Poland, Romania, Singapore, South Korea, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, Taiwan, The Netherlands, Turkey, the United Kingdom, and the United States (excluding Puerto Rico and its territories).

Entries are now open, but you must submit your clip by October 31, 2025, at 5 PM PT. After the submission window closes, Nvidia will announce the winner around November 3. The winner will have a week to respond, and if they fail to do so, another winner will be chosen.

Source:
Link

Tags: Battlefield 6, Gaming Giveaway, Nvidia RTX 5090
October 17, 2025

RedMagic Unveils Gaming Laptop and Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5 Series

Key Takeaways

1. RedMagic has launched the RedMagic Gaming Laptop 16 Pro 2026 in China, expected to be released globally as the Titan 16 Pro 2026.
2. The laptop can be equipped with powerful hardware, including an Nvidia RTX 5090 and Intel Core Ultra 9 275HX, enabling smooth performance for gaming at 1440p.
3. There are multiple configurations available, all featuring the Intel Core Ultra 9 275HX, with options including the Nvidia RTX 5070 Ti and RTX 5080 for various performance levels.
4. The 16-inch display offers a resolution of 2560 x 1600 pixels, a 300 Hz refresh rate, and full 100% DCI-P3 color coverage, along with a brightness of 500 nits.
5. The laptop features a modern design, a 99 Wh battery with 100 W PD support, and 80 Gbps Thunderbolt 5 compatibility, with pricing starting at CNY 14,999 (approximately $2,105).

RedMagic has unveiled several new gadgets in China. The spotlight is primarily on the RedMagic 11 Pro series, which is powered by the Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5, but the company has also rolled out an exciting new gaming laptop.

New Gaming Laptop Announcement

The newly launched laptop, named the RedMagic Gaming Laptop 16 Pro 2026 in China, is anticipated to be released globally as the Titan 16 Pro 2026. As the company previously hinted, this device can be equipped with up to an Nvidia RTX 5090 and an Intel Core Ultra 9 275HX. Based on our testing, this powerful setup should be able to run almost all games smoothly at 1440p resolution with maximum visual settings turned on.

Configurations and Performance

The brand is not stopping at just one configuration for the gaming laptop. There are actually two more variations available, all featuring the same Intel Core Ultra 9 275HX processor. For the graphics card, the base model comes with the Nvidia RTX 5070 Ti, which is a reliable upper mid-range option. There is also a higher-tier option that includes the RTX 5080, known for its strong performance in high-end gaming laptops. RedMagic emphasizes that both the CPU and GPU are paired with the Magic Cooling Architecture 2.0, designed to keep the system cool even under heavy usage. This new design reportedly allows for improved airflow compared to previous models, featuring a total of three active fans.

Display and Features

Turning to the display, the RedMagic Gaming Laptop 16 Pro 2026 boasts a 16-inch screen with a resolution of 2560 x 1600 pixels. This 16:10 aspect ratio panel is said to offer a typical brightness of 500 nits, DC dimming, a 300 Hz refresh rate, and full 100% DCI-P3 color coverage.

Additional features of the new RedMagic gaming laptop include a modern design, a substantial 99 Wh battery with 100 W PD support (you can find the Baseus 145 W laptop power bank for approx. $62.98 on Amazon), and 80 Gbps Thunderbolt 5 compatibility. The base model was introduced in China at a price of CNY 14,999, roughly $2,105, while the premium configuration retails for CNY 27,999, which is around $3,930. There is currently no information regarding a global release, but it is expected to make its debut internationally soon.

Source:
Link

Tags: Intel Core Ultra 9 275HX, Nvidia RTX 5090
October 1, 2025

RedMagic to Launch RTX 5090 Gaming Laptop and Snapdragon 8 Elite Phone

Key Takeaways

1. RedMagic will launch the gaming smartphone RedMagic 11 Pro with Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5 on October 17, 2025, in China.
2. The company is also set to reveal a new gaming laptop, the RedMagic Titan 16 Pro 2026, featuring Intel’s Core Ultra 9 275HX CPU and Nvidia RTX 5090 Laptop GPU.
3. The gaming laptop is expected to handle games at 1440p resolution with maximum settings smoothly.
4. It’s unclear if the RedMagic Titan 16 Pro 2026 will have different configurations, as the previous model did not.
5. The design of the new laptop will likely remain similar to the last generation, which had a 16-inch display and allowed RAM and storage upgrades, but improvements in cooling are anticipated.

RedMagic is preparing to introduce its latest gaming smartphone, the RedMagic 11 Pro, powered by the Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5. This device will officially launch in China on October 17, 2025. However, there’s more to look forward to at the event, as the company has also hinted at a new gaming laptop that will be revealed on the same day in the Chinese market.

New Gaming Laptop Details

The upcoming gaming laptop is anticipated to be released globally as the RedMagic Titan 16 Pro 2026. It will incorporate a high-performance CPU from Intel’s Arrow Lake series. More specifically, RedMagic has confirmed that it will feature the Core Ultra 9 275HX, boasting a configuration of 24 cores alongside a 4-core Arc iGPU.

Additionally, the Intel processor will be combined with the Nvidia RTX 5090 Laptop GPU, which is currently the leading choice for mobile gaming. This powerful setup is expected to ensure that the new RedMagic gaming laptop can handle all games at a 1440p resolution with maximum visual settings without any hiccups.

Configuration Possibilities

It’s not yet clear if the RedMagic Titan 16 Pro 2026 will come in different configurations, as the previous generation didn’t offer any alternatives in the global market. Speaking of the last-gen model, it features a 16-inch display, and it seems this will remain unchanged in the new system.

On top of that, the earlier gaming laptop from RedMagic had a stylish design and allowed for RAM and storage upgrades (2 TB Samsung 990 Pro SSD currently priced at $159.99 on Amazon). Nonetheless, we found that the cooling system left something to be desired, which we hope the company has addressed in the forthcoming RTX 5090 laptop.

Source:
Link

Tags: Nvidia RTX 5090, RedMagic 11 Pro
September 17, 2025

Borderlands 4 Sells 2 Million Copies Despite Performance Issues

Key Takeaways

1. Borderlands 4 has sold around two million copies, with over half of the sales on the Steam platform, generating about $150 million in revenue.
2. Player engagement peaked at over 304,000 on Steam but has decreased to around 230,000 due to performance issues like stuttering and crashes, leading to mixed reviews.
3. Developer communication from Randy Pitchford has been criticized for being defensive, as he emphasizes that players may not be meeting the system requirements for the game.
4. Console players, including those with high-end setups, are experiencing frame rate drops and performance problems, raising concerns about reliance on upscaling technologies.
5. Despite performance issues, Borderlands 4 improves on its predecessors with a more coherent storyline and better navigation in the game world.

The launch of Borderlands 4 has faced quite a few bumps, with the Notebookcheck review highlighting its less-than-ideal optimization. However, this hasn’t deterred players from trying out the looter shooter. According to statistics from Alinea Analytics, the game has sold around two million copies across consoles and PC.

Sales Breakdown

Alinea’s research suggests that a significant portion of these sales, more than half, occurred on the Steam platform. In its debut week, the game achieved 749,000 sales. As a result, 2K and Gearbox Software have reportedly generated about $150 million in revenue to date.

Player Engagement

Looking at the player numbers on Steam, it makes sense that the game is performing well in retail. On September 14th, it peaked at over 304,000 players, although this figure has dipped to a solid 230,000 after its initial weekend.

So far, gamers have shown a lot of patience, but issues with Borderlands 4’s performance continue to linger. Problems like stuttering and crashes are key factors contributing to its mixed rating on Steam. Similar to what happened with Monster Hunter Wilds, a lack of improvements could lead to a significant drop in player support.

Developer Communication

Randy Pitchford hasn’t given much hope to fans who are eager for fixes. While the Gearbox CEO’s frequent updates are welcomed, some players feel his social media remarks come off as too defensive. Pitchford claims that many users are overlooking the system requirements for Borderlands 4. His assertion that the game is a “premium title for premium gamers” has faced criticism as well.

Console Challenges

Console players are also finding it hard to keep their frame rates at an acceptable level. Even those with high-end setups like the Nvidia RTX 5090 or PS5 Pro experience performance drops in open-world sections, resulting in choppy graphics. Pitchford insists that technologies like DLSS or FSR are crucial, yet gamers argue that developers are relying too much on these upscaling methods.

Despite the performance issues, Borderlands 4 does tackle some of the complaints aimed at its earlier versions. Reviews indicate that its storyline is more coherent, and navigating the larger game world is less annoying than before.

Source:
Link

Tags: Borderlands 4, Nvidia RTX 5090
June 25, 2025

Nvidia RTX 5090DD Launch in August 2025: China Focused Graphics Card

Key Takeaways

1. Nvidia’s RTX 5090 is the most powerful consumer GPU but is hard to find at its retail price globally.
2. Export limitations in China have forced Nvidia to adapt its GPUs to meet local regulations, impacting its premier offerings.
3. Nvidia is creating China-specific GPUs, like the RTX 5090D and the upcoming RTX 5090DD, to maintain market presence.
4. The RTX 5090D and RTX 5090DD have the same core count and TDP as the RTX 5090 but differ in AI performance and memory specs.
5. The RTX 5090DD is expected to launch around August 2025, featuring reduced memory and bandwidth compared to the flagship RTX 5090.

Nvidia’s RTX 5090 stands out as the most potent consumer GPU the company has ever produced, yet it remains notoriously difficult to acquire at its suggested retail price in many regions around the globe when it’s even available.

Challenges in the Chinese Market

In China, export limitations have compelled Nvidia to modify its premier GPU offerings repeatedly over the past few years, so they meet local regulations. This adjustment is crucial due to the massive potential market in China, especially with rising worries in the United States regarding Chinese AI researchers leveraging Nvidia’s top-tier consumer GPU to gain an advantage in the quest for Artificial General Intelligence (AGI).

Domestic Solutions

As a result, Nvidia has been creating GPUs tailored for the Chinese market that adhere to these restrictions since the previous generation. These GPUs are designed to comply with current regulations while ensuring that Nvidia maintains a strong presence in the domestic consumer GPU market, effectively keeping Team Green at the forefront.

Nvidia is rumored to be planning the launch of the RTX 5090DD, which would follow the RTX 5090D GPU currently available in China. This move aims to satisfy the increasing performance standards required for any GPU sold in the region.

Recent Developments

It’s worth mentioning that Nvidia already introduced a limited version of the previous Ada Lovelace flagship, the RTX 4090, in the form of the China-exclusive RTX 4090D. Additionally, there was an earlier variant of the current RTX 5090 known as the RTX 5090D.

The key difference lies in the specs; while the RTX 4090D had fewer cores and a lower TDP than the RTX 4090, both the RTX 5090D and the anticipated RTX 5090DD maintain the same CUDA core count (21760) and TDP (575W) as the full RTX 5090.

Memory and Performance Variations

However, a significant difference exists: the RTX 5090D delivers the complete speed and memory capacity of the RTX 5090 but comes with limited AI TOPs. On the other hand, the RTX 5090DD is said to reduce memory to 24GB of GDDR7 with a narrower 384-bit bus bandwidth compared to the 512-bit configuration of Nvidia’s flagship model.

Although Nvidia has not officially announced the RTX 5090DD, sources suggest a tentative release around August 2025, according to a Taiwanese site, Benchlife.

Source:
Link

Tags: Nvidia RTX 5090, RTX 5090D
April 23, 2025

Razer Blade 16 Gaming Laptops with RTX 5090 Now Available

Key Takeaways

1. Razer Blade 16 Availability: All versions of the Razer Blade 16 gaming laptop are now available for purchase after initial pre-order concerns due to tariffs.

2. Thinner Design: The Blade 16 features a thinner design at just .59 inches, improved from the bulkier 2024 model, with enhanced cooling systems.

3. Impressive Gaming Experience: The laptop offers a desktop-like gaming experience with high build quality and a vibrant QHD+ 240Hz OLED display.

4. Upgrade Limitations: The laptop has soldered memory options (32 GB or 64 GB) that cannot be upgraded, which may limit customization for some buyers.

5. Quick Shipping: The Razer Blade 16 is expected to ship quickly, potentially arriving by the end of April, but many Blade 14 and Blade 18 models remain out of stock.

Buyers were worried when many Razer laptops vanished from the company’s US store. This included the Blade 16, as tariffs complicated pre-orders. Luckily, Razer has revealed that all versions of the 16-inch gaming laptop are now available. Models featuring AMD Ryzen AI 9 300 CPUs start at $2999.99, while an option with an RTX 5090 can go up to $4899.99.

A Thinner Design

When it was unveiled at CES 2025, the most noticeable change in the Blade 16 was its thickness. After feedback about the bulkiness of the 2024 model, Razer managed to slim down the latest version to just .59 inches at its thinnest area. To keep the temperature in check, the laptop employs a new vapor chamber cooling system and super-slim exhaust fins. Razer has also upgraded to Ryzen AI 9 300 processors to provide a more efficient performance.

Impressive Gaming Experience

Notebookcheck’s review of the Razer Blade 16 praised the device for offering a desktop-like gaming experience. Even with a sleeker profile, Razer maintained its high build quality. Additionally, its QHD+ 240Hz OLED display is impressive, showcasing vibrant and precise colors.

Upgrade Limitations

One downside is the laptop’s soldered memory options of 32 GB or 64 GB LPDDR5X 8000 MHz. The inability to upgrade the RAM may pose a challenge for customers wishing to customize their system at checkout. Buyers can choose from Nvidia RTX 5070 Ti, RTX 5080, and RTX 5090 graphics cards along with two Ryzen AI 9 CPUs. However, some configurations might restrict memory and storage selections.

The good news is that the pre-order worries seem to be resolved for US buyers. No matter the version, the Razer Blade 16 is expected to ship quickly, potentially arriving by the end of April. Currently, the gaming laptop is available only on Razer’s website and in physical retail locations. Unfortunately, most models of the Blade 14 and Blade 18 are still out of stock.

Press release from Razer PR

WHAT: Razer™, the top global lifestyle brand for gamers, today announced that the highly praised Razer Blade 16 with the newest NVIDIA® GeForce RTX™ 50 Series Laptop GPUs and AMD® Ryzen AI 9 300 series processors is now ready for purchase exclusively at Razer.com and RazerStores throughout the United States.

Tags: Nvidia RTX 5090, Razer Blade 16
March 14, 2025

Radeon RX 9070 XT vs GeForce RTX 5090 Stock Disparity Revealed

Key Takeaways

1. The GeForce RTX 5090 is hard to find, despite over half of Nvidia’s RTX 50 series being available.
2. AMD has a large inventory of Radeon RX 9070 XT cards, while the RTX 5090 is scarce.
3. RTX 5090 and 5080 have long waiting times of 3-4 months and 2 months, respectively.
4. Other models like AMD’s RX 9070 and Nvidia’s RTX 5070 Ti are readily available, but stock varies by retailer.
5. Nvidia appears to favor certain companies for GPU distribution, leaving many consumers without options.

Even with over half of Nvidia’s GeForce RTX 50 series now available, securing one has been quite difficult, especially for those wanting the high-end RTX 5090. Those trying to buy pre-built computers just to get these popular GPUs aren’t having much luck either. PowerGPU, a system integrator from North Carolina, recently highlighted how challenging the situation is.

AMD vs Nvidia Inventory

In a recent post on X titled “AMD inventory vs Nvidia inventory,” there’s a striking image showing more than 70 AMD Radeon RX 9070 XT graphics cards piled up beside a solitary GeForce RTX 5090. At first, it seems exaggerated, and perhaps PowerGPU does have more hidden away. However, checking the company’s PC building tool shows a waiting time of 3 to 4 months for the RTX 5090 and around two months for the RTX 5080.

Availability of Other Models

In contrast, the AMD Radeon RX 9070 XT and RX 9070, along with Nvidia’s GeForce RTX 5070 Ti and RTX 5070, are readily available for installation. However, the availability can differ from one OEM to another. For instance, CyberPowerPC, another system integrator, has no RTX 5090-powered systems left, while they can be found easily on the websites of Alienware and Origin PC.

Regardless of the situation, it appears Nvidia is favoring certain companies over others. Unfortunately, end users are still left empty-handed and likely will be for the next few weeks. Nevertheless, the wait might be worthwhile if the 32 GB Radeon RX 9070 XTX, a graphics card that AMD claims doesn’t exist, is released sometime in the first half of 2025.

Source:
Link

Tags: AMD Radeon RX 9070 XT, Nvidia RTX 5090, PowerGPU
March 7, 2025

MSI Addresses Nvidia RTX 5090 Recall Rumors About Fire Hazards

Key Takeaways

1. Customers are anxious about reports of melting power connectors and unusable RTX 5090 GPUs.
2. Speculations about a recall arose after a retailer claimed previous units had been recalled due to fire hazards.
3. MSI denied any ongoing recall and criticized the retailer for spreading misinformation.
4. The RTX 5090 has faced scrutiny, with issues of overheating and performance problems reported.
5. Despite these concerns, the RTX 5090 remains highly sought after, making order cancellations frustrating for buyers.

Nvidia RTX 5090 customers have been feeling anxious due to reports of melting power connectors and GPUs becoming unusable. A chat that KitGuru had with one buyer suggested that MSI was looking to recall the card due to safety worries. However, the retailer that sold the RTX 5090 later claimed the confusion was due to a communication error. MSI has now addressed the matter, quelling any thoughts of a recall.

Recall Speculations

The rumors about a recall started when a customer bought an MSI RTX 5090 Suprim from a retailer in the Netherlands. Before the graphics card could be shipped, Uw Game Specialist told the customer that they could no longer fulfill the order. Customer support mentioned that five previous units of the GPU had been recalled due to potential fire hazards. KitGuru verified that the order was real, but the CEO of the store found no proof of such an email.

MSI’s Response

Even though the RTX 5090 eventually reached the customer, this incident caught MSI’s eye. The company criticized Uw Game Specialist for spreading harmful claims and pointed out that it was not an official partner. MSI made it clear that there is no ongoing recall for the Nvidia Blackwell GPU.

Despite MSI’s reassurances, the RTX 5090 continues to face regular scrutiny. Owners of the RTX 4090 already experienced melting power connectors, which led to a switch to 12V-2×6 alternatives. Sadly, this has not stopped similar issues with the new GPU. In some cases, overheating graphics cards instead of the cables have caused failures. Additionally, certain RTX 5090 models have been produced without some ROPs, resulting in lower performance.

Ongoing Issues

The RTX 5090 is still the most talked-about GPU in the 50-series, in spite of these problems. Although many of Nvidia’s latest graphics cards are hard to find, the RTX 5090 is also rarely in stock. For a buyer who finally finds the card, having their order canceled for any reason can be a real nightmare.

Source:
Link

Tags: MSI, Nvidia RTX 5090
February 26, 2025

GeForce RTX 50-Series Benchmark Issues Resolved, New Gamer Problem Emerges

Key Takeaways

1. Nvidia has removed 32-bit support for the GeForce RTX 50 series, impacting performance benchmarks.
2. The RTX 5090 and RTX 5080 underperformed compared to older models like the RTX 4090 in PassMark tests.
3. Compatibility issues with 32-bit CUDA and OpenCL appear to be the cause of performance drops in newer graphics cards.
4. Some gamers are reverting to older graphics cards for better compatibility with games that require 32-bit support.
5. The performance gap in benchmarks raises concerns about the overall gaming experience for users of the RTX 5090 and RTX 5080.

Recently, we’ve been discussing the odd situation concerning new graphics cards like the GeForce RTX 5090 and RTX 5080 on the PassMark benchmark database. Even though both models did well in our extensive evaluations, they struggled to surpass their older counterparts on this specific platform. In fact, the RTX 5090 ended up ranking lower than the RTX 4090 regarding overall graphics benchmark performance. The surprising cause of these performance issues has now come to light via an X account associated with PassMark.

Nvidia’s 32-Bit Support Removal

In simple terms, Nvidia’s subtle withdrawal of 32-bit support for the GeForce RTX 50 series probably should have been more noticeable. While 32-bit CUDA (Nvidia’s unique framework) and 32-bit OpenCL (the open-source counterpart) will continue to function on older card generations, they are now “deprecated” for the Blackwell architecture. Although PassMark indicates that its PerformanceTest application is 64-bit, the compatibility issues likely led to the RTX 5090 and RTX 5080 either not functioning properly or underperforming. Ironically, the site mentions that they couldn’t even acquire an RTX 5090 for direct testing.

Impacts on Benchmarking and Gaming Performance

While this revelation does clarify why the RTX 5090 and RTX 5080 appeared less impressive compared to the RTX 4090 and RTX 4080 in this context, and a future update from PassMark may enhance the performance of the Blackwell cards, that’s unfortunately where the good news ends. As highlighted in the X post included below this article, the removal of software layer support doesn’t clarify why the RTX 5090 lags behind the RTX 4090 in the DirectX 9 test, especially when comparing sample sizes of 70 versus 14,521, which is quite unbalanced.

Concerns for Gamers

Moreover, while this development is positive for those who care mainly about benchmarks, it might spell trouble for gamers. Due to the support changes, many gamers have reported purchasing older graphics cards just to ensure compatibility with games that rely on 32-bit PhysX. For instance, a user named u/jerubedo is utilizing an RTX 3050 (Asus OC Edition, which is available on Amazon) alongside the RTX 5090 to mitigate possible software support challenges. Among various game tests, they discovered that running Batman Arkham Asylum at maximum settings without the RTX 3050 yielded 61 FPS, whereas using the older Ampere card increased performance to 390 FPS.

Source:
Link

Tags: Nvidia RTX 5090, PassMark