Is RTX 4090 enough for 4K Gaming , with very detailed graphics, is what many gamers dream about. But it’s tough. It needs a strong and expensive graphics card (GPU).
Most GPUs struggle with it. That’s why gamers got excited when Nvidia announced the RTX 4090, their most powerful GPU yet.
The RTX 4090 promises to make 4K gaming smooth and easy. It has new technology for better performance and quality. But is it really that good?
In this article, we’ll check out the RTX 4090 and see if it’s worth the hype. We’ll also compare it to other GPUs to help you decide if it’s right for you.
What Makes the RTX 4090 So Special?
The RTX 4090 is not just another GPU. It’s a beast. It has the latest and greatest technology from Nvidia, making it faster, smarter, and more efficient than any other GPU.
Here are some of the features that make the RTX 4090 stand out:
Ada Lovelace architecture:
This is the new design of the GPU, named after the first computer programmer. It has more cores, more transistors, and more power than the previous generation of GPUs. It also
supports ray tracing, a technique that simulates realistic lighting and shadows in games.
24GB of GDDR6X memory:
This is the amount of memory that the GPU has to store and process data. The more memory, the better the GPU can handle complex textures and assets in games. The RTX
4090 has twice as much memory as the RTX 3090, the previous flagship GPU from Nvidia.
DLSS 3.0:
This is a technology that Nvidia developed to improve performance and quality in games. It stands for
Deep Learning Super Sampling, and it uses artificial intelligence to upscale lower-resolution images to higher-resolution
ones. This way, the GPU can run games at lower resolutions, but still display them at 4K, saving a lot of computing power and improving frame rates.
With these features, the RTX 4090 promises to deliver the best 4K gaming experience ever. But how does it actually perform in real games?
How Does the RTX 4090 Perform in 4K Gaming?
To measure the performance of the RTX 4090 in 4K gaming, we need to look at two things: benchmarks and real-world experience.
Benchmarks are tests that measure the performance of a GPU in different games and scenarios.
They give us a numerical value of how many frames per second (FPS) the GPU can produce in a game. The higher the FPS, the
smoother the game runs. Generally, 60 FPS is considered the minimum for a smooth 4K gaming experience, while anything above 100 FPS is considered excellent.
Real-world experience is how the GPU actually feels and looks in games. It depends on many factors,
such as the game settings, the monitor refresh rate, the CPU, and the game optimization. Sometimes, a GPU can have high
benchmarks, but still feel laggy or choppy in games. Other times, a GPU can have low benchmarks, but still feel smooth and responsive in games.
Let’s see how the RTX 4090 performs in both benchmarks and real-world experience in some of the most popular and demanding games of 2024.
Cyberpunk 2077 RTX 4090 Perform in 4K
Cyberpunk 2077 is a futuristic open-world RPG that features stunning graphics and ray tracing effects. It’s one of the most demanding games ever made, and it’s notoriously hard to run at 4K.
According to benchmarks, the RTX 4090 can run Cyberpunk 2077 at 4K with maxed-out settings and DLSS 3.0 at an average of 120 FPS,
which is amazing. It beats the RTX 3090 Ti, the second most powerful GPU, by a significant
margin. The RTX 3090 Ti can only run the game at 4K with maxed-out settings and DLSS 3.0 at an average of 80 FPS.
In terms of real-world experience, the RTX 4090 delivers a smooth and immersive 4K gaming experience in Cyberpunk 2077.
The game looks gorgeous, with realistic lighting, shadows, and reflections. The game also feels
responsive and fluid, with no noticeable stuttering or lagging. The RTX 4090 is the best GPU for Cyberpunk 2077 at 4K.
Microsoft Flight Simulator RTX 4090 Perform in 4K
Microsoft Flight Simulator is a simulation game that lets you fly planes around the world. It features realistic
graphics and physics, and it’s one of the most beautiful games ever made. It’s also one of the most challenging games to run
at 4K, as it requires a lot of computing power to render the detailed landscapes and weather effects.
According to benchmarks, the RTX 4090 can run Microsoft Flight Simulator at 4K with ultra settings at an average of 70 FPS,
which is impressive. It’s the first GPU to achieve a solid 60+ FPS in this game at 4K with ultra
settings. The RTX 3090 Ti can only run the game at 4K with ultra settings at an average of 50 FPS.
In terms of real-world experience, the RTX 4090 delivers a smooth and stunning 4K gaming experience in Microsoft Flight Simulator.
The game looks breathtaking, with realistic clouds, water, and terrain.
The game also feels smooth and stable, with no noticeable drops or spikes in performance. The RTX 4090 is the best GPU for Microsoft Flight Simulator at 4K.
Elden Ring RTX 4090 Perform in 4K
Elden Ring is an action RPG that features a vast open world and dynamic combat. It’s the latest game from the creators of Dark Souls and Sekiro, and it’s one of the most anticipated games of 2024. It’s also one of the most
demanding games to run at 4K, as it features complex environments and enemies.
According to benchmarks, the RTX 4090 can run Elden Ring at 4K with high settings at an average of 90 FPS,
which is excellent. It beats the RTX 3090 Ti, which can only run the game at 4K with high settings at an average of 60 FPS.
In terms of real-world experience, the RTX 4090 delivers a smooth and immersive 4K gaming experience in Elden Ring.
The game looks amazing, with detailed textures, lighting, and shadows. The game also feels responsive and
fluid, with no noticeable lag or stutter. The RTX 4090 is the best GPU for Elden Ring at 4K.
What Are the Limitations of the RTX 4090 in 4K Gaming?
While the RTX 4090 is a beast in 4K gaming, it’s not perfect. It has some limitations and challenges that might affect its performance and value.
Here are some of the caveats of the RTX 4090 in 4K gaming:
Extremely demanding titles:
While the RTX 4090 can run most games at 4K with ease, there are some games that are so demanding that even the RTX 4090 might struggle to maintain high FPS.
For example, Starfield, the upcoming sci-fi RPG from Bethesda, is
rumored to be the most graphically intensive game ever made. It might require some settings adjustments or DLSS to run smoothly at 4K on the RTX 4090.
Future-proofing:
While the RTX 4090 is powerful today, it might not be as powerful tomorrow. Games are constantly evolving and becoming more demanding, and the
RTX 4090 might not be able to keep up with the future games. For example, the
RTX 4090 might not be able to run the next-gen games that will come out in 2026 or 2028 at 4K with high settings. The RTX 4090 might become obsolete sooner than you think.
Monitor refresh rate:
To fully utilize the RTX 4090’s power, you need a high-refresh-rate 4K monitor. A high-refresh-rate monitor can display more frames per second, making the game look smoother
and more responsive. However, most 4K monitors have a refresh rate of 60Hz, which means they can only display up to 60 FPS. To enjoy the full potential of the RTX 4090, you
need a 4K monitor with a refresh rate of 144Hz or above, which are very expensive and rare.
CPU bottleneck:
Even with a powerful GPU, you still need a powerful CPU to run games at 4K. A CPU is the brain of the computer, and it handles the logic and calculations of the game. If your CPU is too weak or
What is the max fps for a RTX 4090 at 4K?
If you are a proud owner of the NVIDIA RTX 4090, the most powerful graphics card in the world, you might be wondering how to get the most out of it at 4K resolution. After all,
4K gaming is the ultimate goal for many PC gamers, as it offers stunning visuals and immersive experiences.
However, 4K gaming is not as simple as plugging in your RTX 4090 and enjoying smooth gameplay. There are many factors that affect the frame rate (fps) you can achieve at 4K, such as:
- The specific game or application:
Different games have vastly different graphical demands. Esports titles like Valorant or Fortnite might reach very high fps (300+), while graphically demanding AAA games with ray tracing enabled might struggle to push past 60 fps.
- Graphics settings:
Lowering settings like resolution, anti-aliasing, and texture quality will significantly boost fps, while maxing them out will put more strain on the GPU and lower performance.
- Other system components:
The CPU, RAM, and storage can also bottleneck the GPU and limit fps, especially in CPU-heavy games.
- Drivers and game optimization:
Updated drivers and good game optimization can squeeze out more performance from the GPU.
Therefore, instead of a single “max fps”, it’s more accurate to say the RTX 4090 can achieve a wide range of fps at 4K, depending on the specific scenario. Here are some examples:
Esports titles with low settings: 300+ fps
AAA games with medium settings: 100–144 fps
AAA games with high settings and ray tracing: 60–80 fps (depending on the game and specific ray tracing implementation)
How to Find Out Your FPS in Different Games and Settings
For a more accurate idea of what fps you can expect in your specific case, you can:
Check benchmarks for the game and GPU combination you’re interested in. Many websites and Youtube channels publish benchmarks with fps at different settings.
For example, you can check out this video by Hardware Unboxed, which shows the RTX 4090 performance in 16 games at 4K with different settings.
Use tools like MSI Afterburner or NVIDIA Frameview to monitor your fps in-game. This will give you a real-time view of your actual performance.
You can also tweak your settings on the fly and see how they affect your fps. For
example, you can use MSI Afterburner to display your fps, GPU temperature, and usage in the corner of your screen, as shown in this guide.
Remember, focusing solely on “max fps” might not be the best approach.
Aim for a balance between visual quality and smooth gameplay that suits your preferences and specific needs. For example, you might prefer to
sacrifice some fps for a more realistic and immersive experience with ray tracing, or you might want to prioritize a higher refresh rate for a more responsive and competitive edge.
Can RTX 4090 run 4K 120hz?
The NVIDIA RTX 4090 is the ultimate graphics card for 4K gaming. It has the power and the features to deliver stunning visuals and smooth gameplay at the highest resolution
possible. But can it really handle 4K 120Hz, the holy grail of gaming performance?
The answer is yes and no. Yes, the RTX 4090 can output a signal at 4K 120Hz. It has the necessary ports and bandwidth to handle this resolution and refresh rate. However,
no, it cannot achieve consistent 120 fps at 4K with all
graphical settings maxed out in current demanding games, especially with ray tracing enabled. Most AAA games on high settings will fall within the 60-80 fps range with the
4090 at 4K, even with DLSS 3.
What Factors Affect Your FPS at 4K?
FPS, or frames per second, is the measure of how many times the image on your screen is refreshed every second. The higher the fps, the smoother and more responsive the
gameplay. However, achieving high fps at 4K is not easy, as there are many factors that affect it, such as:
The game itself:
Different games have different graphical demands and optimization levels. Some games are more CPU-intensive, while others are more GPU-intensive.
Some games are well-optimized for the RTX 4090, while others are not.
Some games support ray tracing and DLSS 3, while others do not. All these factors will impact your fps at 4K.
The graphics settings:
The graphics settings are the options you can tweak in the game to adjust the visual quality and performance. Some common settings are resolution, anti-aliasing, texture
quality, shadows, lighting, reflections, etc.
The higher the settings, the better the visuals, but the lower the performance. The lower the settings, the worse the visuals, but the higher the performance.
The system components:
The RTX 4090 is not the only component that affects your fps at 4K. Your CPU, RAM, and storage can also bottleneck your GPU and limit your fps, especially in CPU-heavy games.
You need a powerful CPU, enough RAM, and fast storage to keep up with the RTX 4090 and avoid stuttering and lagging issues.
How to Achieve Smooth 120 FPS at 4K with the RTX 4090
While the RTX 4090 cannot guarantee 120 fps at 4K in every game and setting, it can still achieve it in specific scenarios and with some adjustments. Here are some tips on how to
get the best performance out of your RTX 4090 at 4K 120Hz:
- Play Esports titles with lower settings:
These games are typically less demanding graphically, and the RTX 4090 can easily push them past 120 fps at 4K.
For example, you can play Valorant, Fortnite, or Overwatch at 4K 120Hz with low to medium settings and enjoy smooth and competitive gameplay.
- Play older Games or less Demanding titles:
Many older or less graphically intensive games can run at 120 fps with high settings on the RTX 4090 at 4K. For example, you can play Doom Eternal, GTA V, or Witcher 3 at 4K 120Hz
with high settings and enjoy stunning and immersive gameplay.
- Lower your Graphics settings:
Reducing settings like resolution, anti-aliasing, and texture quality can increase fps significantly. You can use the in-game settings or the NVIDIA Control Panel to tweak your
settings and find the optimal balance between quality and
performance. You can also use the NVIDIA GeForce Experience app to optimize your settings automatically based on your hardware and preferences.
- Use DLSS 3:
This new AI-powered upscaling technology can significantly boost performance in supported games, potentially reaching 120 fps in some titles. DLSS 3 uses the power of the
RTX 4090 to render the game at a lower resolution and
then upscale it to 4K using neural networks. This way, you can enjoy the benefits of 4K without sacrificing performance. You can enable DLSS 3 in the game settings or the NVIDIA
Control Panel.
Can the RTX 4090 handle all games at 4K 60 FPS or more?
Yes, the RTX 4090 is a powerhouse and can run most games at 4K resolution with frame rates higher than 60 FPS. It’s like having a strong engine in a car that can go really fast.
If not all games run perfectly, can I adjust settings?
Sure! You can tweak game settings to get better performance. It’s like adjusting the weight in a backpack to make it easier to carry.
Is the RTX 4090 overkill for just 4K gaming?
For just 4K gaming, the RTX 4090 might be more than you need right now. It’s like wearing a heavy coat on a cool day – nice, but maybe too much.
How much does it cost? Is it worth it?
The RTX 4090 is expensive. Whether it’s worth it depends on how much you want top-notch gaming and if you’re planning for future games.
Are there cheaper alternatives for 4K gaming?
Yes, there are cheaper options like the RTX 4080 that can still give you a great 4K gaming experience. It’s like choosing a less expensive but still reliable car.
Does my CPU matter for 4K gaming with RTX 4090?
Yes, a strong CPU is important so it doesn’t slow down your RTX 4090. It’s like making sure your car’s engine matches the rest of the car’s capabilities.
What kind of monitor do I need for 4K with RTX 4090?
A 4K monitor with a high refresh rate is ideal to enjoy the smooth visuals the RTX 4090 can provide. It’s like having the right glasses to see a movie clearly.
Is the difference between 4K and lower resolutions significant?
4K resolution offers clearer and more detailed visuals than lower resolutions. The difference can be subtle, depending on how close you are to the screen and its size.
Can I get by with a less powerful card for 4K if high frame rates aren’t a priority?
If you’re okay with lower frame rates, a less powerful card can still offer a decent 4K gaming experience. It’s like choosing a slower but still enjoyable ride.
Does DLSS help with 4K performance?
DLSS can boost frame rates in 4K without losing much quality. It’s like having a smart assistant who helps you work more efficiently.
What are some demanding games for the RTX 4090 at 4K?
Games like Cyberpunk 2077 or Red Dead Redemption 2 are quite demanding at 4K, especially with the highest settings.
They’re like tough challenges that test the limits of what the RTX 4090 can do.
How much power does the RTX 4090 use?
The RTX 4090 is indeed quite demanding when it comes to power. It’s like a high-performance sports car that needs a lot of fuel.
To make sure it runs smoothly, you need a strong power supply unit (PSU). Think of the PSU like a big battery that needs to be strong enough to keep everything going.
Each RTX 4090 model will tell you how much power it needs, so check that before you buy one.
Does the RTX 4090 generate a lot of heat?
Yes, the RTX 4090 can get very hot, just like an oven when you’re baking cookies. That’s why it’s important to have good cooling in your computer case,
like having a fan or opening a window on a hot day to keep things cool inside.
Are there any limitations with 4K besides the graphics card?
Sometimes, playing games in 4K is like trying to read a book that’s not printed well. Some games might not be ready for 4K, and you might find they don’t look as good or work as well as they should.
Is 4K gaming worth the extra cost?
Choosing 4K gaming is like deciding if you want a bigger TV. It’s nicer and clearer, but it costs more. You need a strong graphics card, a good monitor, and maybe even a better
computer brain (CPU). It’s all about whether you think the clearer picture is worth the extra money.
Other factors to consider?
When you’re thinking about 4K, it’s like picking a seat in a movie theater. If you sit too far back, you might not notice how clear the picture is. Also, look for HDR on your monitor; it’s
like adding more colors to your crayon box for a prettier picture.
Upcoming graphics cards?
New graphics cards come out like new phone models. If you’re not in a hurry, you can wait to see what new thing comes next. But right now, the RTX 4090 is one of the best you can get.
Wait for the next gen?
Deciding to wait for the next graphics card is like waiting for the next season of your favorite show. If you really want the best right now, go for the RTX 4090.
But if you’re patient, waiting might save you some money when the new ones come out.
Where to learn more about building a 4K gaming PC?
To learn about building a 4K gaming PC, it’s like looking for a good recipe. There are lots of tech websites and YouTube channels that can show you how to put everything together.
They’ll help you pick the right ingredients for your budget and how you want your games to look and play.
Conclusion
while the RTX 4090 is a powerful graphics card designed for 4K gaming, achieving a consistent 120 fps at this resolution can be challenging depending on the game and settings. Factors like game optimization, CPU
performance, and system components also affect performance. Gamers can improve fps by adjusting settings, utilizing features like DLSS 3.0, and playing less demanding titles. Remember, finding the right balance
between visual quality and performance is key. While the RTX 4090 can output at 4K 120Hz, reaching 120 fps in every game may not always be possible. Experiment with settings to optimize your gaming experience.
FAQs
Can the RTX 4090 handle 4K gaming smoothly?
Yes, the RTX 4090 is designed to handle 4K gaming with high performance and visual quality.
What is fps, and why is it important for 4K gaming?
FPS stands for frames per second, which measures how smooth and responsive gameplay looks. Higher fps means smoother gameplay, crucial for immersive 4K gaming experiences.
Can the RTX 4090 achieve 120 fps at 4K in all games?
Achieving 120 fps at 4K depends on factors like game optimization and settings. While possible in some titles, it may not be consistent across all games.
How can I optimize fps with the RTX 4090 at 4K?
Adjusting graphics settings, using features like DLSS 3.0, and playing less demanding titles can optimize fps for smoother gaming experiences.
What factors besides the GPU affect fps at 4K?
CPU performance, system RAM, game optimization, and storage speed also impact fps in 4K gaming scenarios.
Is a 4K 120Hz monitor necessary for the RTX 4090?
While the RTX 4090 can output at 4K 120Hz, the monitor’s refresh rate is less crucial than achieving stable fps at 4K resolution.
Can the RTX 4090 future-proof my gaming setup for upcoming games?
While powerful, future games’ demands may challenge the RTX 4090’s capabilities over time. Regular updates and optimizations can help maintain performance.