Blender and NVIDIA GeForce RTX 5090: Everything You Need to Know

Introduction: The NVIDIA GeForce RTX 5090 is NVIDIA’s upcoming flagship GPU, based on the new Blackwell architecture. Unveiled at CES 2025, it is designed as an enthusiast/professional card with massive performance targets. It features a huge 92-billion-transistor GB202 GPU and 32 GB of cutting-edge GDDR7 memory on a 512-bit bus.

For Blender users, this means unparalleled raw power and memory capacity. The RTX 5090 succeeds the RTX 4090, offering a substantial spec boost (e.g. 21,760 CUDA cores vs. 16,384 on the 4090)​. NVIDIA claims it delivers “game-changing realism” and transformative rendering speed in creative apps. In this article, we cover everything Blender users need to know about the RTX 5090, including specs, performance, optimization tips, and more—citing the latest official and credible sources.

What is the NVIDIA GeForce RTX 5090?

The RTX 5090 is NVIDIA’s flagship GPU in the 50-series, using the Blackwell architecture. Showcased at CES 2025, it features the GB202 GPU with 92 billion transistors, 21,760 CUDA cores, and 32 GB GDDR7 memory on a 512-bit bus. It succeeds the RTX 4090, offering major performance boosts for ray tracing, AI, and rendering. For Blender, it accelerates GPU rendering in Cycles and Eevee, handling large scenes efficiently.

The RTX 5090 is built for gamers and creators, with high clock speeds and advanced NVIDIA RTX features like DLSS. Leaks suggest a 575 W TDP and around 21,760 CUDA cores, positioning it as a top-tier card. Its massive specs support demanding workloads, making it ideal for 3D software. NVIDIA’s marketing emphasizes versatility, though official specs await confirmation. The card’s power ensures Blender users can tackle complex projects with ease. Early reports highlight its transformative potential for creative tasks.

Release date and price of the RTX 5090

NVIDIA announced the RTX 5090 in early January 2025 and set its launch date for January 30, 2025. At launch, the RTX 5090’s price starts at $1,999 USD for the Founders Edition. This is about $400 above the RTX 4090’s original $1,599 price. (Regional pricing may vary and custom AIB models can differ.) According to leaked retailer listings, some models even appeared at higher markup, but the official MSRP remains ~$2,000. Keep an eye on NVIDIA’s website and authorized retailers around the release date.

As a context, the RTX 5090 represents the new flagship price tier for GeForce RTX, so early availability and stock may be limited. NVIDIA has not officially launched the RTX 5090, but multiple reports point to a January 2025 release at CES 2025. An Inno3D executive accidentally confirmed that the RTX 5090 will only be announced at CES in early January 2025.

As for pricing, leaks from industry insiders suggest a very high MSRP. One report cites manufacturers being told a price in the $1899–$1999 range. (By comparison, the RTX 4090 launched at $1599, and high-end models now sell closer to $2000.) Earlier rumors had even higher figures, but the latest credible leak pegs the RTX 5090’s launch price around $2,000. In any case, expect it to be significantly more expensive than past high-end GPUs.

Key specifications of the RTX 5090

The RTX 5090’s specifications show a clear generational leap. Important specs include:

• GPU Architecture: NVIDIA Blackwell (GB202) – 5nm process. The Blackwell GB202 GPU uses a 5nm process. It drives the RTX 5090’s performance leap. The architecture enhances efficiency and power. It supports advanced rendering tasks.
• CUDA Cores: 21,760 With 21,760 CUDA cores, the RTX 5090 excels. It offers 33% more cores than the 4090. This boosts parallel processing in Blender. Rendering speeds increase significantly.
• Tensor Cores: 680 (5th-generation; ~3352 AI-TOPs) The 680 5th-gen Tensor cores accelerate AI tasks. They enhance Blender’s OptiX denoiser performance. AI-driven features run faster. This improves rendering efficiency.
• RT Cores: 170 (4th-generation; ~318 TFLOPS of ray-trace throughput) Fourth-gen RT cores deliver 318 TFLOPS. They speed up ray tracing in Cycles. Complex light paths compute quickly. This enhances realistic rendering.
• Base/Boost Clocks: ~2.01 GHz / 2.41 GHz Clocks at 2.01 GHz base and 2.41 GHz boost. These ensure high performance. They support demanding Blender workloads. Rendering remains smooth and fast.
• Memory: 32 GB GDDR7 at 28 Gbps (512-bit bus) The 32 GB GDDR7 memory offers high capacity. Its 512-bit bus increases bandwidth. Large scenes load efficiently. Texture handling is seamless.
• Memory Bandwidth: ~1792 GB/s (calculated) – massively higher than 4090’s ~1008 GB/s. Bandwidth reaches 1792 GB/s, doubling the 4090. This accelerates data transfer. Large textures and models process quickly. It minimizes rendering bottlenecks.
• Cooling: Dual-slot air-cooled Founders Edition (304 mm length) The dual-slot Founders Edition cools effectively. Its 304 mm length fits most cases. It manages high power draw. Heat dissipation is reliable.
• Power: 575 W TGP (Total Graphics Power) The 575 W TGP demands robust power. It uses a 600 W 12VHPWR connector. A strong PSU is essential. This supports peak performance.
• PCIe Interface: PCIe Gen5.0 x16 (backward-compatible with Gen4/3) PCIe Gen5.0 x16 offers maximum bandwidth. It’s compatible with Gen4/3 slots. This ensures broad system support. Performance remains uncompromised.
• Max Resolution: 4K @ 480 Hz, 8K @ 165 Hz with DisplayPort 2.1 (3× DP 2.1 + 1× HDMI 2.1) Supports 4K at 480 Hz and 8K at 165 Hz. DisplayPort 2.1 and HDMI 2.1 enable this. It suits high-res displays. Blender viewports benefit.
• Features: NVIDIA DLSS 4, Reflex 2, RTX Remix, AV1 encode/decode, HDMI 2.1b/DP2.1 support, NVIDIA Studio drivers support, etc. Includes DLSS 4, Reflex 2, and AV1 encoding. Studio drivers optimize creative apps. RTX Remix aids modding. These enhance Blender workflows.

These specs illustrate why the 5090 is so potent for Blender. It essentially doubles many aspects of the 4090 (especially memory capacity and bandwidth), while adding newer ray-tracing and AI hardware.

How does the RTX 5090 perform in Blender benchmarks?

Official Blender benchmarks for the RTX 5090 are unavailable at launch, but its specs suggest significant performance gains. With 33% more CUDA cores than the RTX 4090 and higher memory bandwidth, Cycles rendering should be faster. Early community reports indicate 30–40% better render scores in Blender 3.6 compared to the 4090, especially for complex scenes with ray tracing and large textures. The 5th-gen Tensor cores speed up OptiX AI denoising, and 4th-gen RT cores enhance path-tracing, making the 5090 a top performer for Blender.

Leaked benchmarks show a 30–36% render speed increase over the 4090 in Blender 3.6, with some tests reporting a 35% GPU-render advantage in Cycles. These gains stem from more cores, faster memory, and improved ray-tracing hardware, though driver optimization and Blender updates will refine performance. The 5090 excels in heavy scenes, reducing render times noticeably. While results vary by scene, it significantly outperforms older GPUs, promising unmatched speed for Blender users.

Comparison: RTX 5090 vs. RTX 4090 in Blender

Comparing the RTX 5090 to the 4090 highlights key differences for Blender workflows:

• GPU Cores: 5090 ~21,760 CUDA cores vs. 4090’s 16,384. The 5090’s 21,760 CUDA cores outpace the 4090’s 16,384. This boosts parallel processing power. Blender’s Cycles renders faster. Complex scenes benefit greatly.
• VRAM: 32 GB GDDR7 (5090) vs. 24 GB GDDR6X (4090). The 5090’s 32 GB GDDR7 exceeds the 4090’s 24 GB. It handles larger scenes effortlessly. High-poly models load without issues. This reduces memory constraints.
• Memory Bus: 5090 uses a 512-bit bus with newer GDDR7 (~28 Gbps), while 4090 uses 384-bit GDDR6X.
  The 512-bit GDDR7 bus offers superior bandwidth. It doubles the 4090’s capacity. Texture streaming is faster. Rendering bottlenecks are minimized.
• Architecture: The 5090 is Blackwell (new RTX 50 series), whereas the 4090 is Ada Lovelace (RTX 40 series).
  Blackwell’s advanced architecture outperforms Ada Lovelace. It includes newer RT and Tensor cores. This enhances ray tracing and AI. Blender workflows improve.
• Performance: In Blender GPU rendering tests, the 5090 is roughly 30–35% faster than the 4090, thanks to the above improvements. The 5090 renders 30–35% faster in Blender. Core and memory upgrades drive this. Complex scenes finish quicker. It’s a significant performance leap.
• Power and Size: The RTX 5090 draws around 575 W vs. 450 W for the 4090, so it requires a beefier power supply and cooling. The 5090’s 575 W draw exceeds the 4090’s 450 W. It needs robust cooling and PSU. Its dual-slot design is larger. System upgrades may be necessary.
• Price: The 5090 will cost significantly more (est. ~$2000+) versus the 4090’s $1599 launch price. At ~$2000, the 5090 is pricier than the 4090’s $1599. The 30% performance gain comes at a cost. Budget considerations are key. Value depends on needs.

Overall, the RTX 5090 is a clear performance upgrade for Blender – but at higher cost and power. It excels in handling bigger scenes and faster ray tracing, whereas the 4090 remains a strong (and cheaper) option for many users.

Advantages of using RTX 5090 for 3D rendering in Blender

The RTX 5090 offers several clear benefits for Blender users of all levels:

• Faster GPU Rendering: The massive increase in CUDA cores and new RT cores means Cycles GPU renders complete faster, enabling quicker iteration. More CUDA and RT cores speed up Cycles rendering. This reduces iteration times significantly. Complex scenes render quickly. Artists can work more efficiently.
• Ample VRAM: 32 GB of super-fast memory lets you load larger scenes, higher-poly models, and ultra-high-resolution textures directly on the GPU. The 32 GB VRAM supports massive scenes. High-poly models and textures load easily. Complex simulations fit comfortably. This prevents memory bottlenecks.
• AI-Accelerated Denoising: The 5th-gen Tensor cores (with ~3352 AI-TOPS) power Blender’s OptiX denoiser extremely quickly. Fifth-gen Tensor cores enhance OptiX denoising. Noise reduction is faster and cleaner. Viewport and final renders improve. AI tasks run seamlessly.
• Real-Time Previews: Blender’s viewport (especially with Eevee) will feel smoother when working on large scenes, as the 5090 can handle higher viewport settings with ease. The 5090 ensures smooth Eevee viewport performance. Large scenes render in real-time. Higher settings are manageable. This enhances modeling workflows.
• NVIDIA Studio Ecosystem: The RTX 5090 is certified for NVIDIA Studio drivers and software, offering optimized stability and performance for creative apps. Studio drivers ensure stability for Blender. NVENC and AI tools enhance workflows. Omniverse compatibility adds versatility. This optimizes creative tasks.
• Future Tools: Upcoming Blender features (like AI texture generation or animation tools) will run best on GPUs with the latest Tensor and RT hardware. The 5090 supports future Blender AI features. Its advanced hardware ensures compatibility. New tools run at peak performance. This future-proofs workflows.

Because it’s a top-tier GPU, the RTX 5090 offers several advantages for Blender artists. Its speed, memory, and AI capabilities make it ideal for demanding projects, ensuring efficient and high-quality rendering.

How to optimize Blender settings for RTX 5090

To make the most of an RTX 5090 in Blender, adjust settings as follows:

• Enable GPU Compute: In Edit → Preferences → System, under Cycles Render Devices, select “OptiX” (or CUDA) and ensure the RTX 5090 is checked. Select OptiX in Preferences for GPU rendering. This leverages RTX and Tensor cores. The 5090 must be checked. It maximizes rendering speed.
• Tile Size: For GPU rendering, use larger tile sizes (e.g. 256×256 pixels) rather than small tiles. Use 256×256 tile sizes for GPU rendering. This optimizes RTX GPU throughput. Smaller tiles slow performance. Blender auto-adjusts for OptiX.
• Denoiser: In the Render Properties, enable the OptiX Denoiser. Enable OptiX Denoiser in Render Properties. Tensor cores reduce noise quickly. This improves render quality. Viewport previews benefit too.
• Persistent Data: Turn on Persistent Data (under Viewport – Render – Device) to speed up repeated renders in the same scene. Persistent Data keeps assets in GPU memory. This speeds up repeated renders. It reduces reload times. Workflow efficiency increases.
• Drivers: Install the latest NVIDIA Studio driver. Use the latest Studio driver for stability. It’s optimized for creative apps. Ensure OS and Blender are updated. This guarantees 5090 compatibility.
• Viewport: For the viewport, set the render engine to Workbench or Eevee when modeling to maximize smoothness. Use Workbench or Eevee for modeling. This ensures smooth viewport performance. Cycles previews use GPU power. It balances speed and visuals.
• Multi-GPU (Optional): Blender 3.3+ supports multiple GPUs via OptiX multi-device (no NVLink needed).
  Enable multi-GPU in Blender 3.3+ if applicable. OptiX supports multiple 5090s. Each GPU’s memory is separate. This boosts rendering power.

By applying these optimizations, Blender will fully leverage the 5090’s hardware. Using OptiX, large tiles, and persistent data ensures maximum performance and efficiency.

Does Blender support RTX 5090’s new features?

Blender supports many of the RTX 5090’s core features, but not all of NVIDIA’s gaming-specific tech. For example:

• Supported (in Blender):
  • Hardware Ray Tracing: Yes. Cycles (with OptiX) will use the 5090’s 4th-gen RT cores to accelerate ray-scene intersections. Cycles uses 4th-gen RT cores via OptiX. This speeds up ray tracing significantly. Path tracing is much faster. Complex scenes render efficiently.
  • Tensor Cores: Yes. Blender’s OptiX AI denoiser and other GPU-accelerated AI functions will benefit from the 5090’s 5th-gen Tensor cores. Tensor cores enhance OptiX AI denoising. AI-driven tools run faster. Future Blender features will benefit. This improves render quality.
  • Resizable BAR, NVENC/DEC, Studio Drivers: Yes. The card supports resizable BAR for faster data transfer, has a 3rd-gen NVENC encoder for GPU-assisted video encoding (useful for viewport recording), and NVIDIA Studio drivers for stability. Resizable BAR boosts data transfer speed. NVENC aids video encoding tasks. Studio drivers ensure stability. These optimize Blender workflows.
• Not Supported (in Blender):
  • DLSS 4, Reflex, Frame Generation: These are game-specific features (DLSS super-resolution, low-latency modes, frame interpolations) and have no role in Blender. DLSS 4 and Reflex are game-focused. They don’t apply to Blender. Frame generation is irrelevant. Blender ignores these features.
  • RTX Remix: This is a modding tool for games, not applicable. RTX Remix is for game modding. It has no use in Blender. It’s irrelevant to rendering. Blender workflows remain unaffected.

In summary, Blender will use the RTX 5090 for its RTX-capable features (ray tracing, AI acceleration) but does not require or use NVIDIA’s new gaming features. The 5090 effectively acts like a very powerful RTX (4090), fully compatible with Blender’s OptiX/CUDA pipeline.

What are the system requirements for running RTX 5090 with Blender?

Using an RTX 5090 imposes these system requirements:

• PCIe Slot: The 5090 is PCIe Gen5.0 x16, but it is backward-compatible with Gen4 and Gen3 slots. The PCIe Gen5.0 x16 slot maximizes bandwidth. Gen4/3 slots are compatible. Use a 600-series motherboard for best performance. This ensures full GPU potential.
• Power Supply: NVIDIA recommends a 1000W (or higher) PSU to handle the 5090. A 1000W+ PSU is required for stability. The 5090 uses a 600W 12VHPWR connector. Proper cabling is essential. This supports high power draw.
• Case Size: The reference 5090 FE is ~304 mm long (dual-slot). The 304 mm dual-slot card needs space. Ensure case and motherboard compatibility. Adequate airflow is crucial. This prevents overheating issues.
• Operating System: Windows 10/11 or a supported Linux distro with the latest NVIDIA drivers. Use Windows 10/11 or Linux with updated drivers. CUDA 12.0+ supports GPU computing. This ensures OS compatibility. Blender runs smoothly.
• CPU & RAM: While the GPU does the rendering heavy lifting, pair it with a strong CPU (e.g. Ryzen 9, Intel i9) to feed data quickly, especially for CPU-based tasks (simulation, physics). A strong CPU like Ryzen 9 or i9 is ideal. At least 16–32 GB RAM is needed. This supports complex scenes. It prevents bottlenecks.
• NVLink: The RTX 5090 does not support NVLink/SLI bridging. NVLink is unsupported on the 5090. Multi-GPU setups use separate selection. Memory isn’t shared between GPUs. This limits multi-GPU scaling.
• Drivers: As noted, install the latest NVIDIA Studio drivers to ensure full compatibility and stability.
  Studio drivers ensure 5090 compatibility. They optimize creative app performance. Regular updates are necessary. This maintains stability.

Meeting these requirements ensures the RTX 5090 can operate at full performance. A robust PSU and modern system components are critical for stability and efficiency.

Is the RTX 5090 worth the upgrade for Blender users?

The RTX 5090 offers significant performance gains, but its value depends on your current hardware and needs. For users with older GPUs (e.g., 30-series or below), the 5090 provides a massive leap in rendering speed and 32 GB VRAM, enabling larger projects and faster workflows. From an RTX 4090, the 5090 delivers 20–30% faster render times and more memory, ideal for VRAM-limited scenes, but its $2000+ price and 575 W power draw may not justify the upgrade for all. Studios and enthusiasts prioritizing top performance will find it a worthwhile investment, while casual users may prefer the 4090’s value.

NVIDIA calls the 5090 the “world’s fastest consumer GPU,” and its 32 GB VRAM ensures headroom for complex Blender projects. However, the high cost and power requirements demand careful consideration. For large-scale, high-resolution renders, the 5090 excels, but smaller projects may not fully utilize its capabilities. Budget-conscious users might opt for cheaper alternatives unless speed and memory are critical. The 5090’s future-proofing makes it appealing for long-term use. Ultimately, weigh performance needs against cost and system demands.

How does the RTX 5090 handle ray tracing in Blender?

The RTX 5090’s 4th-gen RT cores deliver 318 TFLOPS, significantly speeding up Cycles’ ray tracing via OptiX. Path tracing, including reflections and global illumination, renders faster, with smoother previews and quicker final frames. While Eevee remains raster-based, Cycles viewport renders benefit from the 5090’s power, handling complex scenes interactively. NVIDIA’s Blackwell architecture ensures high ray-tracing performance, making the 5090 ideal for realistic lighting in Blender.

The 5090’s RT cores are optimized for dense geometry, accelerating complex light calculations. Leaked benchmarks show a 35% render speedup, including ray tracing, over the 4090. High sample settings and effects like volumetrics perform efficiently. The 5090 enables more realistic rendering without slowdowns, enhancing Blender workflows. Its power supports advanced lighting features, ensuring top-tier performance. Users can expect highly interactive ray-traced renders, even in demanding scenes.

What is the impact of RTX 5090’s 32GB GDDR7 memory on Blender projects?

The jump to 32 GB of GDDR7 VRAM is one of the biggest advantages for Blender artists. In practice, this huge memory pool means:

• Larger Scenes: You can load vastly more geometry, high-poly models, and high-res textures without running out of GPU memory. The 32 GB VRAM supports massive geometry and textures. High-poly models load without crashes. Complex scenes run smoothly. This enables ambitious projects.
• Fewer Swapping Issues: Normally, if Blender’s GPU exceeds its VRAM, it either fails or falls back to CPU memory (slowing down). The 5090 minimizes VRAM-related crashes. It avoids slow CPU memory fallback. Complex simulations are stable. This ensures consistent performance.
• Faster Texture Handling: Large textures and baking caches stay on-GPU longer, speeding up viewport navigation and bake/render tasks. Large textures stream quickly on the 5090. Baking and viewport tasks are faster. Navigation remains responsive. This boosts workflow efficiency.
• Future-Proofing: Blender features (like geometry nodes or future AI/VR tools) often consume memory.
  The 5090’s 32 GB supports future Blender features. Geometry nodes and AI tools run well. It handles upcoming workloads. This ensures long-term relevance.

The 5090’s 32 GB VRAM allows Blender to fully utilize GPU power for large, detailed projects, reducing errors and enhancing performance.

How to install and configure RTX 5090 drivers for Blender

To get your RTX 5090 up and running in Blender:

• Install NVIDIA Studio Drivers: Go to NVIDIA’s website and download the latest Studio Driver for the 50-series GPUs. Download Studio Drivers for 50-series GPUs. They’re optimized for Blender stability. Install and reboot the system. This ensures full compatibility.
• Verify GPU Detection: Open Blender (latest version). In Blender Preferences, check for the 5090 under CUDA/OptiX. If missing, verify OS detection. Ensure drivers are correctly installed. This confirms GPU recognition.
• CUDA/OptiX Settings: For Cycles, select OptiX (preferred) or CUDA. Choose OptiX for Cycles rendering. It leverages RTX and Tensor cores. Adjust GPU memory if needed. This maximizes rendering performance.
• Update Blender (if necessary): Use Blender 3.6 or newer to ensure compatibility with the latest GPUs.
  Use Blender 3.6+ for 5090 support. Updates ensure hardware compatibility. Incremental patches add features. This prevents compatibility issues.
• Optional Settings: In Preferences, under System, you can also enable OptiX Prime (for NVLink multi-GPU, though NVLink is not on 5090). OptiX Prime is irrelevant without NVLink. Enable multi-GPU for additional cards. Settings are in Preferences. This supports future setups.
• Test a Render: Load a GPU-heavy scene and switch the render engine to Cycles (GPU). Test a GPU-heavy scene in Cycles. Confirm the 5090 is rendering. Check the status bar for GPU activity. This verifies setup success.

By following these steps, Blender will be configured to use the 5090’s full power. The Studio Drivers and OptiX settings ensure optimal rendering performance.

What are the power consumption considerations for RTX 5090?

The RTX 5090 is a very power-hungry card. Its Total Board Power is rated at 575 W, which is one of the highest for consumer GPUs. This means:

• PSU Requirements: Use a high-quality PSU of at least 1000W (ideally 1200W) to ensure stable operation.
  A 1000W+ PSU is essential for stability. It must supply 575 W to the GPU. Proper connectors are critical. This prevents power issues.
• Cooling: Expect significant heat generation. The 5090 generates substantial heat at 575 W. Its vapor-chamber cooler manages load. Good case airflow is vital. This prevents thermal throttling.
• Noise: The triple-fan cooler will spin very fast under full load, possibly generating noticeable noise. The triple-fan cooler can be noisy. High load increases fan speed. Aftermarket quiet models may help. This impacts user experience.
• Efficiency: Compared to the 4090’s 450W, the 5090’s higher power draw gives more performance but at the cost of electricity. The 5090’s 575 W draw increases power bills. It’s less efficient than the 4090. Performance gains come at a cost. This requires planning.
• Safety: Keep the GPU’s power connectors firm and check that the 12VHPWR connector is properly inserted. Ensure secure 12VHPWR connections. Loose cables risk crashes or damage. Regular checks are necessary. This ensures safe operation.

In short, plan for heavy power usage: a beefy PSU, strong chassis cooling, and possibly undervolting or power-limiting tweaks (in tools like MSI Afterburner) if you need to manage heat/noise. Proper hardware setup ensures safe and reliable performance.

User reviews: Blender performance with RTX 5090

At launch, initial Blender user feedback confirms solid performance gains. Users report 30–35% faster Cycles renders compared to the 4090, with the 32 GB VRAM eliminating memory limits for complex scenes. Viewport handling of large files is smoother, though some note the high price and power draw reduce efficiency. No major driver issues are reported, and the 5090 meets expectations for top-tier Blender performance.

Reviewers praise the 5090’s rendering speed, with benchmarks showing it outpaces all competitors. The ample VRAM and fast cores handle demanding projects effortlessly. Criticisms focus on cost and power, not capability. As more users adopt the card, broader feedback will clarify its real-world impact. Early signs indicate it’s a powerful choice for Blender artists.

Common issues and troubleshooting tips for RTX 5090 in Blender

While the RTX 5090 is new, no major inherent flaws have been reported yet. However, some points to watch for:

• Driver/Compatibility Issues: Always use the latest NVIDIA Studio driver. Use the latest Studio driver to avoid bugs. Early CUDA crashes may occur. Update Blender to resolve issues. This ensures compatibility.
• Power Connectors: Make sure the power cable (12VHPWR or 8-pin connectors) is properly seated. Secure 12VHPWR or 8-pin connectors. Loose connections cause crashes. Check regularly for stability. This prevents power-related issues.
• Overheating: If GPU temperatures approach the high 80s–90°C, ensure good case airflow. Monitor temperatures to stay below 90°C. Improve case airflow if needed. Adjust fan curves for cooling. This prevents thermal throttling.
• VRAM Exhaustion: In very large scenes, you might still hit the 32 GB limit. Reduce texture sizes if VRAM is exceeded. Use Blender’s Out-of-core features. This avoids CUDA memory errors. Complex scenes remain stable.
• PCIe Version: On older motherboards, running the 5090 in a PCIe 3.0 slot will not bottleneck most Blender tasks (GPU usage is not usually bandwidth-limited), but if you see slowed performance, check that it’s in a x16 slot. PCIe 3.0 slots are sufficient for Blender. Ensure an x16 slot is used. Check for performance issues. This maintains optimal speed.
• OS Power Settings: In Windows, set the power plan to “High Performance” to prevent the GPU from under-clocking during renders. Set Windows to High Performance mode. This prevents GPU throttling. It ensures consistent render speeds. Power settings are critical.
• SLI/NVLink: Remember that NVLink is not supported, so don’t try to bridge cards. NVLink is unsupported on the 5090. Use separate GPUs in Blender. Memory isn’t shared. This limits multi-GPU setups.
• Firmware Updates: Some reviewers noted early production cards might need BIOS/firmware updates for stability. Check for BIOS/firmware updates. Early cards may need them. Visit manufacturer sites for patches. This ensures GPU stability.

If you encounter any issues (artifacts, crashes), first update drivers and Blender. NVIDIA and Blender forums offer solutions for persistent problems, ensuring smooth operation.

How does RTX 5090’s AI capabilities enhance Blender workflows?

The RTX 5090’s 5th-gen Tensor cores (~3352 AI-TOPs) boost Blender’s AI-driven features significantly. The OptiX AI denoiser runs faster, reducing noise in renders and viewports efficiently. Future AI tools, like texture generation or procedural modeling, will leverage the 5090’s high AI performance for quick execution. NVIDIA’s AI accelerators also enhance streaming tools like Broadcast, aiding Blender content creators with improved video quality.

The 5090’s AI hardware ensures smooth performance for interactive AI tasks, such as sculpting or texture synthesis, without bottlenecks. As Blender integrates more AI features, the 5090’s Tensor cores provide substantial headroom. Its AI capabilities streamline denoising and future workflows, making it a powerful asset. NVIDIA emphasizes the 5090’s “world-leading AI technology,” ensuring readiness for evolving Blender tools. The card’s AI focus enhances rendering and creative pipelines. Users can expect snappier AI-driven tasks and seamless integration with NVIDIA’s creator ecosystem.

Best practices for cooling and maintaining RTX 5090 during intensive Blender tasks

Given the 5090’s high power draw, proper cooling and maintenance are crucial:

• Case Airflow: Use a well-ventilated case with multiple intake and exhaust fans. Ensure multiple intake/exhaust fans in the case. A front-to-back airflow pattern is ideal. This dissipates the 5090’s heat. It prevents thermal issues.
• Monitor Temps: Use GPU monitoring software (e.g., HWMonitor, MSI Afterburner) to keep an eye on temperatures. Monitor GPU temps with software. Aim for under 85°C under load. Adjust fan curves if needed. This ensures GPU longevity.
• Periodic Cleaning: Dust buildup can drastically reduce cooling. Clean GPU heatsink and fans every few months. Use compressed air or a brush. This maintains cooling efficiency. It prevents heat buildup.
• Undervolting/Power Limit: If temperatures or noise are an issue, consider a slight undervolt or -10% power limit via a GPU tuning utility. Undervolt or limit power to reduce heat. This maintains performance with less noise. Tools like MSI Afterburner help. It improves user comfort.
• Thermal Paste (Advanced): Enthusiasts sometimes reapply high-quality thermal paste on the GPU die and VRMs for even better heat transfer, though this voids warranty. Reapply thermal paste for better cooling. This is an advanced, warranty-voiding step. It lowers temps slightly. Proceed with caution.
• Water Cooling (Optional): For ultimate cooling, some may wait for an AIO or custom water block for 5090.
  Consider AIO or custom water cooling. These reduce temps significantly. Only air cooling is available at launch. This is a future option.
• Ambient Temperature: Keep your room reasonably cool. Maintain a cool room temperature. Higher ambient heat reduces GPU headroom. Even 5°C impacts performance. This aids cooling efficiency.

Following these best practices ensures the RTX 5090 runs reliably during marathon rendering sessions. Proper cooling sustains high performance and longevity for intensive Blender tasks.

Future-proofing your Blender setup with RTX 5090

The RTX 5090 ensures a future-proof Blender workstation for years. Its 32 GB VRAM supports complex projects, including future Blender features like advanced geometry nodes or VR content. The Blackwell architecture handles upcoming AI and rendering technologies, keeping pace with Blender’s evolution. Compatibility with PCIe 5.0 and AV1 encoding aligns with next-gen hardware, ensuring longevity.

The 5090’s high resale value and support for major Blender releases (4.x, 5.x) add to its appeal. It eliminates GPU bottlenecks for 4K/8K renders and dense simulations, offering peace of mind. NVIDIA’s focus on “next-gen performance” positions the 5090 for cutting-edge workflows. While future GPUs will emerge, the 5090’s capabilities make it a durable investment. Its power suits hardcore creators pushing Blender’s limits. For top-tier performance, the 5090 is unmatched in 2025.

Where to buy NVIDIA GeForce RTX 5090 for Blender use

When the RTX 5090 launches, it will be available from NVIDIA’s official store and all major computer hardware retailers. NVIDIA’s own product pages and marketplaces will list the Founders Edition and provide links to buy. Additionally, board partners (ASUS, Gigabyte, MSI, EVGA, etc.) will release custom versions of the RTX 5090, often with factory overclocks or alternative cooling solutions. These will be sold through their websites and partner retailers like Amazon, Newegg, Best Buy, Micro Center, and international equivalents. For Blender, consider models with strong cooling (since renders can heat the card) or those labeled “Studio” editions if available.

Tips:

• Check NVIDIA’s website for the official product page with buying links.
  NVIDIA’s site lists the Founders Edition. It provides reliable buying links. This ensures authorized purchases. Stock updates are available.
• Look for retailers advertising NVIDIA RTX 50-series stock around the launch date (Jan 2025).
  Check retailers for 50-series stock in January 2025. Major stores carry partner cards. Monitor restocks for availability. Act quickly at launch.
• Avoid unofficial gray-market sellers charging exorbitant premiums.
  Stick to authorized retailers only. Gray-market sellers inflate prices. This ensures warranty support. It avoids scams.
• Ensure the seller is authorized – this ensures you get warranty support if needed. Buy from authorized sellers for warranty. Unauthorized sales risk support issues. Verify seller credentials. This protects your investment.

The RTX 5090 is a hot item at launch, so if you plan to buy, act quickly or pre-order if possible. Keeping an eye on NVIDIA’s channel and trusted tech news sites (VideoCardz, Tom’s Hardware, etc.) will help you find reliable vendors.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

1. Will Blender automatically detect and use the RTX 5090 for rendering?
   Yes. Once you install the 5090 and the latest NVIDIA Studio driver, Blender (version 3.6 or later) will detect it under Edit → Preferences → System → Cycles Render Devices. Simply select the RTX 5090 (under CUDA or OptiX) and set your render engine to use GPU. Blender will then use the 5090 for GPU-accelerated rendering.
2. What advantages does the 32 GB GDDR7 memory bring to Blender?
   The 32 GB VRAM allows much larger scenes and textures to fit entirely on the GPU. You can work with high-poly models, 8K textures, and large smoke/simulation caches without running out of memory. This means avoiding “out of memory” crashes and faster texture loads. It effectively doubles the capacity of the 4090, giving more headroom for complex projects.
3. Is upgrading from an RTX 4090 to RTX 5090 worth it for Blender?
   It depends on your workload. The 5090 offers about 20–30% faster performance and more VRAM than the 4090, which is great for very heavy scenes. However, it costs more and uses more power. If you frequently hit performance or memory limits on your 4090, the upgrade can pay off. If your 4090 is already handling your needs, the gains may be modest relative to the cost.
4. What power supply do I need for an RTX 5090?
   NVIDIA recommends at least a 1000W power supply. The RTX 5090 requires a 12-pin 600W connector (using the included 4×8-pin adapter) or equivalent high-power cable. Ensure your PSU has enough amperage on the 12V rail and the correct connector. A 1200W PSU is even safer if you run a high-end CPU or multiple drives.
5. How do I install and configure NVIDIA drivers for the RTX 5090 in Blender?
   Download the latest NVIDIA Studio Driver for the RTX 5090 from NVIDIA’s website. Install it and reboot your PC. In Blender’s Preferences → System, switch the CUDA/OptiX backend to “GPU” and check the RTX 5090. OptiX is recommended as it uses both RT and Tensor cores. Then select GPU in the render engine (Cycles) and you’re ready to render with the 5090.
6. Does Blender support DLSS or other gaming features of the RTX 5090?
   No. DLSS (Deep Learning Super Sampling), Reflex, Frame Generation and similar features are specific to games. Blender does not use them. Blender uses the 5090’s hardware for ray tracing (Cycles/OptiX) and AI denoising, but it has no built-in DLSS. So these gaming features won’t affect Blender performance.
7. Can the RTX 5090 be used for Eevee rendering?
   Yes, but with limitations. The RTX 5090 will accelerate Eevee in that the viewport can handle more geometry and high-resolution textures at full FPS. However, Eevee itself is a rasterizer and does not use RTX ray-trace cores. You will see smoother previews and faster render times in Eevee than on weaker GPUs, but the RTX-specific hardware (like RT cores) is used primarily by Cycles.
8. How much faster is the RTX 5090 in Blender compared to CPU rendering?
   The RTX 5090 renders multiple times faster than top-end CPUs in Cycles or Eevee. It excels in ray tracing and GPU-accelerated tasks, especially if scenes fit in VRAM. Compared to high-core CPUs like Threadrippers, the 5090 offers significant speedups. NVIDIA claims “unprecedented” ray-tracing performance for complex scenes.
9. Can I use multiple RTX 5090 GPUs for even faster rendering?
   Yes. Blender’s Cycles can use multiple GPUs in parallel (via OptiX/CUDA multi-device). Simply enable each 5090 in Blender’s Preferences under System. However, the RTX 5090 does not support NVLink/SLI, so each GPU’s memory is separate. You can still get near-linear speedup with two cards, but you won’t share textures between them.
10. When and where can I buy the RTX 5090?
    The RTX 5090 launched on January 30, 2025. You can buy it from NVIDIA’s official website and major retailers (e.g. Amazon, Newegg, Best Buy, Micro Center) once available. NVIDIA’s own product page will list purchase options. Also look for partner AIB cards (ASUS, Gigabyte, etc.) on those sites. Check for official listings to avoid scalpers, and ensure you buy from authorized sellers.
11. Is the RTX 5090 officially released yet?
    No. NVIDIA plans to announce the GeForce RTX 5090 at CES 2025 (January 2025), and it should be available in late January. Until then, all specs and dates are unofficial leaks.
12. When will the RTX 5090 launch and what will it cost?
    The RTX 5090 is expected to launch in January 2025. Early leaks suggest a price around $1900–$2000 (MSRP), making it the most expensive GeForce card yet. Actual retail prices (with tax and vendor markup) may be higher at launch.
13. How much faster is the RTX 5090 compared to the RTX 4090 in Blender?
    Benchmarks show roughly a 30–36% rendering speed increase for the 5090 over a 4090 in Blender. That means heavy scene renders finish about one-third faster. Individual results vary by scene, but you can expect a significant uplift in GPU rendering performance.
14. Is 32 GB of VRAM on the RTX 5090 important for Blender?
    Yes. Blender projects with many high-resolution textures, complex geometry, or large simulations can easily use more than 16–24 GB of VRAM. The 5090’s 32 GB lets you load much larger scenes without hitting memory limits. This is especially useful for 8K rendering, multi-camera projects, or virtual production work. In practice, the extra RAM reduces the risk of “out of memory” errors and allows more assets to stay in GPU memory.
15. Does Blender support the RTX 5090’s new features like DLSS 4?
    Blender doesn’t use gaming features like DLSS or Reflex, so it won’t leverage DLSS 4. It supports Ray Tracing (Cycles) and CUDA/OptiX, using the 5090’s RT and Tensor cores. The 5090’s 4th-gen RT and 5th-gen Tensor cores boost ray tracing and AI denoising. Blender uses the 5090’s hardware like previous RTX cards, via OptiX for Cycles.
16. What kind of power supply do I need for an RTX 5090?
    The RTX 5090 is rated around 575 W TDP. NVIDIA will likely recommend at least a 1000–1200 W 80+ Gold/Platinum PSU if you have a typical high-end CPU, to provide enough headroom. Your PSU must have a 16-pin (12VHPWR) connector (or adapters) that can deliver the full power draw. In short, use a very high-quality, high-wattage power supply. Expect this GPU to draw as much power as an entire mid-tower PC, so plan cooling and power accordingly.
17. Are there any known issues with the RTX 5090 in Blender currently?
    Some third-party render engines like Redshift and Octane lacked initial RTX 50-series support, and V-Ray had CUDA bugs on early drivers. Use the latest NVIDIA Studio drivers and Blender 4.x or 3.x for compatibility. Update render engines/plugins to versions supporting RTX 50-series GPUs. Blender itself runs fine with the 5090 if updated.
18. Is upgrading to the RTX 5090 worth it for Blender, or should I stick with my 4090?
    The RTX 5090 offers 30–35% faster renders and more VRAM than the 4090, but at a high cost. It’s ideal for huge scenes taking hours on a 4090, justifying the expense. For moderate projects, the 4090 remains excellent and cheaper. The 5090’s power and cooling needs also add complexity.
19. Will my current PC (motherboard, PCIe slot, etc.) support an RTX 5090?
    The RTX 5090 uses a PCIe x16 slot (PCIe 5.0), backward-compatible with PCIe 4.0 or 3.0. Most modern motherboards with a PCIe x16 slot support it, but ensure case clearance for the long, dual-slot card. Update your motherboard BIOS for PCIe 4.0/5.0 compatibility. A 16-pin power connector is required.
20. How do I set up Blender to take advantage of the RTX 5090?
    Install the 5090 and latest NVIDIA Studio drivers, then in Blender’s Preferences → System → Cycles Render Devices, enable CUDA or OptiX and select the 5090. Set Cycles to “GPU Compute” (OptiX) and use large tile sizes (e.g., 256). Enable GPU acceleration in OpenGL settings and set NVIDIA Control Panel to “Max Performance” for Blender.

Conclusion

The NVIDIA GeForce RTX 5090 is poised to be the ultimate GPU for Blender – if you can afford it. Based on leaks and early tests, it will feature 32 GB GDDR7 memory, ~21,760 CUDA cores, 4th-gen RT cores and 5th-gen Tensor cores, all of which translate to roughly 30–35% faster rendering than the RTX 4090. This makes it ideal for extremely large, high-detail Blender projects that strain lesser cards. However, this performance comes with very high power draw (575 W) and cost ($2000+).

For most users with lighter workloads, a 4090 or even an RTX 30-series card remains very capable in Blender. But for professionals seeking the fastest 3D rendering and maximum VRAM headroom, the 5090 is a clear upgrade. Key things to remember: Blender fully supports the card (via CUDA/OptiX), but you’ll need a beefy PSU and cooling to handle it. If you decide to buy one, watch NVIDIA’s official launch announcements and retailer stock closely. In any case, the RTX 5090 is shaping up to be the go-to GPU for bleeding-edge Blender performance – just be prepared to pay a premium for that future-proof power.

Sources:

• NVIDIA official GeForce RTX 5090 page (product specs and architecture)​nvidia.com​nvidia.com
• NVIDIA official GeForce RTX 4090 page​nvidia.com (for 4090 specs comparison)
• Tom’s Guide (“Nvidia Expected to reveal RTX 50-series”)​tomsguide.com​tomsguide.com
• PCGamesN (“RTX 5090 debut at CES 2025”)​pcgamesn.com​pcgamesn.com
• TweakTown (“RTX 5090 36% faster in Blender”)​tweaktown.com
• Puget Systems Content Creation Review (RTX 5090)​pugetsystems.com​pugetsystems.com​pugetsystems.com
• Mashable (“RTX 5090 leak, memory 32GB, demand”)​mashable.com​mashable.com​mashable.com​mashable.com
• TechPowerUp GPU Database (RTX 5090 specs)​techpowerup.com​techpowerup.com
• Blender.org System Requirements​blender.org
• Mashable Deal Articles (RTX 5090 listings)​mashable.com​mashable.com

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