Nvidia RTX 5090 Struggles in Cyberpunk 2077 Without DLSS, Highlighting Tech's Reliance on AI

Nvidia's RTX 5090 Faces Challenges in Cyberpunk 2077 Without DLSS

Nvidia's upcoming flagship graphics card, the RTX 5090, has shown impressive capabilities in demanding games like Cyberpunk 2077 when utilizing its advanced features. However, recent tests conducted at CES 2025 revealed that the card struggles to maintain even 30 frames per second (fps) in the game at maximum settings when Deep Learning Super Sampling (DLSS) is disabled.

Performance with DLSS and Frame Generation

During a hands-on session at CES 2025, YouTuber PC Centric demonstrated the RTX 5090's performance. With DLSS 4 and 4x frame generation enabled, alongside DLSS set to Performance mode, the RTX 5090 achieved an astonishing 290 fps with minimal latency (around 40ms). This was achieved with Nvidia's Reflex 1, as Reflex 2 was not yet available for the test.

Switching DLSS to Quality mode resulted in a noticeable drop in frame rates, averaging around 200 fps, with a slight increase in latency. Even at these settings, 200 fps is more than sufficient for a game like Cyberpunk 2077, which is not an esports title.

The Impact of Disabling DLSS

When DLSS was completely turned off, the RTX 5090's raw performance was exposed. Disabling frame generation alone reduced the frame rate to approximately 65 fps. However, disabling DLSS entirely caused the card to fall below 30 fps, a performance level considered unplayable and even below console standards.

This stark difference highlights the critical role of DLSS and frame generation technologies in modern AAA gaming, especially for titles with demanding graphical features like path tracing.

Leaked Benchmarks and Future Outlook

Leaked benchmarks suggest that the RTX 5090 offers significant improvements over its predecessor, the RTX 4090. In Vulkan tests, the RTX 5090 was reportedly up to 37% faster, while in OpenCL tests, it showed up to 15% improvement.

While these early results are promising, it's important to note that they are based on preliminary tests and leaked data. Official reviews and availability are expected by January 30th, which will provide a clearer picture of the RTX 5090's true capabilities.

Author Information

Monica J. White, a computing writer for Digital Trends since 2021, focuses on PC hardware. Her expertise includes in-depth analysis of graphics cards and gaming technology.

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