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RTX 4090 Vs RX 6950 XT [Gaming Benchmarks 2024]

We test the Nvidia RTX 4090 and AMD RX 6950 XT in Gaming Benchmarks, discuss their basic design differences, and conclude the comparison with discussing their overall gaming performance.

The GeForce RTX 4090 is the top variant of Nvidiaā€™s latest RTX 40 series with 24GB memory and is currently the most powerful GPU in the world. On the other hand, the RX 6950 XT is the top-tier GPU of the AMD RX 6000 series featuring RDNA 2.0 architecture with 16GB memory. In this comparison of the RTX 4090 vs RX 6950 XT, I will reckon the two GPUs’ design specs and gaming prowess.

Key Takeaways

  • In my gaming performance testing at 4K resolution, the RTX 4090 provides approximately 45% greater performance than the RX 6950 XT.
  • According to my power consumption test, the RX 6950 XT exhibits about 30% greater power efficiency than the RTX 4090, thus saving energy.
  • Based on the gaming temperatures I noted for two GPUs, the RTX 4090 has 12.4% higher thermal efficiency than the RX 6950 XT.

Comparison Table

FeatureNvidia GeForce RTX 4090AMD Radeon RX 6950 XT
Shading Units16384 CUDA Cores
(CUDA Capability: 8.9)
5120 Stream Processors
Ray Tracing Cores12880
ROPs176128
Base Clock2.23 GHz1.89 GHz
Boost Clock2.52 GHz2.31 GHz
Manufacturing Node5nm at TSMC7nm at TSMC
Standard Memory Config24GB GDDR6X16GB GDDR6
Bandwidth1,008 GB/s576.0 GB/s
Memory Clock / Speed1313 MHz
21 Gbps effective
2250 MHz
18 Gbps effective
GPU TDP450-watt335-watt
Maximum Temperature90Ā°CUp to 110Ā°C
Launch DateSep 20th, 2022May 10th, 2022
MSRP$1599$1099
Best VariantsBEST RTX 4090 Graphics Cards In 2023-

Architectural Difference

  • Architecture: The GeForce RTX 4090 employs Nvidia’s latest Ada Lovelace architecture, while the RX 6950 XT uses the company’s RDNA 2.0 design, the predecessor of AMD’s most recent RDNA 3.0 architecture.
  • GPU Chip: The RX 6950 XT employs the AMD Navi 21 chip, whereas the RTX 4090 employs the features of Nvidia’s AD102 GPU chip. The cutting-edge AD102 chip crafted on a futuristic 5nm technology demonstrates revolutionary enhancements.
  • Clock Speed: Regarding clock speed, the RTX 4090’s base clock is around 18% faster, and its boost clock is about 9.1% faster than the RX 6950 XT’s turbo clock.
  • VRAM: The RTX 4090 features 384-bit 24GB GDDR6X memory with a bandwidth of 1,008 GB/s, whereas the RX 6950 XT has 256-bit 16GB GDDR6 memory and a bandwidth of only 576.0 GB/s. Moreover, the RTX 4090’s memory speed is 16.7% or 3Gbps faster than the RX 6950 XT.
  • Advanced Technologies: The RTX 4090 showcases Nvidia’s cutting-edge DLSS 3.0, pitted against the AMD FidelityFX Super Resolution 2.0 employed by the RX 6950 XT. For more details, read Nvidia DLSS vs AMD FSR.

Gaming Benchmarks

When evaluating the performance of a graphics card, its gaming capabilities are considered the most reliable metric. I will assess the performance and efficiency of the RTX 4090 vs RX 6950 XT by analyzing their capabilities in 10 graphically taxing games I played at 4K resolution.

Gaming Rig

The setup I used to play these games had the following specs.

Counter-Strike: Global Offensive

Gaming Stats
CS: GO Benchmarks at 4K – Image Credits (Tech4Gamers)
  • In my first Counter-Strike: Global Offensive gameplay, the RTX 4090 established a 3% or 14 FPS performance lead over the RX 6950 XT. The RTX 4090 produced an average of 481 FPS at 4K, while the RX 6950 XT delivered 467 FPS on average.
  • As for the low 1% frame rate, the RTX 4090 delivered 198 FPS, while the RX 6950 XT provided 204 FPS.

Cyberpunk 2077

Gaming Stats
Cyberpunk 2077 Benchmarks at 4K – Image Credits (Tech4Gamers)
  • During my gameplay of Cyberpunk 2077, the RTX 4090 provided a performance advantage of roughly 67.3% over the RX 6950 XT. On average, the RTX 4090 generated a frame rate of 82 FPS, whereas the RX 6950 XT produced 49 FPS.
  • In the worst 1% performance time, the RTX 4090 bore an impressive frame rate of 68 FPS, while the RX 6950 XT only produced 42 FPS.

Forza Horizon 5

Gaming Stats
Forza Horizon 5 Benchmarks at 4K – Image Credits (Tech4Gamers)
  • In my testing of Forza Horizon 5, the RTX 4090 outperformed the RX 6950 XT with an upper hand of about 57.5%The RX 6950 XT achieved an average frame rate of 106 FPS, compared to the RTX 4090’s a higher 167 FPS average.
  • For the low 1% frame rate, the RTX 4090 surpassed the RX 6950 XT by a margin of 53 frames per second.

God Of War

Gaming Stats
God of War Benchmarks at 4K – Image Credits (Tech4Gamers)
  • While playing God of War, I noted that the RTX 4090 exhibited an edge in performance of around 58.8% compared to the RX 6950 XT. Contrary to the RTX 4090’s brilliant frame rate of 127 FPS, the RX 6950 XT could only produce 80 FPS.
  • Regarding the low 1% frame rate, the RTX 4090 produced 91 FPS, while the RX 6950 XT produced 59 FPS.

Hitman 3

Gaming Stats
Hitman 3 Benchmarks at 4K – Image Credits (Tech4Gamers)
  • During my session of Hitman 3, the RTX 4090 surpassed the RX 6950 XT by a substantial performance margin of approximately 47.3%The RTX 4090 provided a sharp 165 FPS, while the RX 6950 XT could only muster up 112 FPS.
  • Considering the low 1% frame rate in Hitman 3, the RTX 4090 submitted 130 frames per second, whereas the RX 6950 XT produced 90 FPS.

Horizon Zero Dawn

Gaming Stats
Horizon Zero Dawn Benchmarks at 4K – Image Credits (Tech4Gamers)
  • While playing Horizon Zero Dawn, I saw that the RTX 4090 outperformed the RX 6950 XT by a performance margin of around 67.5%The RTX 4090 achieved 139 FPS, whereas the RX 6950 XT could only beget 83 FPS.
  • At the worst 1% performance, the RTX 4090 managed an exceptional frame rate of 113 FPS, while the RX 6950 XT could only manage 71 FPS.

Microsoft Flight Simulator

Gaming Stats
Microsoft Flight Simulator Benchmarks at 4K – Image Credits (Tech4Gamers)
  • In my Microsoft Flight Simulator gameplay, the performance of the RTX 4090 was about 124% greater than the RX 6950 XT. While the RX 6950 XT could only manage an average of 42 FPS, the RTX 4090 delivered an astute 94 FPS.
  • Regarding the worst 1% performance, the RTX 4090 achieved an outstanding frame rate of 64 FPS, while the RX 6950 XT could only deliver 38 FPS.

PUBG

Gaming Stats
PUBG Benchmarks at 4K – Image Credits (Tech4Gamers)
  • When running PUBG, I experienced the RTX 4090 achieving a performance advantage of about 97% over the RX 6950 XT. The RTX 4090 delivered an astonishing 205 FPS, whereas the RX 6950 XT could only muster an average of 104 FPS.
  • About the low 1% performance, the RX 6950 XT produced 88 FPS, 4 more frames per second than the RTX 4090ā€™s 84 FPS.

Red Dead Redemption 2

Gaming Stats
Red Dead Redemption 2 Benchmarks at 4K – Image Credits (Tech4Gamers)
  • During my Red Dead Redemption 2 gameplay, the RX 6950 XT lagged behind the RTX 4090 by a performance margin of 63.5%The RTX 4090 attained an exceptional 121 FPS, whereas the average frame rate for the RX 6950 XT was only 74 FPS.
  • With reference to the low 1% frame rate, the RTX 4090 gained 93 frames per second, while the RX 6950 XT furnished 65 FPS.

Spider-Man

Gaming Stats
Spider-Man Benchmarks at 4K – Image Credits (Tech4Gamers)
  • In my last gameplay of Spider-Man, the RTX 4090 presented a competitive edge of approximately 120% over the RX 6950 XT. In contrast to the RTX 4090’s impressive 114 FPS at 4K, the RX 6950 XT could only turn over 52 FPS on average.
  • Per my testing of the low 1% frame rate, the RTX 4090 produced a stunning 74 FPS, while the RX 6950 XT provided only 41 FPS.

Overall Gaming Performance

Overall Gaming Performance
Overall Gaming Performance of Two GPUs at 4K – Image Credits (Tech4Gamers)

Average FPS

Based on gaming benchmarks, the Nvidia RTX 4090 emerges as the clear winner in the FPS battle against the RX 6950 XT with an impressive average margin of approximately 45%.

After averaging the FPS for the aforementioned games, the RTX 4090 demonstrated a remarkable 169.5 FPS at 4K resolution, whereas the RX 6950 XT managed only 116.9 FPS. The RX 6950 XT failed to achieve a higher average frame rate than the RTX 4090 in any of the games discussed above.

Low 1% FPS

The RTX 4090 also won the low 1% FPS battle against the RX 6950 XT, with an amazing average lead of around 34.3%. I found that the RTX 4090 yielded an outstanding overall low 1% frame rate of 105.7 FPS, while the RX 6950 XT could only manage 78.7 FPS.

Gaming Power Consumption

Reminder: The TDP of the RTX 4090 is 450W, which is around 35% higher than that of the RX 6950 XT, which is 335W.

Average Gaming Power Consumption
Average Gaming Power Consumption of Two GPUs – Image Credits (Tech4Gamers)

According to my testing of power usage, the RX 6950 XT boasts approximately 29.4% greater power efficiency or lower energy consumption than the RTX 4090. During the aforementioned games I played at 4K resolution, I noted that the RX 6950 XT registered an average power consumption of 291.2 watts. On the other hand, the RTX 4090 consumed more power, averaging 376.8 watts.

Gaming Temperatures

Average Gaming Temperature
Average Gaming Temperature of Two GPUs – Image Credits (Tech4Gamers)

Based on my gaming temperature test, the RTX 4090 outperforms the RX 6950 XT by exhibiting a 12.4% greater thermal efficiency or remaining relatively cooler by 7.4Ā°C. The RTX 4090 maintained an average gaming temperature of approximately 59.7Ā°C, while the RX 6950 XT recorded an average of 67.1Ā°C.

If you are encountering GPU overheating issues, seek help from our guide on How To Lower GPU Temperature.

Price And Availability

Before making a decision on which GPU to choose, it is advisable to take into account both its cost and availability. When considering the launch MSRPs, Nvidia priced the RTX 4090 at $1599 in September 2022, while AMD priced the RX 6950 XT at $1099 in May 2022.

It’s worth noting that the prices of graphics cards are subject to change based on factors such as time and demand. Currently, the RTX 4090 is being sold by various manufacturers at prices ranging from $1900 to $2300. Conversely, the RX 6950 XT is available for purchase at $630 to $780. The RX 6950 XT is now selling below its launch MSRP is likely due to the introduction of AMD’s newer graphics cards into the market.

In terms of availability, both graphics cards are currently widely available through various online and offline retailers. They can be easily ordered online from Amazon, Newegg, and other stores.

Which One Do I Recommend?

After extensively comparing the RTX 4090 vs RX 6950 XT, it is time to decide which GPU is better per individual needs and budget.

If your principal purpose is to relish an unparalleled gaming experience with exceptional performance, and you are unbound by budget constraints, then I recommend the RTX 4090. This GPU stands as the ultimate icon among all available graphics cards.

However, if budget constraints are a consideration and you seek a cost-effective GPU with lower operating costs, I recommend considering the RX 6950 XT. The price of the RX 6950 XT is much lower than that of the RTX 4090 and boasts around 30% greater power efficiency, resulting in reduced electricity costs. When not compared to the RTX 4090, the RX 6950 XT exhibits commendable gaming performance.

Pros And Cons

GPUProsCons
Nvidia GeForce RTX 4090āœ… Incredible 4K gaming performance
āœ… DLSS 3 significantly accelerates performance
āœ… Features Dual AV1 encoders
āœ… Superb for content creation
āŒ The price is exorbitantly high
āŒ Not much power efficient
āŒ Fitting issues due to larger width and length
AMD Radeon RX 6950 XTāœ… Offers a dual BIOS switch and an idle fan stop function
āœ… Exhibits remarkable cooling and operates quietly
āœ… Efficient power dissipation
āœ… More affordable compared to Nvidia cards
āŒ Ray tracing performance lags Nvidia RTX GPUs
āŒ Mediocre performance for creative applications
āŒ Underwhelming Upgrade from RX 6900 XT

Frequently Asked Questions

Which GPU has better gaming performance, the RTX 4090 or RX 6950 XT?

The Nvidia RTX 4090 boasts the highest gaming performance. Its gaming performance is about 45% better than the RX 6950 XT at 4K resolution.

Is the RTX 4090 more power efficient than the RX 6950 XT?

No, the RTX 4090 consumes more energy than the RX 6950 XT. The running cost of the RTX 4090 is higher than the RX 6950 XT.

Which GPU offers relatively better value for money, the RTX 4090 or RX 6950 XT?

For its comparatively lower cost, the RX 6950 XT provides superior value than the RTX 4090, boasting higher performance-to-price and performance-per-watt ratios.


More From RTX 4090:

More From RX 6950 XT:

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