GPU comparison · May 2026 electricity rates

GeForce RTX 5090 vs GeForce RTX 4090 electricity cost

Compare the two GPUs under identical electricity-cost assumptions. Official rated graphics power is kept separate from the adjustable CPU and other-system load.

GeForce RTX 5090575 WTotal Graphics Power
GeForce RTX 4090450 WTotal Graphics Power
U.S. average reference gap$2.464 h/day · 30 days · same defaults
Current U.S. average18.44¢per kWh · May 2026

Same-assumption comparison

Compare electricity cost

GeForce RTX 5090$15.0030-day cost · 678 W modeled wall draw
GeForce RTX 4090$12.5430-day cost · 567 W modeled wall draw
Difference$2.46GeForce RTX 5090 costs more over 30 days under these assumptions.
GeForce RTX 5090 annualized$182.47
GeForce RTX 4090 annualized$152.56
Annualized difference$29.91

This comparison intentionally applies the same utilization percentage, non-GPU system load, PSU efficiency, usage time and electricity rate to both GPUs. It is an electricity-cost model, not a performance benchmark. Real systems can differ because CPUs, board power limits, undervolting, workloads and PSU efficiency vary.

NVIDIA source

GeForce RTX 5090

575 W Total Graphics Power. Vendor PSU recommendation: 1000 W.

NVIDIA GeForce RTX 5090 specifications

Open the GeForce RTX 5090 calculator →

NVIDIA source

GeForce RTX 4090

450 W Total Graphics Power. Vendor PSU recommendation: 850 W.

NVIDIA GeForce RTX 4090 specifications

Open the GeForce RTX 4090 calculator →

How to read this comparison

The default model applies 80% of each GPU's rated graphics power, 150 W for the rest of the PC, 90% PSU efficiency and four hours of gaming per day. Because those assumptions are identical for both cards, the modeled difference comes primarily from the graphics-power specification.

This does not mean one GPU will always draw exactly this much more power in real games. Board-partner limits, frame-rate caps, undervolting, CPU choice and the workload itself can move actual wall power substantially. Use the controls above if you have better assumptions for your own system.

Electricity cost is not a performance metric

A lower electricity bill does not tell you which GPU is faster or better value. PowerCostAtlas deliberately keeps this page focused on energy use and cost so that performance claims are not mixed into an electricity calculation.

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