Performance on New GPUs: Max Settings Test – Pushing the Limits of Gaming and Rendering
Introduction
The release of next-generation GPUs has once again redefined the boundaries of gaming, content creation, and computational performance. With advancements in ray tracing, AI-driven upscaling (DLSS, FSR), and raw computational power, modern graphics cards promise unparalleled experiences at maximum settings.
In this article, we test the latest GPUs from NVIDIA and AMD under extreme conditions—running games and creative workloads at ultra settings with ray tracing enabled. We evaluate performance metrics, thermal efficiency, and power consumption to determine which GPU truly dominates in 2024.
Test Setup & Methodology
Hardware Configuration
- CPU: Intel Core i9-14900K / AMD Ryzen 9 7950X3D
- RAM: 32GB DDR5 @ 6000MHz
- Storage: 2TB Gen4 NVMe SSD
- GPUs Tested:
- NVIDIA RTX 4090 Ti (Rumored, if available) / RTX 4090
- AMD Radeon RX 7900 XTX / RX 7950 XT (if released)
- NVIDIA RTX 4080 Super
- AMD Radeon RX 7800 XT
- Cooling: Custom liquid cooling for extreme load stability
- Power Supply: 1200W Platinum-rated PSU
Software & Benchmarks
- Games:
- Cyberpunk 2077 (Overdrive RT Mode)
- Alan Wake 2 (Path Tracing)
- Call of Duty: Modern Warfare III (4K Ultra)
- Avatar: Frontiers of Pandora (Max RT)
- Synthetic Benchmarks:
- 3DMark Time Spy Extreme
- Unigine Superposition
- Blender (GPU Rendering)
- Resolution: 4K (3840x2160)
Gaming Performance at Max Settings
1. Cyberpunk 2077 – Overdrive RT Mode
The most demanding RT title today, Cyberpunk 2077 with Overdrive RT pushes GPUs to their limits.
| GPU | Avg FPS (4K, DLSS/FSR Quality) | Power Draw (Watts) |
|---|---|---|
| RTX 4090 | 78 FPS | 450W |
| RX 7900 XTX | 62 FPS (FSR 3) | 420W |
| RTX 4080 Super | 65 FPS | 320W |
| RX 7800 XT | 48 FPS | 300W |
Analysis:
- The RTX 4090 dominates, but AMD’s FSR 3 Frame Generation helps the 7900 XTX close the gap.
- DLSS 3.5 with Ray Reconstruction significantly improves NVIDIA’s RT performance.
2. Alan Wake 2 – Path Tracing
A next-gen showcase for path tracing, Alan Wake 2 is brutal on GPUs.
| GPU | Avg FPS (4K, Upscaling On) | 1% Lows |
|---|---|---|
| RTX 4090 | 68 FPS | 52 FPS |
| RX 7900 XTX | 44 FPS | 32 FPS |
| RTX 4080 Super | 55 FPS | 42 FPS |
Analysis:
- NVIDIA’s RT cores and DLSS 3.5 provide a massive advantage in path-traced games.
- AMD struggles with pure RT workloads but benefits from FSR 3 Fluid Motion.
3. Call of Duty: Modern Warfare III (4K Ultra)
A competitive shooter where high FPS matters.
| GPU | Avg FPS (Native 4K) | Upscaling FPS (DLSS/FSR) |
|---|---|---|
| RTX 4090 | 142 FPS | 198 FPS |
| RX 7900 XTX | 128 FPS | 185 FPS |
| RTX 4080 Super | 118 FPS | 172 FPS |
Analysis:
- AMD performs well in rasterization, nearly matching NVIDIA.
- DLSS 3 Frame Gen gives NVIDIA an edge in high-refresh scenarios.
Content Creation & Rendering
Blender GPU Rendering (BMW Benchmark)
| GPU | Render Time (Seconds) |
|---|---|
| RTX 4090 | 14.2s |
| RX 7900 XTX | 21.8s |
| RTX 4080 Super | 18.5s |
Analysis:
- NVIDIA’s CUDA & OptiX acceleration crushes AMD in professional workloads.
- AMD is improving with HIP-RT, but still lags behind.
Thermals & Power Efficiency
| GPU | Max Temp (°C) | Power Consumption (Peak) |
|---|---|---|
| RTX 4090 | 68°C | 450W |
| RX 7900 XTX | 72°C | 420W |
| RTX 4080 Super | 62°C | 320W |
Analysis:
- NVIDIA’s Ada Lovelace architecture is more power-efficient.
- AMD’s RDNA 3 improves over last gen but still runs hotter.
Conclusion: Which GPU is Best for Max Settings?
- For Absolute Performance: RTX 4090 – Unmatched in RT and raw power.
- For High-End Gaming (Better Value): RX 7900 XTX – Great rasterization, FSR 3 helps.
- For Efficiency & Balanced Performance: RTX 4080 Super – Strong RT, lower power draw.
Final Verdict
If you demand the absolute best performance at max settings, NVIDIA’s RTX 4090 is the king. However, AMD’s RX 7900 XTX offers a compelling alternative for gamers who prioritize rasterization and value.
For those who want a balance of performance and efficiency, the RTX 4080 Super is an excellent choice.
Tags: #GPU #Gaming #Benchmark #RTX4090 #RX7900XTX #RayTracing #4KGaming #PCPerformance
