Summary of "RTX 5080 vs RTX 4090 Laptop - 25 Games at 4K, 1440p & 1080p!"

RTX 5080 vs RTX 4090 Laptop - 25 Games at 4K, 1440p & 1080p!

Storyline & Overview

This video compares the performance of the newer RTX 5080 laptop GPU against the previous generation RTX 4090 laptop GPU across 25 games at three resolutions: 4K, 1440p, and 1080p. The goal is to determine which GPU offers better gaming performance, power efficiency, and value for money in 2025.

Key Hardware Details

Both GPUs feature 16GB VRAM and a 256-bit memory bus.
RTX 5080 uses faster GDDR7 memory.
RTX 4090 has approximately 27% more CUDA, Tensor, and RT cores.
Both GPUs operate within the same power limit range (80-175W).
RTX 5080 can achieve higher clock speeds due to fewer cores and better power efficiency.
Testing was conducted on XMG Neo6 laptops equipped with air coolers and full 175W power limits.
The RTX 5080 laptop was paired with a newer, faster CPU and RAM compared to the 4090 laptop.

Performance & Power Efficiency

At equal power (~85-90W), the RTX 5080 slightly outperforms the RTX 4090.
At maximum power (175W), the RTX 4090 is only about 2.5% faster.
The RTX 5080 laptop consumes 17-19% less power during maxed-out gaming scenarios.
Battery life on the RTX 5080 laptop is 49% longer than the RTX 4090’s during gaming.
Both GPUs maintain similar operating temperatures.
RTX 5080 achieves higher clock speeds while using less power.

Gaming Performance Highlights

Cyberpunk 2077: Nearly identical performance at ultra settings; RTX 4090 leads when ray tracing and upscaling are enabled.
Alien: Isolation 2: RTX 4090 shows an 18% higher frame rate at 1440p.
Space Marine 2: Performance is nearly the same on both GPUs.
Flight Simulator: RTX 5080 laptop leads at 1080p, likely due to a better CPU.
Red Dead Redemption 2: RTX 4090 significantly outperforms RTX 5080, possibly due to optimization issues on the RTX 50 series.
Most other games show the RTX 4090 outperforming the RTX 5080, but differences are generally modest.

Average Performance Differences (Across 25 Games)

Resolution RTX 4090 Lead Over RTX 5080 1080p ~8% faster 1440p ~9% faster 4K ~9% faster (16 out of 25 games show 10%+ FPS boost)

Despite the RTX 4090’s lead, the RTX 5080 still averages close to 60 FPS at 4K.

Multi-Frame Generation (MFG) & Frame Generation

RTX 50 series (including RTX 5080) supports advanced multi-frame generation (up to 4x frame generation).
RTX 4090 supports frame generation only in 2x mode.
MFG can improve smoothness but introduces more visual artifacts and latency.
Best used in single-player, latency-insensitive games with a base frame rate of 70-80 FPS.
While useful, MFG is not a decisive factor for choosing RTX 5080 over RTX 4090.
Both GPUs can run modern games at 4K with regular DLSS upscaling without MFG.

Price & Availability (As of July 2025)

RTX 4090 laptops are scarce and expensive (~$3,500+ at Newegg).
RTX 5080 laptops start around $2,500.
Historical RTX 4090 sales dropped to $2,200-$2,400, offering better value then.
Current RTX 4090 prices offer poor cost-per-frame value.
RTX 5080 may be the only practical option for most buyers now.
The video creator maintains a gaming laptop deals website for tracking sales.

Final Thoughts

RTX 4090 generally outperforms RTX 5080 but by a relatively small margin.
RTX 5080 offers significantly better power efficiency and battery life.
Multi-frame generation is a nice bonus for the RTX 5080 but not a game-changer.
Due to availability and price, RTX 5080 laptops are currently the more accessible choice.
The creator also references comparisons involving the RTX 5090 for those considering higher-tier GPUs.

Featured Gamer / Source

Testing and insights include contributions from Tim at Hardware Unboxed.
Testing performed on XMG Neo6 laptops.

Summary: The RTX 4090 laptop GPU remains slightly faster across most games and resolutions but is less power efficient and harder to find in 2025. The RTX 5080 offers competitive performance with better battery life and power usage, plus access to advanced multi-frame generation technology. Pricing and availability make the RTX 5080 a strong contender for current buyers, while the RTX 4090 still holds a slight performance edge if found at a good price.