Comparison

NVIDIA GeForce RTX 4090 Performance Comparison: Rival Models & Upgrade Paths

How does the NVIDIA GeForce RTX 4090 hold up for playing ELDEN RING in 2026? We've compared its performance against similar tier GPUs to identify the most cost-effective upgrade paths.

Equivalent Performance GPUs

Compare the NVIDIA GeForce RTX 4090 against its closest performance rivals at equivalent settings.

Generational Performance Gap

Track the generational leap of the NVIDIA GeForce RTX 4090 within its class, visualized in FPS.

GeForce RTX 3090
Previous Gen
TARGET GPU
GeForce RTX 4090
Selected GPU
GeForce RTX 5090
Next Gen

High-Tier GPU Upgrades

Identify the best upgrade paths from the NVIDIA GeForce RTX 4090 for 4K or high-refresh gaming.

TARGET GPU
GeForce RTX 4090
Selected GPU
GeForce RTX 5090
1-Tier Step-up
Display Pairing

ELDEN RING x NVIDIA GeForce RTX 4090: Optimal Display Pairing

Finding the sweet spot for ELDEN RING on the NVIDIA GeForce RTX 4090: avoid over-spec or power shortages. We've identified the ideal resolution to maximize your hardware's potential.

Sweet Spot Environment

The optimal configuration that most efficiently translates hardware performance into visual quality.

Over-Spec
1080p
Ultra Settings
Performance
AVE. 201 FPS

Computational resources are excessive for the current resolution. A higher resolution environment is recommended to utilize hardware potential.

High Refresh Rate
1440p
Ultra Settings
Performance
AVE. 118 FPS

Very smooth and comfortable, but power is slightly underutilized at this resolution. Ideal for playing on high refresh rate monitors.

Sweet Spot
4K(2160p)
High Settings
Performance
AVE. 82 FPS

The optimal resolution where your GPU performance is maximized. Perfect balance of density and response.

Optimal Monitor Size Guide for NVIDIA GeForce RTX 4090

Visual clarity scales differently depending on physical screen size. Use this matrix to check if your current or planned monitor pairs perfectly with this GPU.

Grade Color Index:
S (Flawless)
A (Sharp / Great)
B (Standard)
C (Rough / Blurry)
F (Low Fidelity)
- (NG / Unsupported)
Resolution ClassFPS Target21"24"27"32"34"42"
1080p
FPS LIMIT
144
A
S
S
S
C
B
A
A
C
B
A
A
C
C
F
F
C
C
F
F
F
F
F
F
FPS LIMIT
60
A
S
S
S
C
B
A
A
C
B
A
A
C
C
F
F
C
C
F
F
F
F
F
F
FPS LIMIT
30
A
S
S
S
C
B
A
A
C
B
A
A
C
C
F
F
C
C
F
F
F
F
F
F
1440p
FPS LIMIT
144
A
S
S
B
B
A
B
B
A
C
C
B
C
C
B
F
F
F
FPS LIMIT
60
A
S
S
S
B
B
A
A
B
B
A
A
C
C
B
B
C
C
B
B
F
F
F
F
FPS LIMIT
30
A
S
S
S
B
B
A
A
B
B
A
A
C
C
B
B
C
C
B
B
F
F
F
F
4K(2160p)
FPS LIMIT
144
FPS LIMIT
60
A
S
S
B
B
A
B
B
A
C
C
B
C
C
B
F
F
S
FPS LIMIT
30
A
S
S
S
B
B
A
A
B
B
A
A
C
C
B
B
C
C
B
B
F
F
S
S
FAQ

FAQ: ELDEN RING x NVIDIA GeForce RTX 4090

What is the optimal setting for playing ELDEN RING with NVIDIA GeForce RTX 4090?

With performance to spare, we recommend "1440p / Ultimate / FG: OFF". Increasing resolution allows you to enjoy maximum native fidelity without needing extra enhancements.

Can NVIDIA GeForce RTX 4090 run ELDEN RING on Ultra settings?

Yes. NVIDIA GeForce RTX 4090 averages 201 FPS on Ultra settings at 1080p, providing a smooth experience. You can also expect a playable average of 58 FPS at 4K on Ultra.

Can I play ELDEN RING at 4K resolution with NVIDIA GeForce RTX 4090?

Yes, you can. You can enjoy ELDEN RING at 4K on Standard settings with a smooth 106 FPS.

Can I use Frame Generation (DLSS 3 / FSR 3) in ELDEN RING with NVIDIA GeForce RTX 4090?

No. While your NVIDIA GeForce RTX 4090 supports Frame Generation, ELDEN RING itself does not support this feature at this time.

Playable

Featured Games for NVIDIA GeForce RTX 4090

The potential of the NVIDIA GeForce RTX 4090 extends far beyond a single title. We’ve analyzed other popular games that run comfortably (Grade S-B) on this hardware.

Comfort Grade: B