RTX 5090 laptops have started to become available, but early performance tests indicate substantially slower performance compared to their desktop counterparts. Gamers have observed significant drops in frame rates in popular games like Cyberpunk 2077 and Dota 2 Reborn, raising concerns about the value of upgrading to these new mobile GPUs.

While NVIDIA’s RTX 5090 laptop GPU is expected to be a top choice for on-the-go gaming, it appears to deliver roughly half the performance of the desktop model. Historically, NVIDIA’s mobile versions of GPUs have lagged behind their desktop equivalents, but the disparity in the 50-series seems particularly pronounced.

Depending on the game, the performance gap can be around 50%, as reported by multiple reviews from sources like Digital Trends and PC Mag. This potentially poses a problem for gamers seeking the highest performance, although it is important to note that high graphics settings can still yield decent frame rates.

The introduction of DLSS 4 with multi-frame generation may help improve performance in some scenarios, but the price tag for RTX 5090 laptops will still be substantial. Determining whether the RTX 5090 laptop performance justifies the cost hinges on personal preferences.

Those comfortable with slightly slower performance might find value in this investment. However, if you’re currently using an RTX 4090 laptop, the upgrade may not provide a significant enough boost to warrant the expense since the RTX 4090 remains a strong performer.

For those considering the merits of gaming laptops versus desktops, the latter may offer better performance at a lower price. Also, other RTX 50-series models, such as the RTX 5080 or 5070 Ti, could serve as more cost-effective alternatives without sacrificing too much performance.

Lastly, while the Razer Blade 16 was used in tests, performance may vary in other RTX 5090 laptops, making it essential to assess your specific gaming needs before making a purchase.