RTX 5090 vs RTX 5080: which GPU for local LLMs?
A buy-focused comparison for running LLMs locally. What matters: VRAM first, then generation and price.
At a glance
| Spec | RTX 5090 | RTX 5080 |
|---|---|---|
| VRAM | 32 GB | 16 GB |
| Compatible models (Q4) | 170 | 131 |
| Largest model (Q4) | Jamba 1.5 Mini | Qwen 3.8 27B Obliterated |
Which one should you buy?
For larger models (a 70B at Q4, or a comfortable 30B), pick the RTX 5090 and its 32 GB — VRAM is the #1 factor for local LLMs. The RTX 5080 is the pick on a tighter budget or for models up to its 16 GB. Rule of thumb: at equal budget, always take more VRAM.
Where to buy
RTX 5090
Amazon See GMKtec EVO-X2 64GB / 1TB (Ryzen AI Max+ 395) →RTX 5090 is no longer sold new at a sane price — current equivalent: GMKtec EVO-X2 64GB / 1TB (Ryzen AI Max+ 395).
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