NVIDIA is rolling out RTX 5080-class servers for GeForce NOW Ultimate members, giving cloud gamers another generational leap in performance and image quality — without needing to upgrade local hardware. From faster ray tracing and DLSS to improved AV1 streaming, this update pushes cloud gaming closer to native desktop quality.
What’s New with the GeForce NOW RTX 5080 Upgrade
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RTX 5080 performance now powering GeForce NOW Ultimate tier
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Advanced ray tracing and path tracing with higher sustainable frame rates
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Smarter AI upscaling + Frame Generation (DLSS 3) for sharper visuals and smoother motion
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AV1 and improved encoding pipelines for higher image quality at a given bitrate
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Lower latency in supported titles via NVIDIA Reflex + end-to-end platform optimizations
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4K, 1440p and high-refresh (120–240Hz) streaming targets
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HDR support on capable devices and displays
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Gradual regional rollout, with Ultimate members receiving priority access to new servers
Why RTX 5080 Matters for Cloud Gaming
The move from RTX 4080-class hardware to RTX 5080 increases rendering throughput, ray-tracing performance, and AI processing power — all of which translate into better performance and better image quality under the constraints of network streaming.
Practical Impact for Players
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Higher frame rates at 4K and 1440p
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Better-looking ray-traced lighting, shadows and reflections
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DLSS + Frame Generation reduces motion blur and preserves detail
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AV1 codec reduces blockiness, banding, and compression artifacts
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Input latency drops even further in Reflex-enabled games
Streaming Pipeline Improvement
- Codec Support – AV1 (best), HEVC/H.265, H.264 fallback
- Quality Modes – Higher bitrate presets where bandwidth allows
- HDR – Brighter highlights, deeper shadows (device-dependent)
- Latency – Platform-level optimizations + Reflex support
Performance Targets (Ultimate Tier)
- 4KUp to 120 fps (with HDR)
- 1440p / 1080pUp to 240 fps
(Actual support varies by device and network conditions)
Pro Tips for Best Performance
✔ Use AV1 if your device supports it — cleaner at the same bitrate
✔ Use wired (Ethernet) or Wi-Fi 6/6E
✔ Enable Reflex + Ultra Low Latency mode in-game and in app settings
✔ Increase bitrate gradually — back off if stutters appear
✔ Enable HDR in both the GeForce NOW app and system display settings
Supported Platforms
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Windows / macOS (native apps)
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Chromebooks (web app)
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Android + Android TV / NVIDIA SHIELD TV
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iOS / iPadOS (browser-based)
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Smart TVs (select models)
Note: AV1 and HDR availability depend on device hardware support.
FAQ
Do I need an RTX 5080 card at home?
No — the RTX 5080 hardware is in NVIDIA’s data center. You only need a device capable of decoding the video stream.
Which tier gets RTX 5080 servers?
Only the Ultimate tier. Priority and Free tiers still use older server classes.
How do I know if I’m on an RTX 5080 server?
The GeForce NOW app shows server class in the session details pane — look for “RTX 5080” or “Ultimate (5080)” during gameplay.
Will all games look better automatically?
Most will — especially titles with ray tracing, DLSS, or Frame Generation support. You may still need to enable those options in the game settings.
