Nvidia’s upcoming GeForce RTX 50-series GPUs are generating significant excitement in the tech world. Based on the innovative Blackwell architecture, these graphics cards promise substantial advancements in both technology and performance levels. With the RTX 40-series already showcasing Nvidia’s technological prowess, expectations for the RTX 50-series are sky-high.
Rumors suggest that the RTX 5090 will outperform the RTX 4090 by a significant margin, delivering 1.7 times the speed with increased core counts and higher boost clock rates. The exact release dates for the desktop and laptop versions remain unclear, but predictions point to early 2025, with potential unveilings at the upcoming CES in January.
Nvidia GeForce RTX 50-series GPUs: Architecture and Improvements
The RTX 50-series GPUs utilize the advanced Blackwell architecture, succeeding the Ada Lovelace-backed RTX 40 series. Nvidia has opted for a higher-performing version of the TSMC 4N node, known as TSMC 4NP, in this series rather than immediately adopting a 3nm-class node. This strategic decision still enables significant technological improvements.
Enhancements include an increased number of transistors, deeper integration of AI technologies, and the introduction of the fifth-generation NVLink. Moreover, the RTX 50 series showcases a substantial rise in CUDA cores, elevating its performance capabilities.
The GeForce RTX 4090 Founders Edition, serving as Nvidia’s flagship GPU, is equipped with 16,384 CUDA cores, supports up to 8K gaming, and offers smooth ray-tracing gameplay. Notable for its superior cooling methods and value, the card includes:
- Brand: NVIDIA
- Cooling Method: Air Cooled
- GPU Speed: 2235 MHz
- Slot Size: Triple-Slot
- Interface: PCI-Express 4.0
- Memory: 24 GB GDDR6X
- Power: 600W
- Boost Speed: 2520 MHz
- CUDA Cores: 16384
Nvidia GeForce RTX 50-series GPUs: Rumored Specifications
Speculated Details
The Nvidia GeForce RTX 50-series GPUs are expected to bring significant advancements. The series is anticipated to include the RTX 5050, RTX 5060, RTX 5070, RTX 5080, and RTX 5090 at its launch. These GPUs will follow a naming convention similar to the RTX 40-series.
The top-tier RTX 5090 is rumored to boast a 512-bit memory interface and support 32GB GDDR7 VRAM modules that operate at 28Gbps. Compared to the RTX 4090, it will include 192 streaming multiprocessors (up from 128 in the RTX 4090), 192 Ray Tracing cores (128 in the RTX 4090), 24,576 CUDA cores (16,384 in the RTX 4090), and 768 Tensor cores (512 in the RTX 4090). The boost clock for the RTX 5090 may reach 2.9GHz compared to 2.52GHz on the RTX 4090.
Here is a quick comparison:
GPU | Memory Interface | VRAM | Streaming Multiprocessors | CUDA Cores | Tensor Cores | Boost Clock |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
RTX 4090 | 384-bit | 24GB GDDR6X | 128 | 16,384 | 512 | 2.52GHz |
RTX 5090 | 512-bit | 32GB GDDR7 | 192 | 24,576 | 768 | 2.9GHz |
Probable Specifications
The GPUs are expected to continue using the 16-pin 12VHPWR connector first seen in higher-end RTX 40 series GPUs. Anticipations are high that they will include DisplayPort 2.1 ports, a feature previously seen in AMD’s Radeon RX 7000 series.
Model | Code | CUDA Cores | Streaming Multiprocessors | Memory |
---|---|---|---|---|
RTX 5050 | GB207 | 2,560 | 20 | GDDR7 8GB 128-bit |
RTX 5060 | GB206 | 4,608 | 36 | GDDR7 8GB 128-bit |
RTX 5070 | GB205 | 6,400 | 50 | GDDR7 12GB 192-bit |
RTX 5080 | GB203 | 10,752 | 84 | GDDR7 16GB 256-bit |
RTX 5090 | GB202 | 24,576 | 192 | GDDR7 32GB 448-bit |
Additional Models
Between the main models, “Ti” and “Super” variants are likely to be introduced to fill performance gaps. This may include the RTX 5060 Super, RTX 5060 Ti, or both. Also possible are RTX 5070 Ti, RTX 5070 Super, or an RTX 5080 Super. The difference between the RTX 5080 and the RTX 5090 suggests that an RTX 5080 Ti or Ti Super could be a consideration for Nvidia.
In contrast to the industry trend of increasing VRAM, some lower-end GPUs might stick to 8GB VRAM initially. The company might also introduce a 16GB variant of the 8GB GPU similar to the RTX 4060.
Nvidia GeForce RTX 50-series Laptop GPUs: Rumored Specifications
Rumors suggest that Nvidia is developing laptop counterparts for the RTX 50-series desktop GPUs. These mobile versions are anticipated to offer similar enhancements as their desktop counterparts. Notably, the laptop variant of the RTX 5080 may include 16GB of GDDR7 VRAM.
There’s also speculation regarding the GB207, potentially branded as the RTX 5050. It could debut in laptops before becoming available for desktops. Unlike its potential successors, the RTX 4050 remains exclusive to laptops.
Key Considerations:
- RTX 5080 Laptop Version: May feature 16GB GDDR7 VRAM
- GB207 (RTX 5050): Expected to first appear in laptops
- RTX 4050: Exclusive to laptops
These specifications hint at significant performance upgrades and advancements for laptop users.