NVIDIA is gearing up for an exciting start to 2025 with the launch of its GeForce RTX 5080 16 GB GPU, the first in the “Blackwell” series, set to debut in January. Shortly after, the flagship RTX 5090 32 GB GPU will also make its way to retail shelves, solidifying NVIDIA’s position as the leader in high-end gaming technology.
NVIDIA’s Blackwell GPUs to Redefine Performance Standards
The highly anticipated NVIDIA GeForce RTX 50 “Blackwell” series is set to make waves in the gaming world. Officially unveiled during CES 2025, this new lineup promises groundbreaking performance improvements and cutting-edge features. The GeForce RTX 5080 will be the first to hit the market, boasting 16 GB of GDDR7 memory and lightning-fast speeds of up to 32 Gbps. This GPU is designed to deliver a remarkable gaming experience and claim the performance crown among high-end gaming cards.
Interestingly, NVIDIA’s decision to prioritize the release of the RTX 5080, instead of the flagship RTX 5090, marks a strategic shift. This move might stem from the immense popularity of the RTX 4090, which overshadowed the RTX 4080 due to its unmatched performance. By launching the 80-class GPU first, NVIDIA aims to provide gamers with a premium yet accessible upgrade option early in the product cycle.
RTX 5090: A Few Weeks Away
For enthusiasts seeking the ultimate gaming experience, the wait for the GeForce RTX 5090 will be short-lived. NVIDIA plans to launch the 5090 series, including the RTX 5090D, just a few weeks after the RTX 5080. This flagship model will offer a substantial leap in performance, raising the bar for high-end PC gaming with its 32 GB of GDDR7 memory and massive bandwidth.
Competitive Landscape: AMD and Intel
While NVIDIA focuses on high-end solutions, competitors AMD and Intel are targeting the mainstream market. Intel, in particular, has gained traction with its Arc B580 GPU, a surprise hit in the $250 price segment. This has intensified the competition, as AMD and NVIDIA prepare their mid-range offerings. However, NVIDIA’s Blackwell series is expected to maintain a dominant position, especially with its advancements in ray-tracing and gaming efficiency.
Availability and Variants
The RTX 5080 will be available in both Founders Edition and custom partner variants, with online listings already surfacing. The RTX 5090 will follow a similar pattern, with its release expected by the end of January or early February. As NVIDIA rolls out these GPUs, gamers worldwide can look forward to unparalleled performance and innovation.
NVIDIA GeForce RTX 50 Series: Detailed Specifications
Here’s a comprehensive look at the specifications of NVIDIA’s upcoming RTX 50 “Blackwell” GPUs:
Model | RTX 5090 | RTX 5080 | RTX 5070 Ti | RTX 5070 | RTX 5060 Ti | RTX 5060 |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
GPU Architecture | Blackwell GB202-300 | Blackwell GB203-400 | Blackwell GB203-300 | Blackwell GB205 | Blackwell GB206? | Blackwell GB206? |
Streaming Multiprocessors (SMs) | 170 (out of 192) | 84 (full potential) | 70 (out of 84) | 50 (complete SMs) | TBD | TBD |
CUDA Cores | 21,760 (+33%) | 10,752 (+11%) | 8,960 (+16%) | 6,400 | TBD | TBD |
Base & Boost Clocks | TBD | TBD | TBD | TBD | TBD | TBD |
L2 Cache | TBD | TBD | TBD | TBD | TBD | TBD |
Memory Type | 32 GB GDDR7 (+33%) | 16 GB GDDR7 | 16 GB GDDR7 | 12 GB GDDR7 | 16 GB GDDR7 | 8 GB GDDR7 |
Memory Bus Width | 512-bit (+33%) | 256-bit | 256-bit | 192-bit | 128-bit | 128-bit |
Memory Speed | 28 Gbps | 32 Gbps | 28 Gbps | 28 Gbps | 28 Gbps? | 28 Gbps? |
Memory Bandwidth | 1,792 GB/s | 1,024 GB/s | 896 GB/s | 672 GB/s | 448 GB/s | 448 GB/s |
Total Board Power (TBP) | 600W (+33%) | 400W (+25%) | 350W (+23%) | 250W (+14%) | TBD | TBD |
Power Connector Type | 12V-2×6 (16-Pin) | 12V-2×6 (16-Pin) | 12V-2×6 (16-Pin) | 12VHPWR (16-Pin) | 12VHPWR (16-Pin) | 12VHPWR (16-Pin) |
Launch Date | January-February 2025 | Mid-January 2025 | Q1 2025 | Q1 2025 | TBD |
By Andrej Kovacevic
Updated on 22nd December 2024