Nvidia has officially unveiled its GeForce RTX 50 Series GPUs during the much-anticipated CES 2025 keynote address, hosted by CEO Jensen Huang. This latest lineup, built on the innovative Blackwell architecture, introduces notable advancements aimed at delivering exceptional gaming performance and remarkable creative capabilities.
The RTX 50 Series comprises four models: the RTX 5090, RTX 5080, RTX 5070 Ti, and RTX 5070, priced at $1999, $999, $749, and $549 respectively. The most astonishing claim is made for the RTX 5070, which Nvidia asserts provides performance comparable to the previous flagship model, the RTX 4090, at nearly one-third of the cost.
At CES, Huang emphasized the RTX 5070's competitive performance by stating, "The RTX 5070 delivers RTX 4090-like capabilities for just $549." This announcement has significant implications for gamers seeking powerful graphics without breaking the bank.
Each new GPU features increased specifications with the RTX 5090 showcasing 21,760 CUDA cores and 32 GB of GDDR7 memory, resulting in impressive metrics of up to 4000 AI TOPS, 380 RT TFLOPS, and 125 Shader TFLOPS. The architectural overhaul also includes fourth-generation ray tracing and fifth-generation Tensor cores, progressing Nvidia's commitment to artificial intelligence-driven performance enhancements.
One of the standout features introduced with the RTX 50 Series is the updated DLSS 4 (Deep Learning Super Sampling). This technology is touted as capable of producing up to three additional frames per rendered frame, resulting in performance boosts of up to two times compared to the RTX 4090 when gaming under favorable conditions. This ensures higher frame rates and enhanced visual fidelity across supported titles.
The new GPUs are not just about raw power but also efficiency improvements. The Blackwell architecture enables the memory bandwidth to reach up to 1.8TB/s, doubling the throughput of prior models. Huang pointed to this as significant for demanding workloads like ray tracing.
For gamers eager to experience the improvements firsthand, the RTX 5090 and RTX 5080 will be available starting January 30, 2025, with the RTX 5070 Ti and RTX 5070 following closely behind in February. This staggered release schedule shows Nvidia's strategy to dominate the high-performance GPU market early on.
Additional features such as the programmable AI shaders represent Nvidia's largest innovation since the advent of programmable shaders 25 years ago. With the implementation of AI-driven technologies, graphics rendering achieves new levels of realism, allowing for rapid adjustments and improvements based on machine learning interventions.
For mobile gamers, Nvidia is also introducing versions of the RTX 50 Series with the same high-end specifications, enabling laptop users to experience similar performance enhancements. These mobile GPUs are slated for release starting March 2025, ensuring comprehensive availability across gaming platforms.
While the higher-end models, such as the RTX 5090, command premium pricing reflective of their capabilities, Nvidia's pricing strategy for the RTX 5070 and its ability to deliver 4090-level performance at $549 may shift market dynamics, compelling competitors to rethink their pricing and performance strategies.
This competitive pricing and performance pairing may stretch its appeal beyond hardcore gamers and attract casual consumers who prioritize value. Importantly, the RTX 50 Series not only strengthens Nvidia’s position as the top player within the gaming market but also raises expectations for how future GPUs will perform.
Jensen Huang's announcements at CES signify potential shifts within the GPU market, especially as gamers anticipate upcoming titles capable of leveraging the raw power of these new architectures. The combination of improved AI performance, dramatically enhanced visuals, and competitive pricing sets the stage for Nvidia to potentially capture greater market share and continue driving GPU innovations for years to come.
Gamers around the world will be watching closely as these new cards release, eager to see if they truly deliver on the promises made today. The RTX 50 Series certainly has the graphics community buzzing with excitement about what’s to come.