Nvidia has set the stage for the next revolution in PC gaming with the announcement of its RTX 50 series, which comprises the flagship models, the RTX 5090 and RTX 5080. Both GPUs are scheduled to hit the market on January 30, 2025, and already, they are generating considerable buzz among gaming enthusiasts and tech experts.
With remarkable enhancements noted during early reviews, the RTX 5090 Founders Edition is touted to offer up to 30% improved performance over its predecessor at 4K resolution, which is particularly exciting for gamers hoping to push their systems to new heights. The design of the RTX 5090 also sees significant revisions—it's now reduced to a more streamlined 2-slot form factor, which promises improved cooling efficiency.
Pricing for this much-anticipated series has also been revealed. The RTX 5090 carries an MSRP of $1,999, making it one of the priciest graphics cards available. Following closely is the RTX 5080, priced at $999. The RTX 5070 and 5070 Ti are expected to debut shortly after, with tentative pricing set at $549 and $749, respectively, making them appealing options for mid-tier users.
Pre-orders for the Nvidia RTX 50 series will begin at 9 a.m. ET on the launch day. Given the high demand forecasted for these models, securing one early will likely be necessary, as stock shortages could lead to scalping and inflated prices. Nvidia’s business partner, Overclockers UK, has indicated they will have limited initial quantities available for pre-order.
From a technical standpoint, the RTX 50 series showcases several key changes and improvements over the RTX 40 series. The flagship RTX 5090 utilizes Nvidia's new Blackwell architecture instead of the previous Ada Lovelace. Notably, the RTX 5090 is equipped with DLSS 4 technology, marking an upgrade from the DLSS 3 technology used in its predecessor.
The AI TOPS—a measurement of artificial intelligence performance—has also surged significantly, climbing from 1321 on the RTX 4090 to 3352 on the RTX 5090. Alongside this, the Tensor and Ray Tracing Cores have evolved as well, with the RTX 5090 boasting fifth-generation Tensor Cores and fourth-generation Ray Tracing Cores.
Memory capacity is another aspect where the 5090 shines—offering 32GB of GDDR7 memory coupled with 1792 GB/sec bandwidth. This is markedly enhanced from the RTX 4090, which offered only 24GB of GDDR6X and 1008 GB/sec bandwidth. Such specifications suggest remarkable capabilities for 4K gaming and resource-heavy applications.
Despite the impressive advancements, Nvidia is mindful of the issues raised by the RTX 4090, particularly concerns surrounding power cables melting—a significant problem noted by users. During a recent Q&A session at an editor's day event in South Korea, Nvidia representatives assured potential buyers about the reliability of the RTX 5090's power connections. Though the 5090 consumes 125W more power than the 4090, Nvidia’s spokesperson stated, “We do not expect such a phenomenon to occur with the RTX 50 series.”
The improvements stem from changes made to the power connector design. Following the incidents with the RTX 4090, Nvidia switched the connector from its original 12VHPWR variant to the 12V-2×6 connector. This new configuration helps prevent any weak connections by ensuring the high-current cables are properly seated before the GPU operates.
Even with these adjustments, some users experienced issues for months post-changeover. This led to widespread initiatives within the industry to mitigate the risk of user error. For example, MSI has introduced yellow cable connectors, which are intended to make it easier to identify whether cables are correctly plugged in.
With the RTX 50 series, Nvidia is not only pushing the envelope of GPU performance and technology, but it is also addressing past concerns with determined fortitude. This proactive stance could help to solidify its reputation within the competitive graphics card market.
With release day fast approaching, anticipation is palpable. Gamers are eager to see if the new architecture and features live up to the hype. One possible challenge, of course, remains the potential for stock issues due to the high demand for these powerful new cards.
It's clear from the specifications and advancements surrounding the Nvidia RTX 50 series, the company is ready to redefine the gaming experience once again, and for gamers wanting to capitalize on this new technology, now is the time to start planning for pre-orders.