NVIDIA’s Next-Gen GeForce RTX 5090 & RTX 5080 “Blackwell” GPUs: What We Know So Far

NVIDIA’s next-generation gaming GPUs, the GeForce RTX 5090 and RTX 5080, are generating quite a buzz in the tech world. Codenamed “Blackwell,” these GPUs are rumored to launch later this year, and enthusiasts are eagerly awaiting their arrival. Let’s dive into what we know so far about these powerful graphics cards.

The Blackwell Architecture

The Blackwell GPUs are based on NVIDIA’s recently introduced architecture. While the initial Blackwell GPUs were designed for AI and high-performance computing (HPC) applications, there’s a separate Blackwell GPU IP specifically tailored for gaming. These gaming-focused GPUs are expected to carry the RTX 50 series branding.

Release Dates

While NVIDIA hasn’t officially announced the release dates, industry insiders suggest that the RTX 5090 and RTX 5080 will likely debut by the end of 2024. Historically, NVIDIA tends to time its GPU releases strategically, and launching these high-end GPUs just before the holiday season makes sense. Expect to see them hit the market in October or November.

Key Specifications

Memory Bus and GDDR7

One of the most exciting rumors surrounding the Blackwell GPUs is their memory configuration. According to leaks, the RTX 5090 could feature a 512-bit memory bus, a significant upgrade from previous generations. This wider memory bus allows for faster data transfer and improved performance. Additionally, the GPUs are expected to utilize the latest GDDR7 memory technology.

Die Configurations

The Blackwell GPUs are rumored to have two flagship dies: GB202 and GB203. The RTX 5090 will likely utilize the GB202 die, while the RTX 5080 may use the GB203 die. Both dies are expected to support up to 512-bit bus interfaces. Here’s a breakdown of the potential memory configurations:

• GB202 (RTX 5090):

  • 512-bit bus
  • 28 Gbps
  • 32 GB (maximum memory)
  • 1792 GB/s (maximum bandwidth)

• GB203 (RTX 5080):

  • 512-bit bus
  • 28 Gbps
  • 24 GB (maximum memory)
  • 1344 GB/s (maximum bandwidth)

Performance Expectations

While exact performance figures remain speculative, the Blackwell GPUs are poised to deliver impressive gaming experiences. With their enhanced memory bandwidth and architectural improvements, they’ll likely outperform their predecessors. Gamers can look forward to smoother gameplay, ray tracing, and AI-enhanced features.

Conclusion

As we eagerly await the official unveiling, NVIDIA’s Blackwell GPUs promise to redefine high-end gaming. Whether you’re a competitive gamer, content creator, or simply an enthusiast, keep an eye out for these powerful graphics cards later this year. The future of gaming is about to get even more exciting!