As the tech world eagerly awaits Nvidia's upcoming CES keynote, new details about the highly anticipated RTX 50-series graphics cards have emerged through multiple sources. The next-generation Blackwell architecture is poised to make its debut, with the RTX 5080 leading the charge in what appears to be a carefully planned early 2025 release strategy.
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| (Image credit: iBuyPower - A glimpse of the upcoming IBUYPOWER Y40B9NS801 Gaming PC, which features the anticipated RTX 5080 graphics card) |
Launch Timeline Revealed
According to Hong Kong media outlet HKEPC, the RTX 5080 is scheduled to launch on January 21, 2025. This aligns with previous leaks suggesting a January release window for both the RTX 5080 and RTX 5090, with additional models expected to follow in February and March. The timing positions Nvidia to capitalize on post-CES momentum while establishing a strategic rollout of their new graphics lineup.
Technical Specifications and Performance
The RTX 5080 is shaping up to be a significant technological advancement, featuring the GB203-300-A1 die with 84 SMs, translating to 10,752 CUDA cores. The card will be equipped with 16GB of cutting-edge GDDR7 memory running at 30 Gbps on a 256-bit bus. With a substantial 400W TDP, the power requirements suggest robust performance capabilities, though it represents an 80W increase over its predecessor.
Pre-release Appearances
Recent pre-built PC listings from iBuyPower have inadvertently confirmed some of these specifications, though their premature benchmark numbers appear unreliable. The company's listing, which was quickly removed, showcased the RTX 5080 alongside Intel's upcoming Core Ultra 9 285 processor, suggesting manufacturers are already preparing systems around these new components.
Market Positioning
While the RTX 5080 represents a notable step forward, it's worth noting that the flagship RTX 5090 is expected to offer more than double the core count and memory capacity. This positioning suggests Nvidia is maintaining a clear performance hierarchy within the 50-series lineup, allowing for distinct market segmentation across different price points.
What's Next
With Nvidia's CES keynote just days away, the company has begun building anticipation through various marketing initiatives, including the revival of GeForce LAN and a GeForce Hype Meter social media campaign. The imminent official unveiling should provide concrete details about performance metrics, pricing, and availability across global markets.