The highly anticipated Nvidia RTX 5080 graphics card is set to hit the market tomorrow, marking a significant milestone in consumer GPU technology. With an MSRP of USD $999 for the Founders Edition, this next-generation graphics card promises substantial performance improvements, particularly when leveraging the new DLSS 4 technology.
Launch Details and Availability
The RTX 5080 will be officially released on January 30, 2025, alongside its more powerful sibling, the RTX 5090. Initial reports suggest limited availability at launch, with both Founders Edition and third-party models being distributed through major retailers worldwide. The Founders Edition will be exclusively available through Best Buy in the US and directly from Nvidia in the UK at GBP £979.
Retail Availability: US Retailers:
- Best Buy (Founders Edition)
- Newegg
- Amazon
- B&H Photo
UK Retailers:
- Nvidia (Direct)
- Scan
- Overclockers
- CCL
- Currys
- Ebuyer
Technical Specifications and Performance
The RTX 5080 comes equipped with 16GB of next-generation GDDR7 VRAM, maintaining the same memory capacity as its predecessor but with significantly improved memory technology. The card features 10,752 CUDA cores and a 30 Gbps memory clock, drawing 360W of power - a 40W increase over the RTX 4080. The implementation of DLSS 4's Multi Frame Generation technology, exclusive to RTX 50-series cards, promises to deliver substantial performance gains over previous generations.
Key Specifications:
- Memory: 16GB GDDR7
- CUDA Cores: 10,752
- Memory Clock: 30 Gbps
- TDP: 360W
- MSRP: USD $999 (Founders Edition)
Third-Party Options and Pricing
While the Founders Edition maintains the USD $999 price point, third-party manufacturers including MSI, Gigabyte, Asus, and others are expected to price their custom models USD $200-500 higher. These premium models often feature enhanced cooling solutions, factory overclocks, and unique designs. Major manufacturers have already prepared various models across different price segments to cater to diverse user needs.
Cooling and Design
Nvidia's Founders Edition demonstrates impressive thermal performance, maintaining temperatures below 70°C during intensive testing. Third-party manufacturers have implemented various cooling solutions, with many models featuring triple-fan designs and advanced thermal management systems to handle the card's 360W TDP.
Market Positioning and Availability
Given the anticipated limited supply at launch, potential buyers should be prepared for competitive purchasing conditions. Multiple retailers worldwide have begun listing various models, though specific pricing for third-party cards remains to be confirmed. The card's positioning at USD $999 places it as a premium but more accessible alternative to the flagship RTX 5090, targeting enthusiast gamers and creative professionals seeking high-end performance without stepping into the USD $2,000 price bracket.