Graphics card enthusiasts may soon have a more powerful option in Nvidia's RTX 5080 lineup if recent findings on MSI's website prove accurate. A compatibility listing for MSI's X870 Tomahawk WiFi motherboard has revealed a potential 24GB variant of the RTX 5080, suggesting a significant memory upgrade over the standard 16GB model scheduled for release in January 2025.
The Unexpected Listing
MSI's website has inadvertently revealed what could be a major upgrade to Nvidia's upcoming RTX 5080 graphics card. The company's X870 Tomahawk WiFi motherboard compatibility list includes an entry for an RTX 5080 with 24GB of VRAM - a 50% increase over the standard 16GB configuration that has been officially announced. Interestingly, the standard 16GB variant doesn't appear in the same compatibility list, raising questions about whether this is a simple error or an early glimpse at a future product.
Evidence of 24GB RTX 5080:
- Listed in MSI X870 Tomahawk WiFi motherboard compatibility list
- Previously shown in MSI RTX 5080 Vanguard promotional materials
- Standard 16GB version notably absent from the same compatibility list
Technical Feasibility
From a technical standpoint, a 24GB variant of the RTX 5080 is entirely possible. The RTX 5080 features a 256-bit memory interface, which typically pairs with 2GB GDDR7 memory modules to achieve its 16GB capacity. However, 3GB GDDR7 modules also exist in the market, as evidenced by their use in the 24GB RTX 5090 laptop GPU. By implementing these larger modules with the same 256-bit interface, Nvidia could theoretically offer a 24GB version of the RTX 5080 without major architectural changes.
Rumored RTX 5080 Specifications Comparison:
| Specification | Standard RTX 5080 | Rumored 24GB Variant |
|---|---|---|
| VRAM Capacity | 16GB GDDR7 | 24GB GDDR7 |
| Memory Interface | 256-bit | 256-bit |
| Memory Module Size | 2GB modules | 3GB modules (presumed) |
| Expected Release | January 30, 2025 | Unconfirmed |
Not the First Hint
This isn't the first time MSI has suggested a higher-capacity RTX 5080 might be in development. Prior to this listing, MSI had shown an RTX 5080 Vanguard variant with 24GB GDDR7 in a promotional video, with the memory capacity visible on the packaging. These repeated references suggest that MSI might have insider knowledge about Nvidia's future plans for the RTX 5080 lineup.
Industry Precedent
The possibility of multiple memory configurations for the same GPU model isn't without precedent. Nvidia previously planned an RTX 4080 with 12GB (later rebranded as the RTX 4070 Ti), while the RTX 4060 Ti was released in both 8GB and 16GB variants. This strategy allows manufacturers to target different price points and use cases within the same product family.
Potential Market Positioning
If the 24GB RTX 5080 materializes, it would likely position itself as a middle option between the standard RTX 5080 (16GB) and the premium RTX 5090. With the current USD $1,000 price gap between the RTX 5080 and RTX 5090, there's certainly room for an intermediate option. Industry analysts speculate that such a card might be priced around USD $1,200, matching the original launch price of the RTX 4080.
Gaming vs. Professional Applications
While the additional VRAM might not dramatically improve performance in current gaming titles, it could prove beneficial for future 4K gaming as memory demands increase. More significantly, the extra memory would be valuable for content creation, AI tasks, and other memory-intensive professional applications. This positions the potential 24GB variant as a more versatile option for users who need more memory bandwidth but don't want to invest in the significantly more expensive RTX 5090.
Official Confirmation Pending
As of now, neither MSI nor Nvidia has officially confirmed the existence of a 24GB RTX 5080. The listing could simply be an error in MSI's database, or it might represent an early glimpse at a product planned for later in the RTX 5080's lifecycle - perhaps as an RTX 5080 Ti or Super variant. Until official announcements are made, enthusiasts should treat this information as speculative, despite the multiple hints from MSI.