Nvidia's upcoming entry-level RTX 5050 graphics card has been the subject of speculation regarding its memory configuration. Recent leaks from multiple laptop manufacturers have now confirmed that the mobile variant of this Blackwell-based GPU will indeed feature the newer, faster GDDR7 memory standard, contradicting earlier rumors about it using older GDDR6 memory.
Multiple Manufacturers Confirm GDDR7 Memory
Recent product listings from both LG and Lenovo have explicitly mentioned GDDR7 memory for the upcoming RTX 5050 mobile GPU. LG's specification sheet for their Gram Pro 16 laptop, powered by an Intel Core Ultra 7 255H processor, clearly states GDDR7 8GB for the RTX 5050 graphics option. Similarly, Lenovo's Legion 5 15IRX10 model is listed with an RTX 5050 featuring 8GB of GDDR7 memory. These confirmations follow an earlier leak from ASUS, which also indicated GDDR7 memory for their RTX 5050-equipped laptops. This consistent information across multiple manufacturers strongly suggests that Nvidia has opted for the newer memory standard for their entry-level Blackwell mobile GPU.
Confirmed Laptop Models with RTX 5050:
- LG Gram Pro 16 (with Core Ultra 7 255H)
- Lenovo Legion 5 15IRX10
- Lenovo IdeaPad Pro 5i
- Previously leaked: ASUS model (unspecified)
- Previously leaked: HP Victus 15-fa2xxx
Expected Specifications and Positioning
While detailed specifications remain unconfirmed, the RTX 5050 is expected to be based on Nvidia's GB207 GPU die, featuring approximately 2,560 CUDA cores and a TDP of around 130W. The confirmation of 8GB GDDR7 memory puts it on par with the RTX 5060 in terms of memory capacity, though other specifications will likely differentiate the performance tiers. The use of GDDR7 instead of GDDR6 is particularly noteworthy, as the newer memory standard offers significantly higher bandwidth, which could substantially improve performance for this entry-level GPU.
Confirmed RTX 5050 Mobile Specifications:
- Memory Type: GDDR7
- Memory Capacity: 8GB
- Expected GPU Die: GB207
- Expected CUDA Cores: ~2,560
- Expected TDP: ~130W
Premium Pricing Strategy
Preliminary pricing information from UK retailer Laptops Direct suggests that RTX 5050-equipped laptops will command premium prices. The Lenovo LOQ model with this GPU is listed at £1,150 (approximately USD $1,528), while the Legion variant comes in at £1,350 (approximately USD $1,749). These prices appear surprisingly high, especially considering that Nvidia's official starting price for RTX 5060 laptops is USD $1,099. This pricing structure aligns with statements from a Lenovo Product Manager last November, who indicated that the RTX 5050 would coexist with rather than replace the RTX 4050, positioning it at a higher price point in the market.
Leaked Pricing Information:
- Lenovo LOQ with RTX 5050: £1,150 (~USD $1,528)
- Lenovo Legion with RTX 5050: £1,350 (~USD $1,749)
- Official RTX 5060 laptop starting price: USD $1,099
Market Positioning and Availability
Interestingly, the RTX 5050 is expected to launch after the RTX 5060, breaking from the typical release pattern where lower-tier GPUs arrive alongside or before their higher-end counterparts. This staggered release strategy, combined with the premium pricing and improved specifications, suggests that Nvidia is repositioning what constitutes an entry-level GPU in the Blackwell generation. The RTX 5050 appears to be targeting a more premium segment of the budget gaming market, with performance likely to exceed what we traditionally expect from xx50-series GPUs.
Broader Implications for Nvidia's Strategy
The decision to equip even the entry-level RTX 5050 with GDDR7 memory indicates Nvidia's commitment to pushing technological boundaries across their entire product stack. This approach mirrors their strategy with desktop GPUs, where the RTX 50-series has seen significant price increases compared to previous generations. For consumers, this means better performance in budget-oriented gaming laptops, but potentially at higher price points than in previous generations.
As we await the official announcement from Nvidia regarding the RTX 5050's specifications and performance, these leaks provide valuable insight into what we can expect from the company's entry-level Blackwell offering. With GDDR7 memory confirmed and a seemingly premium positioning strategy, the RTX 5050 may redefine what gamers can expect from budget-oriented gaming laptops.