Nvidia is set to release the high end of its latest graphics cards (the RTX 50 series) and demand will be extremely high. The first release will be the RTX 5090 and RTX 5080 cards that launch on January 30, 2025 at 9 AM EST / 6 AM PST. These new GPUs promise significant performance improvements over their predecessors and there is so much built-up demand for them, they’re expected to sell out everywhere within the first few hours.
The base prices for the RTX 5090 will be $1,999, while the RTX 5080 will cost $999. Remember that custom GPU manufacturers are able to charge higher prices for their “custom” models so expect to see pricing only go up from there. Both cards feature GDDR7 memory, with the RTX 5080 offering 34% more bandwidth than the RTX 4080. Nvidia claims these new cards will deliver a 2x performance boost compared to previous models.
Nvidia plans to release the RTX 5070 Ti and RTX 5070 in February 2025. The RTX 5070 Ti will be priced starting at $749, while the RTX 5070 will cost $549. These cards aim to provide high-performance options for a wider range of budgets.
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RTX 5090 and 5080: Your Shopping Guide
Launch Details
The Nvidia GeForce RTX 5090 and RTX 5080 are launching on January 30, 2025 in the U.S. Retailers will go live with their listings at exactly 9:00 AM Eastern Time (ET). That breaks down to:
- 9:00 AM Eastern Time (ET)
- 8:00 AM Central Time (CT)
- 7:00 AM Mountain Time (MT)
- 6:00 AM Pacific Time (PT)
If you want to get an RTX 5090 or RTX 5080 on launch day it’s important to set your alarms and be ready to buy immediately because the cards will sell out.
Where to Buy
Here’s your cheat sheet for where to find these hot new cards. These links will all be live on or before 1/30/2025 at 9AM Eastern / 6AM Pacific time:
Amazon.com
Big Retailers
These stores will probably have both FE cards and custom versions from other brands (like ASUS, MSI, and Gigabyte):
- Newegg (5090 Listings / 5080 Listings)
- Best Buy (5090 Listings / 5080 Listings)
- B&H Photo
Nvidia’s Website
The best place to try for a Founders Edition (FE) card is direct from Nvidia. Keep refreshing these pages:
Other Options
These places might have stock too, but check them less often:
- MSI Store – 50 Series GPUs
- Asus Store – All GPUs
- Micro Center – Locations (If you’re near one, going in person might be your best shot. Be ready for lines!)
Things to Keep in Mind
These cards will be in high demand. Be ready to refresh pages a lot and have your payment info ready to go. Initial stock will likely be limited, so don’t worry if you miss out at first. Watch out for price markups by some sellers. Know the official prices and avoid paying too much.
Specs Comparison
| Feature | RTX 5090 | RTX 5080 |
|---|---|---|
| Price (USD) | $1,999 | $999 |
| Memory | GDDR7X | GDDR7 |
| Expected Performance | Highest-end gaming, content creation | High-end gaming, content creation |
Key Takeaways
- Nvidia’s RTX 5090 and 5080 launch on January 30, 2025 at 9 AM EST
- The RTX 5090 costs $1,999, while the RTX 5080 is priced at $999
- Both cards feature GDDR7 memory and promise significant performance gains
Key Features and Specifications
The RTX 5090 and RTX 5080 boast significant performance upgrades and technological advancements. These new GPUs introduce cutting-edge features in ray tracing, DLSS, and memory capabilities.
Performance Enhancements from RTX 4090
The RTX 5090 and 5080 offer substantial improvements over their predecessors. The 5090 delivers up to 60% faster performance than the RTX 4090 in rasterized games. It achieves this through an increased CUDA core count of 18,432, compared to the 4090’s 16,384.
The 5080 isn’t far behind, boasting 14,080 CUDA cores. This represents a 20% increase over the RTX 4080. Both new GPUs feature enhanced clock speeds, with the 5090 reaching a boost clock of 2.7 GHz.
Tensor core counts have also increased. The 5090 now sports 576 fourth-generation Tensor cores, while the 5080 includes 440. These improvements translate to faster AI computations and improved DLSS performance.
Innovations in Ray Tracing and DLSS 4
Ray tracing capabilities see a significant boost in the 50-series GPUs. The RTX 5090 includes 144 third-generation RT cores, while the 5080 features 110. This upgrade allows for more realistic lighting, shadows, and reflections in games.
DLSS 4 brings notable enhancements:
- Improved upscaling quality
- Reduced artifacts in motion
- Better performance in supported games
The new AI-powered DLSS 4 can now generate entire frames, reducing GPU load and increasing framerates by up to 3x in some titles. This technology works seamlessly with the improved ray tracing cores for stunning visuals at high refresh rates.
Memory and Bandwidth Improvements
Both the RTX 5090 and 5080 feature GDDR7 memory, a significant upgrade from the GDDR6X used in the 40-series. The 5090 comes with 24GB of GDDR7, while the 5080 includes 16GB.
Key memory improvements:
- Bandwidth: Up to 1.5 TB/s for the 5090
- Speed: 30 Gbps for the 5090, 28 Gbps for the 5080
These enhancements allow for faster data transfer and improved performance in memory-intensive tasks. The increased memory capacity and bandwidth are particularly beneficial for 4K and 8K gaming, as well as content creation workloads.
Market Position and Pricing Strategy
Nvidia’s RTX 50 Series introduces competitive pricing and performance gains. The launch positions these GPUs against AMD’s offerings while addressing availability concerns.
Comparing RTX 50 Series with AMD Offerings
The RTX 5090 and 5080 aim to outperform AMD’s top-tier cards. Nvidia’s $1,999 RTX 5090 targets enthusiasts seeking unmatched performance. The $999 RTX 5080 competes directly with AMD’s high-end options.
Nvidia emphasizes ray tracing and AI-enhanced features. These technologies set the RTX 50 Series apart from AMD’s current lineup. The 5080’s price point makes it attractive for gamers wanting premium features without the 5090’s cost.
AMD will likely respond with new GPUs soon. This competition benefits consumers through improved performance and potentially lower prices.
MSRP and Retailer Availability
Nvidia set the Manufacturer’s Suggested Retail Price (MSRP) lower than expected. The RTX 5080 costs $200 less than its predecessor at launch. This pricing strategy aims to increase accessibility and market share.
Founders Edition cards will be available directly from Nvidia. Partner cards may have different pricing and designs. Retailers are preparing for high demand at launch.
Stock levels remain uncertain. Nvidia is working to ensure better availability than previous launches. Pre-orders may sell out quickly. Consumers should check multiple retailers for the best chances of securing a card at MSRP.
Frequently Asked Questions
The RTX 5090 and RTX 5080 graphics cards bring significant advancements in performance, cooling, and power requirements. These new models offer enhanced gaming capabilities and come with warranty options.
What are the expected performance improvements of the RTX 5090 compared to its predecessors?
The RTX 5090 is expected to deliver a substantial performance boost over its predecessors. Early benchmarks suggest a 30-40% increase in frame rates for 4K gaming compared to the RTX 4090.
Ray tracing capabilities have also seen improvements. The new card can handle more complex lighting scenarios with less impact on overall performance.
What cooling solutions are implemented in the new RTX 5090 and RTX 5080 models?
Both the RTX 5090 and RTX 5080 feature advanced cooling systems. The cards use a vapor chamber design combined with multiple fans for efficient heat dissipation.
The heatsink has been redesigned to maximize airflow. This new cooling solution allows the cards to maintain higher clock speeds for longer periods without thermal throttling.
What are the power requirements for the RTX 5090 and RTX 5080 graphics cards?
The RTX 5090 has a TDP of 450W, similar to its predecessor. It requires a power supply of at least 850W for stable operation.
The RTX 5080 is more power-efficient with a TDP of 320W. A 750W power supply is recommended for systems using this card.
Both cards use the new PCIe 5.0 power connector for improved power delivery.
How does the RTX 5080 compare to the RTX 5090 in terms of gaming capabilities?
The RTX 5080 offers excellent gaming performance at a lower price point than the RTX 5090. It can handle 4K gaming with high frame rates in most modern titles.
Ray tracing performance on the RTX 5080 is impressive, though not quite at the level of the RTX 5090. For 1440p gaming, the RTX 5080 provides a smooth experience with maxed-out settings.
What warranty and customer support options will be available for the RTX 5080 and RTX 5090?
NVIDIA offers a standard 3-year warranty for both the RTX 5090 and RTX 5080. This covers manufacturing defects and hardware failures.
Extended warranty options are available through some retailers and board partners. These can extend coverage up to 5 years.
Customer support is provided through NVIDIA’s website and includes driver updates, troubleshooting guides, and access to support forums.
Are there any exclusive software or technologies bundled with the new RTX 5000 series?
The RTX 5000 series comes with NVIDIA’s latest DLSS 4.0 technology. This AI-powered upscaling solution offers improved image quality and performance gains.
NVIDIA Broadcast has been updated to version 2.0, providing enhanced background noise removal and virtual background effects for streamers and content creators.
The new GPUs also support NVIDIA Reflex 2.0, which further reduces input lag in competitive games.
