Nvidia is reportedly set to release its new GeForce RTX 5080 graphics card in mid-January, ahead of the highly anticipated RTX 5090. This announcement comes as a surprise, as many had expected the flagship model to debut first.
Sources close to Nvidia suggest that the RTX 5080 will be a key part of CES 2025, which may indicate that the RTX 5090 will not make an appearance at the event. The new GPU is said to offer competitive performance to Nvidia’s current-gen Lovelace GPUs, but with a significantly lower price tag.
However, there are some concerns surrounding the RTX 5080. Rumors suggest that the card will come with 16GB of GDDR7 VRAM, which may limit its future upgrade options. Additionally, recommending the second-best GPU to enthusiasts when the flagship could arrive later may raise questions about its success if the price isn’t right.
As with any major Nvidia announcement, it’s essential to take early information with a grain of salt and wait for official confirmation. Last generation saw Nvidia surprise fans with an un-announcement, so nothing is guaranteed until the card is released.
In this scenario, waiting for the RTX 5090 may not be the best strategy. With the current-gen RTX 4090 offering impressive performance at high frame rates, it’s uncertain whether the new flagship will provide significant upgrades. Instead, the RTX 5080 could offer a more affordable option for gamers looking to upgrade their systems without breaking the bank.
As Nvidia shifts its focus towards value over GPU peeing contests, it remains to be seen how the green team will approach pricing and performance in the upcoming year.
Source: https://www.gamesradar.com/hardware/desktop-pc/nvidia-will-apparently-release-the-rtx-5080-in-january-before-the-rtx-5090-and-im-okay-with-that