Hold onto your graphics cards, gamers and PC builders—2024 has dropped one final bombshell before the year fades out. It looks like the hardware scene is gearing up for a massive leap forward, as images of the alleged PCB (printed circuit board) for NVIDIA’s upcoming GeForce RTX 5090 have surfaced online. If these leaks hold any thread of truth—and that’s always a big “if”—the RTX 5090 could mark new heights in GPU design. Here’s everything you need to know about the leaked specs, the tantalizing possibilities for performance, and why this GPU might change how we think about gaming and computing in 2025.
Now, onto the juicy details. At a glance, the leaked PCB suggests this GPU will boast a massive GPU package featuring a 63 x 56mm GB202 die. In simpler terms, that’s a wildly oversized chip designed for extreme levels of muscle-flexing in graphics performance. But that’s not all:
If gaming GPUs are like Olympic sprinters, GDDR7 is the new running shoe that shaves a full second off the 100-meter record. Expect blazing-fast frame rates, buttery-smooth 4K gameplay, and even realistic potential to handle 8K gaming—assuming, of course, your monitor can keep up.
On the productivity side, GDDR7 also holds possibilities for creative professionals. Rendering 3D models, editing high-definition video, or running machine learning workloads could see major speed bosts from the wider memory bandwidth.
One potential culprit for this focus on efficiency is competition—not just from AMD, but from the shift in energy standards worldwide and a growing push toward eco-conscious computing. The use of a single 12V-6×2 connector might make the card friendlier to those running high-end rigs without having to upgrade their power supply units (PSUs).
Notably, this staggered rollout aligns with NVIDIA’s recent trend of launching slightly more affordable flagship cards like the 4080 or 3080 before delivering the absolute showstoppers like the 4090 or Titan variants.
If NVIDIA’s CES 2025 reveal goes as expected, though, the RTX 50-series will undoubtedly set new benchmarks for gaming and professional performance. Buckle up—2025 might just kick off the next golden era for PC gaming.
What do you think? Are you intrigued by the leaked design? Or do you think this is just another chapter in GPU overpricing while offering incremental changes? Jump into the discussion on our forums and share your take!
Source: Lowyat.NET Alleged NVIDIA GeForce RTX 5090 PCB With Large GPU Package Leaks
What We Learned from the PCB Leak
The leak reportedly originates from NVIDIA's AIB (add-in board) partner, possibly PNY, and showcases the PCB design for the yet-to-be-released RTX 5090. For a bit of context, AIB partners like MSI, ASUS, and others take the base technology of NVIDIA’s GPUs and often develop their customized editions of the cards, tweaking the thermal performance, clock speeds, and sometimes even aesthetics.Now, onto the juicy details. At a glance, the leaked PCB suggests this GPU will boast a massive GPU package featuring a 63 x 56mm GB202 die. In simpler terms, that’s a wildly oversized chip designed for extreme levels of muscle-flexing in graphics performance. But that’s not all:
- Memory Configuration:
- The PCB layout hints at 16 memory module slots, arranged in what tech enthusiasts call an “Android” pattern: five memory blocks on each side, four at the top, and two at the bottom. Depending on the module sizes (likely 2GB, 3GB, or 4GB per module), this could translate into memory capacities of up to 64GB of GDDR7 RAM.
- Yes, you read that right—GDDR7. That’s next-gen VRAM technology that promises faster memory bandwidth, lower power consumption, and more impressive gaming and computing performance than GDDR6 or GDDR6X.
- Power Supply:
- The RTX 5090 seems to require just one power connector, specifically a 12V-6×2 pin. This could indicate a push for efficiency despite the card’s powerhouse specs. For context, NVIDIA’s recent 4000-series GPUs also made strides in reducing power requirements compared to predecessors like the RTX 3090.
Why GDDR7 Matters for RTX 5090
The upgrade to GDDR7 memory could be one of NVIDIA’s game-changers in the RTX 50-series. GDDR7 is set to beat its predecessors with double the performance per watt. It accomplishes this with PAM3 (Pulse Amplitude Modulation), essentially allowing it to transmit more data in the same amount of time compared to the widely used PAM2 technology.If gaming GPUs are like Olympic sprinters, GDDR7 is the new running shoe that shaves a full second off the 100-meter record. Expect blazing-fast frame rates, buttery-smooth 4K gameplay, and even realistic potential to handle 8K gaming—assuming, of course, your monitor can keep up.
On the productivity side, GDDR7 also holds possibilities for creative professionals. Rendering 3D models, editing high-definition video, or running machine learning workloads could see major speed bosts from the wider memory bandwidth.
Is This the Death Knell of Power-Hungry GPU Designs?
This is where things get even more intriguing. Despite its high-end design, the RTX 5090 PCB suggests NVIDIA is sticking to just one power connector. Compare that to earlier 3000-series cards, which demanded higher wattage and heftier PSUs. While the RTX 4000-series began curbing that power-hungry trend, retaining efficiency at higher performance seems to be a major focus for the RTX 50-series.One potential culprit for this focus on efficiency is competition—not just from AMD, but from the shift in energy standards worldwide and a growing push toward eco-conscious computing. The use of a single 12V-6×2 connector might make the card friendlier to those running high-end rigs without having to upgrade their power supply units (PSUs).
When Can You Get Your Hands on It?
Rumors around the RTX 5090 point to an official NVIDIA unveiling during CES 2025 in January. However, don’t expect to snag one immediately. If industry patterns hold true, the RTX 5080 will likely land first, with the heavyweight RTX 5090 arriving later—potentially in late January or mid-February 2025.Notably, this staggered rollout aligns with NVIDIA’s recent trend of launching slightly more affordable flagship cards like the 4080 or 3080 before delivering the absolute showstoppers like the 4090 or Titan variants.
Broader Implications for Gamers and the Industry
So what does this mean for average gamers or PC enthusiasts? Here’s the lowdown:- A Price to Pay:
- High-end NVIDIA GPUs are never kind to our wallets. Given how the RTX 4090 hit PC gaming enthusiasts with price tags north of $1,599, it’s reasonable to expect the RTX 5090 to cross the $2,000 mark for the deluxe editions. If you’re budgeting for a new GPU next year, start saving now.
- Smaller, Less Power-Hungry Builds:
- Smaller PCs are already becoming a trend, with compact ITX cases and more efficient cooling solutions gaining traction. The RTX 5090’s possible single power connector could inspire next-gen designs that make monstrous gaming power possible in compact builds.
- Futureproof Gaming:
- Support for technologies like DLSS and ray tracing will see a boost, and upcoming titles in 2025 and beyond (think Unreal Engine 5 games) could push RTX 50-series GPUs to their fullest potential.
Final Thoughts: Revolution or Evolution?
Is the RTX 5090 shaping up to be a revolution in GPU design, or just a steady iteration on what we’ve seen in the 4000-series? From this leak, it seems like NVIDIA is opting for both—combining forward-looking tech like GDDR7 memory with practical changes like more efficient power use. But as with any rumors, we should take all the leaked information with a grain of salt. While promising, these specs might not reflect the final product.If NVIDIA’s CES 2025 reveal goes as expected, though, the RTX 50-series will undoubtedly set new benchmarks for gaming and professional performance. Buckle up—2025 might just kick off the next golden era for PC gaming.
What do you think? Are you intrigued by the leaked design? Or do you think this is just another chapter in GPU overpricing while offering incremental changes? Jump into the discussion on our forums and share your take!
Source: Lowyat.NET Alleged NVIDIA GeForce RTX 5090 PCB With Large GPU Package Leaks
