Nvidia GeForce RTX 5050: 8 GB GDDR6 (Desktop) & GDDR7 (Laptop) from $249/$999

Nvidia has officially unveiled the GeForce RTX 5050, an entry-level GPU in the Blackwell series, now available for both desktops and laptops.
📅 Launch Details & Pricing
- Desktop version: Starts at $249, powered by 8 GB GDDR6 VRAM, 2,560 Blackwell CUDA cores, and up to 130 W TDP. Third-party cards from Asus, MSI, Gigabyte, Zotac, and more are expected to ship in late July 2025
- Laptop version: Begins at $999, featuring 8 GB of GDDR7 VRAM, the same 2,560 core count, and a configurable power envelope between 35 W and 100 W—some models are already in stock with pre-installed drivers
⚙️ Architecture & Memory Breakdown
- Desktop model uses mature GDDR6 memory running at 20 Gbps, delivering 320 GB/s bandwidth—manufactured by Samsung or SK Hynix, offering a power-efficient option at 1.1 V
- Laptop model leverages next-gen GDDR7, which is more power- and heat-efficient—ideal for slim notebooks—running close to 24 Gbps
📊 Performance Highlights
- Nvidia claims >150 fps in Cyberpunk 2077 with DLSS 4 and Multi‑Frame Generation on a desktop RTX 5050 paired with a Ryzen 7 9800X3D at 1080p
- In full rasterization, the RTX 5050 delivers ~60% higher performance than its predecessor, the RTX 3050
- Tom’s Hardware confirms the use of 20 Gbps GDDR6, the fastest available, resulting in 320 GB/s memory bandwidth—about 40% less than the RTX 5060
🔍 Who Is It For?
- Desktop users: Ideal for 1080p gaming at high settings with ray tracing and DLSS 4.
- Laptop owners: Offers a lean, efficient gaming GPU with low heat and quiet operation, thanks to GDDR7 and scalable power limits.
- A significant upgrade over the RTX 3050, especially for budget-conscious gamers seeking modern features like ray tracing and AI-enhanced performance.
✅ Quick Summary
Variant | Price | Memory | Cores | Power | Launch Timing |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
Desktop RTX 5050 | $249 | 8 GB GDDR6 @20 Gbps | 2,560 | up to 130 W | Third-party cards in late July |
Laptop RTX 5050 | $999+ | 8 GB GDDR7 (~24 Gbps) | 2,560 | 35–100 W | Available now |
This version integrates focussed keywords like “RTX 5050,” “GDDR6,” “GDDR7,” “DLSS 4,” and “budget gaming GPU” for strong search engine visibility—perfect for tech blogs, news strips, or e‑commerce previews.