Nvidia’s RTX 50-series simply acquired a brand new addition within the type of the RTX 5050. The cardboard, obtainable in laptops and desktops, is probably the most inexpensive providing for this era, beginning at an MSRP of $249. Whereas rumors had already hinted at a laptop computer model of the RTX 5050, the desktop model got here as extra of a shock. However maybe probably the most stunning factor of all is that the desktop and laptop computer GPUs have various kinds of video reminiscence (VRAM).
Nvidia made the stunning resolution to solely use GDDR6 reminiscence within the desktop model of the RTX 5050. In the meantime, the laptop computer model will get to benefit from the full advantage of GDDR7 reminiscence. The truth that the RTX 5050 makes use of GDDR6 in all probability would not elevate as many questions if not for the discrepancy within the two variations of the cardboard. The laptop computer RTX 5050 will get further bandwidth from switching to GDDR7, whereas desktop customers are out of luck.
This prompted customers to succeed in out with questions on X, and Nvidia responded. The corporate’s director of worldwide PR, Ben Berraondo, replied to some of the questions, and his response was merely that GDDR6 VRAM is the “most suitable option for desktops.” This does not clarify a lot, however there’s extra to the matter. Beneath, I am going to stroll you thru Nvidia’s reply and what this implies for the RTX 5050.
Nvidia claims thermals and battery effectivity performed a component
The distinction between GDDR6 and GDDR7 is sort of huge, and it has the whole lot to do with reminiscence bandwidth. GDDR7 is a more moderen reminiscence commonplace able to switch charges of 30 Gb/s, whereas GDDR6 caps out at 20 Gb/s (or 23 Gb/s for GDDR6X). Quicker reminiscence can increase GPU efficiency considerably, even with the identical quantity of VRAM. So, why did Nvidia select to stay with GDDR6 within the desktop RTX 5050?
Nvidia’s Ben Berraondo stated on X that the laptop computer model of the cardboard was optimized for “one of the best energy effectivity for transportable laptops with nice battery life.” He went on so as to add that GDDR7 reminiscence brings advantages to thermals and battery life, each essential elements in a laptop computer, particularly for Nvidia’s OEM companions. Battery life shouldn’t be a consider a desktop PC, however thermals are, and there could be no hurt in equipping the cardboard with higher reminiscence. It’d merely be quicker and extra environment friendly because of this.
After all, there’s nonetheless loads to love concerning the launch of a brand new GPU. For starters, the last-gen RTX 4050 by no means made it to desktops, so the arrival of the RTX 5050 for desktops is a pleasant change. It is also refreshing to see a finances GPU get a minimum of 8 GB of VRAM (though, as many insist, 8 GB of VRAM shouldn’t be fairly sufficient for mainstream gaming lately). Nevertheless, capability shouldn’t be the whole lot, and the distinction in reminiscence requirements between the laptop computer and desktop variations does not make a number of sense — however there is perhaps extra causes behind Nvidia’s resolution.
Price could have performed an element
Equipping the laptop computer RTX 5050 with GDDR7 reminiscence is a very sound resolution. Everything of Nvidia’s RTX 50-series comes geared up with GDDR7, too, so it makes all of the extra sense. Nevertheless, skipping the desktop model with the reason that GDDR6 is “finest” for desktops does not absolutely add up — in spite of everything, the advantages of quicker reminiscence apply to all platforms.
I am speculating right here, however I believe that the price of GDDR6 vs. GDDR7 reminiscence might need performed a component in Nvidia’s resolution. GDDR7 reminiscence is dearer, which might minimize into Nvidia’s revenue margins. That is essential for the reason that desktop RTX 5050, priced at $249, would possibly find yourself being a reasonably area of interest product. Though Nvidia claims it will be rather a lot quicker than the RTX 3050, its actual competitor is the RTX 5060, which has entry to the identical software program toolkit (particularly, DLSS 4, which helps you to increase your body charges rather a lot) and is sure to be quicker. It is all within the specs: The RTX 5060 affords 3,840 CUDA cores versus 2,560 CUDA cores on the RTX 5050. The RTX 5060 additionally prices solely $50 extra, so many customers will seemingly gravitate to the pricier however considerably quicker GPU.
Equipping a budget-friendly sub-$300 GPU with GDDR7 reminiscence would imply spending extra to construct a product that is unlikely to make report gross sales. Conversely, the laptop computer model might find yourself in lots of entry-level laptops, and the potential for extra gross sales, thanks to raised thermals and battery life, might need led to this resolution. Whereas it is a disgrace for desktop customers, the RTX 5060 and Intel’s Arc B580 are compelling options.
