Nvidia is seemingly going with GDDR6 memory on its upcoming RTX 5050 GPUs, marking the first Blackwell graphics card to ditch GDDR7. Though performance may take a slight hit, the cost savings brought by Samsung and SK Hynix’s solutions may outweigh any speed benefits at this tier.
As its launch comes closer, ramping rumours about RTX 5050 have started contradicting each other. Initial leaks claimed the GPU’s configuration was destined to house GDDR6, bucking Blackwell’s trend before a subsequent rumour hinted at GDDR7 instead. Since RTX 5050 mobile supposedly features GDDR7 alongside the rest of its architectural brethren, it didn’t seem too logical that the desktop model would deviate.
Today, we have come full circle as the latest leak from AIB partners indicates that Nvidia has settled for 8GB of GDDR6 after all. Nvidia has apparently chosen Samsung to be the main supplier for these GDDR6 chips, but SK Hynix is also expected to join the chain later down the line. These chips are expected to be linked to the GPU via a 128-bit bus, which would result in between 34% and 44% less bandwidth compared to RTX 5060.
| RTX 5050 | RTX 5060 | RTX 5060 Ti | |
| GPU | GB207 | GB206 | GB206 |
| CUDA cores | 2,560 | 3,840 | 4,608 |
| Memory | 8GB | 8GB | 8/16GB |
| Mem. type | GDDR6 | GDDR7 | GDDR7 |
| Mem. interface | 128-bit | 128-bit | 128-bit |
| Board power | 130W | 145W | 180W |
Memory aside, RTX 5050 is said to be powered by the GB207 GPU, packing 2,560 CUDA cores. With a rumoured 130W TGP (Total Graphics Power), this card should be available in compact single-fan or low-profile models, making it perfect for small form factor and Dell-like office machines.
RTX 5050 is expected to launch in July below RTX 5060’s £279 / $299 MSRP. Around $249 is the most likely outcome, putting it straight against Intel’s Arc B580 at $249 MSRP – assuming you can find one at this price. On the AMD side, it is unclear if Radeon RX 9050 is planned, though some retailers referenced it in their search filters. In any case, unless Nvidia changes its habit, RTX 5050 should be the lowest Blackwell card you can get.
