AT CES today, Nvidia announced their upcoming 50 Series of GPUs and their pricing. We do not have the full specs yet so we cannot give a full review or idea of what to expect but we do have previews and information provided to compare to previous generations.
At the heart of the RTX 50 Series is NVIDIA’s Blackwell architecture, featuring fifth-generation Tensor Cores and fourth-generation RT Cores. This new foundation delivers transformative advancements in neural shaders, digital human technologies, and real-time lighting. According to NVIDIA CEO Jensen Huang, “Blackwell is the most significant computer graphics innovation since programmable shading.”
Standout Specs
- RTX 5090 GPU: Featuring 92 billion transistors, this flagship card can perform over 3,352 trillion AI operations per second (TOPS) and is up to 2x faster than the RTX 4090.
- Power Draw: A staggering 575 watts, demanding high-end cooling and PSU solutions.
- Pricing: Starts at $1,999, making it a luxury even among gaming GPUs.
For laptops, NVIDIA integrates Max-Q technology, enabling battery life improvements of up to 40% while maintaining performance in sleek, portable designs. These advancements highlight a shift toward sustainable, high-powered mobile computing. Nvidia also made claim that the 5070 would be more or as powerful as the 4090 which we cannot wait to test and compare.
5070
5080
Key Innovations: Revolutionizing Graphics and Gameplay
DLSS 4: AI Redefining Rendering
The RTX 50 Series introduces DLSS 4, leveraging Multi Frame Generation to boost frame rates by generating up to three frames per rendered frame. Combined with Reflex 2’s Frame Warp, latency reductions of up to 75% provide a competitive edge for gamers.
Key Takeaways:
- AI-driven transformer-based models stabilize visuals, reduce ghosting, and enhance anti-aliasing.
- Over 75 games will support DLSS 4 at launch, signaling strong developer buy-in.
- “With DLSS 4, we are stepping into a new era of gaming. The new ray reconstruction transformer model powers a historical leap in raytracing capabilities; not just accelerating performance but also enhancing visuals in DOOM: The Dark Ages.” – Billy Khan, Director of Engine Technology, id Software
- “NVIDIA GeForce RTX 50 Series and DLSS 4 are game changing. We now have the power and technologies to realize the future of interactive storytelling with Black State.” – Kadir Demirden, CEO, Motion Blur
RTX Neural Shaders: Realism Redefined
By incorporating small AI networks into programmable shaders, RTX Neural Shaders deliver film-quality materials and lighting in real-time. Notable features include:
- RTX Neural Faces: AI-generated digital faces with lifelike stability and detail.
- RTX Mega Geometry: Enables up to 100x more ray-traced triangles, setting new standards for environmental realism.
AI Beyond Graphics: Autonomous Gameplay and Productivity
NVIDIA expands the utility of AI with Autonomous Creative Environment (ACE) and NIM microservices.
- Autonomous Game Characters: ACE technology powers in-game NPCs that perceive, plan, and adapt like human players. Titles like PUBG: BATTLEGROUNDS and MIR5 are already implementing these features, promising dynamic, reactive gameplay.
- NIM Microservices: These AI frameworks allow developers to integrate local AI models for tasks like document summarization, desktop assistance, and even vision-based avatars like Project R2X.
- “PUBG IP Franchise’s PUBG Ally and inZOI’s Smart Zoi, rising as the world’s first CPC (Co-Playable Character) built with NVIDIA ACE, are unlocking new and unique experiences. At KRAFTON, we’re excited by the possibilities of ACE autonomous game characters, and how AI will enhance the way we create games.”- Kangwook Lee, Head of Deep Learning Division, KRAFTON
- “NVIDIA enables game developers to push past expected boundaries with AI technology. NVIDIA ACE in NARAKA: BLADEPOINT MOBILE PC VERSION allows us to create AI autonomous characters that allows us to create AI autonomous teammates running on the device locally that naturally assist the player in their epic battles.” – Zhipeng Hu, Head of Thunder Fire BU, SVP of NetEase corp.
- “Together with NVIDIA, we have begun a new era of gaming with NVIDIA ACE autonomous game characters. MIR5’s AI bosses are a milestone moment in gaming, enabling unique boss encounters with every play session. We’re excited to see how this technology transforms games.“ – Jung Soo Park, CEO, Wemade Next
Availability and Pricing: Luxury Hardware for the Elite
The RTX 50 Series continues NVIDIA’s trend of premium pricing, placing it out of reach for many gamers:
- RTX 5090: $1,999, available Jan. 30
- RTX 5080: $999, available Jan. 30
- RTX 5070 Ti: $749, available in February
- RTX 5070: $549, available in February
Laptop variants will start rolling out in March, with flagship models from brands like ASUS, Dell, Razer, and Lenovo.
Critical Takeaways: A Double-Edged Sword
While the RTX 50 Series delivers undeniable technological breakthroughs, the barriers to entry are higher than ever:
- Power Concerns: The 575-watt consumption of the RTX 5090 raises questions about energy efficiency and long-term sustainability.
- Affordability: With prices starting at $549 and climbing to $1,999, NVIDIA risks alienating budget-conscious gamers and creators.
- Developer Dependency: For features like DLSS 4 and RTX Neural Shaders to reach their full potential, widespread support from game developers is essential. This is exciting and sounds great however.
Nvidia set to Dominate
NVIDIA’s RTX 50 Series sets a new gold standard for performance and AI integration, cementing its position as a leader in the GPU market. However, the steep power requirements and exorbitant pricing make it a divisive offering. For those who can afford it, the RTX 50 Series is a glimpse into the future of gaming and content creation. For everyone else, it’s a tantalizing, albeit distant, promise.
We look forward to testing these and getting our reviews out to you as soon as possible. Happy gaming!