NVIDIA is reportedly preparing a refresh of its GeForce RTX 5050 graphics card, potentially launching a fresh version featuring 9GB of GDDR7 memory around the Computex trade show in June. This move comes as NVIDIA navigates ongoing supply and demand challenges within the graphics card market, particularly concerning memory chip availability.
The initial RTX 5050, part of NVIDIA’s Blackwell GPU architecture, was originally slated to utilize GDDR6 memory. But, shifting market conditions and constraints on GDDR6 supply are driving the company to explore a GDDR7 variant sooner than anticipated. This potential upgrade aims to deliver improved performance and efficiency to the entry-level segment of NVIDIA’s GPU lineup.
According to reports, the updated RTX 5050 will feature 28 Gbps GDDR7 memory modules, a step up from the 20 Gbps GDDR6 currently used. While the video memory capacity will increase from 8GB to 9GB, the memory bus width is expected to be reduced from 128-bit to 96-bit. Despite the narrower bus, the faster memory speeds are projected to result in a 5% increase in memory bandwidth, reaching 336 GB/s. Tom’s Hardware first reported on these specifications on March 4, 2026.
RTX 5050: Balancing Performance and Cost
This configuration suggests NVIDIA is carefully balancing performance and cost considerations. The use of a 96-bit bus, reminiscent of the RTX 3050 released in 2024, indicates a potential effort to manage manufacturing costs during a period of component shortages. The company reportedly considered 12GB variants with 3GB GDDR7 chips, but may be prioritizing a more conservative approach to value maximization in the current market. Wccftech assesses the probability of this launch at 70%, citing credible sources.
Beyond the RTX 5050: Potential RTX 5060 Updates
The reported changes aren’t limited to the RTX 5050. NVIDIA is also reportedly working on a cut-down GB205 GPU for a future RTX 5060 model. This suggests a broader strategy of adapting its Blackwell architecture to address different price points and market segments. The focus on increasing VRAM capacity across both the 5050 and potentially the 5060 indicates a growing demand for larger memory pools in modern games and applications.
Blackwell Architecture and AI Capabilities
The GeForce RTX 5050, regardless of memory configuration, will leverage the advancements of the NVIDIA Blackwell architecture. This includes 4th-generation ray tracing and 5th-generation Tensor Cores, designed to enhance both gaming performance and AI-powered features. NVIDIA highlights these features as key components of the RTX 5050’s capabilities, promising “game-changing AI capabilities and performance in top games and apps.”
Computex 2026: The Expected Launch Window
The anticipated launch timeframe for the RTX 5050 with GDDR7 memory is around Computex 2026, scheduled to take place from June 2nd to June 5th in Taipei. VideoCardz confirms this timeline, noting that the shift to GDDR7 is largely driven by GDDR6 supply constraints.
As NVIDIA prepares to unveil its updated RTX 5050, the industry will be watching closely to see how these changes impact the competitive landscape of the entry-level graphics card market. The combination of faster memory, increased VRAM, and the Blackwell architecture promises a compelling upgrade for gamers and content creators alike. The coming months will reveal whether NVIDIA can successfully navigate the supply chain challenges and deliver on its promises.
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