NVIDIA has officially launched the RTX 5050 GPU for desktops (and laptops), priced at $249, delivering mainstream gamers access to the latest Blackwell architecture, ray tracing, and DLSS 4 performance boosts previously only seen on higher-end models
🔧 1. Specs & Tech: Built on Blackwell
- 2,560 Blackwell CUDA Cores and 5th-gen Tensor cores
- 8 GB GDDR6 VRAM on a 128-bit bus, 320 GB/s bandwidth
- Supports DLSS 4 with Multi‑Frame Generation, 4th-gen Ray Tracing cores, and the latest NVENC/NVDEC codecs
⚡ 2. Performance: 60% Faster Than RTX 3050
NVIDIA claims a 60% raster performance uplift over the RTX 3050, and up to 4× gains in DLSS 4-enhanced titles. In games like Cyberpunk 2077, Apex Legends, and Counter‑Strike 2, framerates reach well over 150 FPS at 1080p
💰 3. Sweet Spot Price at $249
At just $249, the RTX 5050 delivers a powerful upgrade path for gamers using older GPUs (Pascal, Turing, or Ampere-era x50 cards). Although GDDR6 VRAM is one generation behind, the desktop version still outperforms the GDDR7 laptop variant due to higher TDP (130 W vs. 35–100 W)
🖥️ 4. Availability & Variants
- Desktop cards ship mid-to-late July, produced by AIBs like ASUS, MSI, Gigabyte, Zotac, PNY, and more
- Laptop GTX 5050 models with 8 GB GDDR7 memory hit shelves starting at $999
🌐 5. Why It Matters for Gamers
- Entry-level ray-tracing at low price—DLSS 4 makes titles like Cyberpunk playable on a budget.
- Future-proof upgrade—Blackwell’s architecture opens doors for next-gen software and AI features.
- Power-efficient choice—suitable even for modest power supplies (550 W recommended)
- Bridges GPU layer gap—fills the long-vacant x50 slot in NVIDIA’s lineup and supports gamers moving from older GPUs
🧠 Expert Insight
Some analysts call it a smarter, more balanced package than the RTX 5060, noting:
Reddit users were mixed, with some questioning value compared to used 1080 Ti cards, while others praised NVIDIA’s attention to budget gamers reddit.com.
🗓️ What’s Next?
- Game Ready drivers for the RTX 5050 drop in early July
- Benchmarks and reviews from independent testers soon after launch
- AIB custom models and factory-overclocked versions expected alongside reference cards
