As the release of the RTX 50 "Blackwell" GPUs approaches, more information about Nvidia's upcoming graphics cards is likely to surface. We've already learned about Team Green's intentions for the RTX 50 laptop GPUs and the anticipated launch date for the RTX 5070 among others.
Die Size Revelation
According to MEGAsizeGPU on X, we might now have the precise die size of the RTX 5090, and it’s quite significant. The RTX 5090 is set to feature the GB202 GPU, which, as per MEGAsizeGPU, has a colossal size of 744 mm2. This represents an incredible 22.2% increase compared to the 609 mm2 AD102 chip in the RTX 4090. Such a rise in die size carries some crucial implications for the RTX 5090.
Core Count Implications
A large die size typically indicates a potential rise in core count, suggesting that the RTX 5090 could have significantly more CUDA cores than the RTX 4090. Current leaks suggest that the CUDA core count for the RTX 5090 might reach an astonishing 21,760. If this is accurate, it would mark a 33% increase from the RTX 4090’s 16,384 CUDA cores.
Heat and Pricing Concerns
With a notably larger die and increased CUDA cores, alongside the expected 600 W TDP, there are heat management concerns too. The RTX 4090 models on the market already have a substantial footprint. Given the 600 W TDP, it wouldn’t be surprising if the coolers on the RTX 5090 models are even larger.
In addition, a bigger die leads to increased silicon needs, which can drive up costs. The RTX 5090’s GB202 GPU is likely to use the TSMC 4NP process, which is not brand new and may be cheaper than the 3 nm N3, but reports indicate TSMC may raise prices of the 4 nm process by nearly 10% next year. This price increase, along with the larger die size, could result in a significant rise in the RTX 5090's price compared to the RTX 4090.
Anticipated Pricing and Market Demand
While Nvidia has yet to officially disclose the MSRP for the RTX 5090, recent leaks suggest it might be priced between $1,800 and $1,900. The $1,900 figure represents only a $300 increase from the RTX 4090’s launch price of $1,600. However, considering the RTX 4090 has become increasingly scarce at that price point since its launch, concerns arise.
Currently, in the US, the RTX 4090 is hard to find for less than $2,000. The high demand for a 4090-class card will likely direct buyers toward the new RTX 5090, particularly since AMD does not have a rival product. Thus, while we expect the RTX 5090 to be available at its base MSRP at launch, it would not be surprising to see many AIB models priced significantly higher.
In conclusion, the RTX 5090 appears to be a formidable GPU that will excel in 4K gaming. However, those interested in purchasing the card should be ready to spend, as Nvidia is likely to pass along the increased costs to consumers.
MEGAsizeGPU on X, Tom's Hardware, TrendForce, Teaser image: Notebookcheck, Laura Ockel on Unsplash, edited
