1. The RTX 5070 mobile GPU now offers 12 GB of VRAM, up from 8 GB, but at a significantly higher price.
2. The $1,199 price for Framework’s RTX 5070 12 GB module is largely attributed to inflated memory costs, linked to a perceived global memory shortage.
3. OpenAI’s alleged role in causing the memory shortage has contributed to persistent graphics card component price inflation.
4. Future gaming laptops with the RTX 5070 12 GB are expected to be costly, potentially approaching the prices of RTX 5070 Ti systems.
5. Consumers might find it more practical to opt for a gaming laptop with an RTX 5070 Ti, which offers similar VRAM but better performance at a comparable price.
The Price and Availability of the RTX 5070 12 GB Laptop GPU
The launch of the RTX 5070 laptop GPU raised some eyebrows mainly because of its VRAM. The initial version featured only 8 GB of VRAM which left many users disappointed. Finally, Nvidia decided to fix that issue by offering the mobile RTX 5070 with a substantial upgrade to 12 GB of VRAM. But, this upgrade has brought a new challenge: higher prices. Due to ongoing shortages, memory like GDDR7 has become expensive, and that expense is passed on to consumers. The additional 4 GB of VRAM in the RTX 5070 12 GB model comes with a significant cost increase, meaning more money for the same performance level.
The Price Disparity
Framework’s version of the RTX 5070 12 GB module is priced at $1,199, which is a hefty $500 more than its 8 GB counterpart. This sharp increase for just 4GB of VRAM seems unreasonable, yet the company explained that their hands are tied financially. The markup is primarily driven by the rising costs of GDDR7 memory, which is currently in high demand and short supply across the market. This makes the newer 12 GB modules more costly to produce, and in turn, more expensive for consumers. The price gap, which is about 70%, appears quite steep for a relatively small upgrade in VRAM.
Speculations Behind the Price Spike
In a unique twist, Framework hinted that OpenAI might be a contributor to the skyrocketing prices. Though the statement might be playful or sarcastic, it’s not entirely without controversy. Many experts believe OpenAI’s aggressive push to control a large chunk—about 40%—of the available global memory supply has played a role in constricting availability. This situation has contributed heavily to the overall memory shortage that affects industries from gaming to AI research. Interestingly, OpenAI has recently stepped away from some of these memory procurement plans, but the market conditions haven’t improved and prices remain high. The result is a tough environment for hardware makers and consumers alike.
The Future of Gaming Laptops with RTX 5070
For those waiting on gaming laptops equipped with the RTX 5070 12 GB GPU, good news is on the horizon. These laptops are expected to be available within the next few months. Once they arrive, it will be easier to see if the price premium that Framework is asking is typical or if other OEMs like Dell or Lenovo will price their models more competitively. However, early indications suggest that these laptops might be priced similar to those with the RTX 5070 Ti, which boasts comparable VRAM but offers over 20% better performance. So, if you have been planning to buy a new gaming laptop with this GPU, it might be more practical to consider a slightly more expensive but significantly faster RTX 5070 Ti model instead.















