The anticipation surrounding Nvidia’s upcoming GeForce RTX 5000 series has reached a fever pitch, with leaks and rumors swirling ahead of their expected unveiling at CES 2024 in Las Vegas. Among the most anticipated models are the RTX 5080 and RTX 5090, and a recent leak seemingly offers a glimpse of the latter’s colossal cooler, hinting at a graphics card that’s set to push the boundaries of size and performance. This leak, attributed to board partner Inno3D, showcases the iChill X3 model of the RTX 5090, revealing a cooler design that is both deep and wide, potentially exceeding the dimensions of even the largest RTX 4090 models. This revelation has sparked discussions about case compatibility and the practical implications of such a substantial graphics card.
The leaked image of the Inno3D iChill X3 cooler paints a clear picture of the RTX 5090’s considerable size. Measuring 3.5 slots deep, it matches the depth of the bulkiest RTX 4090s. However, its width appears to surpass even the most expansive current-generation cards, such as the Palit GameRock RTX 4090. This raises concerns for PC builders with smaller cases, particularly those using mini-ITX or small form factor builds. The sheer size of the RTX 5090 could limit its compatibility with these compact systems, potentially necessitating case upgrades or alternative cooling solutions. The trend towards larger graphics cards raises questions about the future of PC hardware design and the potential need for more accommodating chassis standards.
The physical dimensions of the RTX 5090 are only part of the story. Rumors about the card’s specifications have been circulating for weeks, and the leaked image appears to confirm at least one key detail: the inclusion of 32GB of VRAM. This represents a significant upgrade over the RTX 4090’s 24GB of GDDR6X memory and is expected to be GDDR7, the next generation of graphics memory. This substantial memory boost positions the RTX 5090 as a powerhouse for demanding workloads, including high-resolution gaming, content creation, and artificial intelligence applications. Furthermore, the 8GB memory increase over the RTX 4090 is rumored to be larger than the combined memory upgrades of the rest of the RTX 5000 series, highlighting the RTX 5090’s position as the flagship model.
Beyond the memory upgrade, other rumored specifications remain unconfirmed. The leaked image unfortunately doesn’t offer a clear view of the power connector, leaving questions about its configuration unanswered. Speculation has ranged from a single 16-pin 12VHPWR connector to dual 16-pin connectors, but a Chinese power supply manufacturer has already dismissed the latter possibility. The power requirements of the RTX 5090 are a critical consideration, as they will dictate the necessary power supply wattage and cabling for users looking to upgrade. With Nvidia’s history of pushing the boundaries of performance, it’s anticipated that the RTX 5090 will demand a substantial power supply to reach its full potential.
While the leaked image and rumors provide tantalizing glimpses into the RTX 5090’s capabilities, the official specifications and pricing remain shrouded in secrecy. Nvidia is expected to shed light on these details during CES 2024, potentially announcing the entire RTX 5000 series lineup. However, rumors suggest that the RTX 5080 might be launched first, with a possible release date as early as January 21st. This staggered release strategy could allow Nvidia to build anticipation for the flagship RTX 5090 and manage supply chain constraints. The pricing of the RTX 5090 is a subject of much speculation, with some rumors suggesting a price range of $2,000 to $2,500, a significant increase over the RTX 4090’s $1,600 launch price. If these rumors prove true, the RTX 5090 would solidify its position as a premium graphics card aimed at enthusiasts and professionals willing to invest in cutting-edge performance.
The imminent arrival of the RTX 5000 series marks a significant moment in the evolution of graphics technology. The leaked image of the RTX 5090’s monumental cooler, coupled with the rumored specifications, paints a picture of a graphics card designed to redefine the limits of performance. However, the card’s substantial size and potential price premium raise questions about its accessibility and practicality for the average consumer. As CES 2024 approaches, the anticipation continues to build, with eager enthusiasts and professionals awaiting official confirmation of the RTX 5000 series’ capabilities and the impact it will have on the future of gaming, content creation, and AI.
