Gamers and tech enthusiasts eyeing Nvidia’s RTX 50 series for their next computer upgrade might want to brace their wallets. While these graphics cards promise cutting-edge performance and technology, early leaks suggest a hefty price tag that could surprise even seasoned PC builders.
RTX 5080 price leaks spark discussions
Ahead of the CES 2025 unveiling in January, leaks from insider “Vex” have given a glimpse into the RTX 50 series pricing. Vex’s YouTube video revealed a leaked listing from an Australian retailer, pricing the ASUS variant of the RTX 5080 at 2,799 Australian dollars — equivalent to around $1,740. This figure, while unofficial, highlights the potential costliness of the new series. It’s important to note that final prices could vary due to regional taxes and retail markups.
What the RTX 5080 offers
The RTX 5080 is rumoured to feature 16 GB of DDR7 VRAM, a specification consistent with previous leaks. This advanced memory type, along with expected performance improvements, likely contributes to the card’s steep price. Analysts at WCCFTech suggest that the RTX 5080 will deliver significant performance gains over the RTX 40 series, making it a strong contender for demanding gamers and content creators.
Nvidia’s Founders Edition could offer a slightly more affordable alternative for those hesitant about premium third-party cards. According to Digital Trends, this base model might be priced between $1,200 and $1,500 before taxes and fees. While still expensive, this option provides a potential entry point for enthusiasts.
The rollout of the RTX 50 series is expected to begin in February 2025, starting with the RTX 5080. Vex’s insights suggest that dealers are already placing orders, with the flagship RTX 5090 model likely to follow. However, the full lineup’s price-performance ratio will be key in determining its reception among gamers.
Beyond the cards, the RTX 50 line is set to bring a new form of DLSS (Deep Learning Super Sampling) tech. Speculations about this AI-driven “magical” rendering tool hint at revolutionary advancements in-game graphics processing and display. While the hype grows, we must wait for Nvidia to share specific news on these cards. The RTX 50 cards aim to change the gaming industry but the steep price may stop some from buying. Fans will need to weigh the perks of top-tier play against the high cost of these new GPUs.
