NVIDIA reportedly plans RTX 5050 with 9GB memory and RTX 5060 variant

NVIDIA is reportedly planning an updated RTX 5050 with 9GB GDDR7 memory and a 96-bit bus, according to leaker MEGAsizeGPU, as reported by VideoCardz in March 2026. The rumor also suggests an RTX 5060 variant using the GB205 GPU from the RTX 5070, though these non-standard variants typically see limited regional releases rather than global availability.

What are the rumored RTX 5050 9GB specifications?

The rumored RTX 5050 update would switch from 8GB GDDR6 to 9GB GDDR7, using three 3GB modules on a 96-bit bus. This creates a narrower memory bus than the current 128-bit configuration but potentially higher bandwidth thanks to faster GDDR7 speeds.

According to MEGAsizeGPU's leaked specifications, the new configuration would deliver 336 GB/s of memory bandwidth compared to 320 GB/s on the current model — a modest 5% increase. The GDDR7 memory is expected to run at 28 Gbps, significantly faster than the current GDDR6 at 20 Gbps.

This change would make the RTX 5050 the only entry-level card in the RTX 50 series to use GDDR7, as the current model remains the sole GDDR6 variant in the lineup. The thing is, this represents more of an unusual memory configuration than a major performance upgrade.

Is NVIDIA planning an RTX 5060 with GB205 GPU?

According to the same leaker, NVIDIA is reportedly developing an RTX 5060 variant that uses the GB205 GPU typically found in the RTX 5070. This would require board partners to design new PCBs and use 8-pin power connectors instead of the standard configuration.

The GB205-based RTX 5060 would cut down from the RTX 5070's 6,144 CUDA cores and 192-bit memory bus to 3,840 cores and a 128-bit bus — essentially the same specifications as the current RTX 5060 but on different silicon. MEGAsizeGPU suggests this stems from NVIDIA realising they lack sufficient GB206 chips for standard RTX 5060 production.

What they don't mention is why this approach makes economic sense, given the additional complexity and costs involved. These variants historically appear in specific markets rather than as global releases, so availability would likely be limited.

What this means for budget GPU buyers

For budget-conscious buyers, these rumored changes suggest marginal rather than meaningful improvements. The RTX 5050's extra 1GB of VRAM provides a 12.5% increase in memory capacity, which could help with texture streaming in modern games at 1080p.

However, the 5% bandwidth increase won't dramatically change performance. The RTX 5050 remains positioned as an entry-level card, and 9GB versus 8GB won't transform its capabilities. In practice, games that struggle with 8GB VRAM at this performance tier are likely pushing the GPU cores beyond their limits anyway.

The RTX 5060 GB205 variant, if it materialises, essentially offers the same performance in a different package. For consumers, it changes nothing functionally — same specs, same performance, just different manufacturing approaches behind the scenes.

RTX 5060 12GB reportedly canceled

According to MEGAsizeGPU, NVIDIA has canceled the previously rumored RTX 5060 12GB model that appeared in early embargo documents and leaks throughout 2025. This decision aligns with recent reports about RTX 50 supply constraints and NVIDIA's focus on higher-margin products.

The cancellation leaves a gap between the RTX 5060's 8GB and the RTX 5070's 12GB, forcing buyers to make a larger jump in both performance and pricing. This mirrors NVIDIA's historical approach of creating clear tiers rather than gradual progression.

To be fair, the 12GB RTX 5060 would have created an awkward positioning problem — potentially offering better longevity than the RTX 5070 in VRAM-limited scenarios despite lower core performance.

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the rumored specifications for the new NVIDIA RTX 5050?

The rumored RTX 5050 update would feature 9GB GDDR7 memory using three 3GB modules on a 96-bit bus, compared to the current 8GB GDDR6 with 128-bit bus. Memory bandwidth would increase from 320 GB/s to 336 GB/s.

Will the NVIDIA RTX 5050 use GDDR7 memory?

According to rumors, yes. The updated RTX 5050 would switch from GDDR6 to GDDR7 memory, clocked at an estimated 28 Gbps. This would make it the only entry-level RTX 50 series card to use GDDR7.

Is NVIDIA planning an RTX 5060 variant with a GB205 GPU?

Rumors suggest NVIDIA is planning an RTX 5060 variant using the GB205 GPU typically found in the RTX 5070. This would require new PCB designs and 8-pin power connectors but maintain the same performance specifications.

Is the NVIDIA RTX 5060 12GB model canceled?

According to leaker MEGAsizeGPU, the previously rumored RTX 5060 12GB has been canceled. This leaves an 8GB to 12GB gap between the RTX 5060 and RTX 5070 in terms of memory capacity.

When will these rumored RTX cards be available in UAE?

No official availability dates exist as NVIDIA hasn't confirmed these models. Non-standard variants typically see limited regional releases and may not reach UAE markets at launch, if they materialize at all.

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