New rumors appeared around NVIDIA’s GeForce RTX 5090 “Blackwell” GPU including a brand new PCB design and a 512-bit GDDR7 memory interface (allegedly). As usual, Chiphell Forum member Panzerlied is to thank for bringing up the rumor and discussing it in relation to NVIDIA’s GeForce RTX 50 “Blackwell” GPUs. He has traditionally been on the money with feisty tech tidbits like this one. Panzerlied also previously leaked information on the Blackwell GPU SKUs featuring under the GB2** family and how they fare against the performance of RTX 4090.
More About NVIDIA GeForce RTX 5090
The rumors add that the NVIDIA GeForce RTX 5090 GPU will also feature a memory layout that is densely packed and differs from the rest of high-end modern GPUs with their 384-bit memory interfaces. Instead, the RTX 5090 is said to bring back that old 512-bit bash instead.
Multiple reliable leakers have so far confirmed that the NVIDIA GeForce RTX 5090 GPU will be using a 512-bit memory interface, but this is where we get our first whisper on its configuration. The GPU could have up to 16 DRAM modules, which are built on the GDDR7 standard and will run at an initial speed of 28 Gbps. which will consist of four memory modules located on the top, five on each side, and two more at the bottom, requiring a new PCB design.
NVIDIA’s response is working on a new PCB solution for the GeForce RTX 5090 Founders Edition card that could see up to three different PCB designs. It is not yet clear whether this is three individual PCBs in one card or even three distinct designs. The core and memory are to be cooled using a dual-fan system, while graphics card designs with double-sided memory modules have also been quoted in the related discussions. The basic configuration and initial expectations probably top out at 32 GB, with workstation variants potentially offering up to 64 GB.
That said, it’s not uncommon for NVIDIA to develop prototypes and custom PCBs during the early stages of experimentation on new GPUs. A good example is the prototype of an NVIDIA GeForce RTX 4090 GPU that boasts a unique PCB and cooling approach, but never went into production: Unfortunately, that also doesn’t help to prove whether the NVIDIA RTX 5090 GPU mentioned is a retail unit or actually another prototype.
NVIDIA has explored various PCB designs, including V-shaped solutions exclusive to Founders Edition variants. Additionally, the company has tested new cooling solutions for its GeForce RTX 50 “Blackwell” graphics cards. The potential adoption of these designs in final retail graphics cards remains uncertain. Currently, the NVIDIA GeForce RTX 5080 and RTX 5090 are expected to launch in Q4 2024.
