Nvidia reportedly halts RTX 5090 production to prioritise AI and pro GPUs

[Slate Fraction]

Nvidia has reportedly stopped selling GB202 chips for consumer GeForce RTX 5090 cards, Tom's Hardware reports. The claim comes from a leaked notice from an unnamed factory, posted by the leaker known as hongxing2020. A second leaker, Zed__Wang, reportedly confirmed it. According to the claim, GB202 chips will now go only into data centre and professional cards, including the China specific D versions of the 5090

Nvidia has not commented, and Tom's Hardware stresses that this is unverified rather than an official announcement. Still, writer Anton Shilov argues that the move would make economic sense. The RTX Pro 5500 uses the same GB202 chip with 21,760 CUDA cores as the 5090, but carries 84GB of GDDR7 memory instead of 32GB. The RTX 6000 Pro reportedly sells for about $15,000, far more than any gaming card

If the report is accurate, the effects on gamers are clear. Existing stock of the RTX 5090 would run down and prices would likely climb. A rumoured RTX 5080 with 24GB of memory could become the new flagship gaming card. Nvidia's next generation Rubin based RTX 60 cards are not expected until late 2027 or 2028

This would fit a broader pattern we have seen in recent weeks. AI demand is pushing up prices for memory, storage and other components. Circana just reported that US console sales are weak partly because of component shortages linked to AI data centres. Intel is even reportedly bringing out new processors that use cheaper DDR4 memory because DDR5 prices have soared

It is frustrating for PC gamers, but understandable from Nvidia's point of view. The same chip earns far more in a professional or data centre card. The upside is that current high end cards should hold their value, and mid range options remain strong. Hopefully supply improves once new manufacturing capacity comes online

Would you still buy an RTX 5090 at higher prices if the report is true? And is AI demand starting to hurt PC gaming?

Nvidia reportedly halts GeForce RTX 5090 production in favor of AI data center and professional GPUs - impending supply drought expected to drive up prices, RTX 5080 24GB rumored as new gaming flagshipwww.tomshardware.com

[Wardlow86]

Late 2027 or 2028 for the next generation is a long wait. That means current cards need to last

Good news for anyone who already owns a recent GPU. Less good for anyone hoping for a big upgrade soon. My current card will have to last a while longer

[Anchor99]

Should a 24GB 5080 arrive, it would be a lovely card. More memory helps with high resolution textures and some creative work. It could be the sweet spot for enthusiasts who do not need a 5090

The price will be the deciding factor. Creative users would welcome the extra memory too. Price will decide whether it is a good deal

[Dark Jaguar]

Gamers are definitely being hurt by AI demand. Memory, storage and GPUs have all become more expensive this year

The same factories make parts for both markets, and AI customers pay more. Gamers are simply outbid

Hopefully new factories ease the squeeze by next year. Even storage drives have crept up in price

[RingsideJordan72]

Leaks from unnamed factories should be treated with caution. Sometimes they are accurate and sometimes they are completely wrong

Nvidia's silence does not confirm anything either way. I would wait for stock patterns to tell the story. Rumours often turn out half right

[SchrodingersCat52]

AMD has an opportunity here if it can supply strong gaming cards while Nvidia focuses on AI. Competition at the high end would be welcome

Gamers would benefit from more choice. Let us see if they take it. Competition keeps prices honest