NVIDIA has confirmed that the highly anticipated NVIDIA RTX 50 SUPER series launch has been officially postponed. Originally expected in late 2025, the new release window is set for January 2026, with a formal unveiling scheduled at CES 2026 in Las Vegas.
This decision affects several key models in the lineup, including the RTX 5070 SUPER, RTX 5070 Ti SUPER, and RTX 5080 SUPER. According to industry insiders, the primary reason for the delay is NVIDIA’s strategic choice to integrate next-generation GDDR7 memory, delivering greater bandwidth and efficiency.
While the wait is longer than fans hoped for, the RTX 50 SUPER refresh promises meaningful improvements in performance, thermal design, and memory architecture, positioning it as a powerful mid-cycle upgrade for both gamers and creators.
Why NVIDIA Delayed the RTX 50 SUPER Series
What to Expect from the NVIDIA RTX 50 SUPER Series?
The Move to GDDR7 Memory
The biggest factor behind the delay is NVIDIA’s adoption of GDDR7 memory, a leap forward from the widely used GDDR6X. GDDR7 brings:
- Bandwidth up to 36 Gbps, compared to the 21–24 Gbps typical of GDDR6X.
- Lower power draw per bit transferred, making GPUs more efficient.
- Better thermal characteristics, reducing heat while improving stability.
This memory technology will be critical for AI rendering, real-time ray tracing, and high-resolution gaming. By waiting for GDDR7 to mature and become available in volume, NVIDIA ensures that the RTX 50 SUPER lineup launches at full potential.
For reference, check out Micron’s GDDR7 announcement, which explains how this new standard can redefine GPU bandwidth.
Competitive Positioning
Another layer of strategy is timing. AMD’s upcoming RDNA 5 GPUs are rumored to launch around the same timeframe, and Intel is also improving its Arc GPU lineup. By aligning the SUPER refresh with CES 2026, NVIDIA ensures maximum industry buzz and consumer attention while entering the new year with momentum.
RTX 50 SUPER Series: Rumored Specs
Here are the latest leaked specifications for the upcoming GPUs:
| GPU Model | CUDA Cores | VRAM | Memory Type | Memory Speed | TGP (Power) | Expected Price |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| RTX 5070 SUPER | 6,400 | 18GB | GDDR7 | 30 Gbps | 275W | $549–$599 |
| RTX 5070 Ti SUPER | 8,960 | 24GB | GDDR7 | 30 Gbps | 350W | $749–$799 |
| RTX 5080 SUPER | 10,752 | 24GB | GDDR7 | 32–36 Gbps | 415W | $999–$1199 |
Key Highlights
- VRAM Bump: Even the mid-range RTX 5070 SUPER will have 18GB of GDDR7, while the higher-tier cards offer 24GB—ideal for modern games and creative workloads.
- Insane Bandwidth: With speeds of 30–36 Gbps, bandwidth could approach 1.5 TB/s in the top-tier model.
- Higher TGPs: Expect cards ranging from 275W to 415W, requiring advanced cooling solutions.
- Premium Pricing: NVIDIA maintains its premium strategy, with the RTX 5080 SUPER priced near $1,200.
For comparison, see AnandTech’s GPU deep dives, which detail how each generational leap impacts real-world performance.
Performance Expectations
Gaming Performance
- 1440p Ultra & 4K High-Refresh will be the new baseline.
- The RTX 5080 SUPER could make 8K gaming with DLSS 4 more viable.
DLSS 4 and AI Rendering
NVIDIA is expected to push DLSS 4 as a major selling point. Unlike previous versions, DLSS 4 may combine AI-driven upscaling, frame generation, and full-scene reconstruction, offering smoother performance even in path-traced games.
For context, you can read more about DLSS technology on NVIDIA’s official DLSS page.
Content Creation
With 24GB VRAM standardization, creators will benefit from:
- Handling 8K video editing with ease.
- Managing high-resolution 3D textures.
- Running AI models locally without constant memory bottlenecks.
Thermal Design and Efficiency
- Improved Cooling: Triple-fan, vapor chamber, and possibly AI-optimized fan curves.
- Refined Power Connectors: NVIDIA learned from the RTX 4090’s 12VHPWR cable issues and will likely implement 12V-2×6 connectors with stricter PSU guidelines.
- Better PCB Design: More efficient voltage regulation modules (VRMs) to reduce power waste.
Expect partner brands like ASUS ROG, MSI Gaming X Trio, and Gigabyte AORUS to showcase exotic cooling designs when the cards drop.
Market Impact
Gamers
- RTX 5070 SUPER: Best balance of price and performance for 1440p gaming.
- RTX 5080 SUPER: Likely to rival or surpass the RTX 5090 (non-SUPER) in performance, making it the enthusiast sweet spot.
Creators
24GB VRAM ensures creators no longer need to buy workstation cards for serious workloads.
Competitors
- AMD RDNA 5: Expected to challenge NVIDIA with chiplet efficiency.
- Intel Arc: Positioned as a value alternative but unlikely to match NVIDIA’s AI ecosystem.
The Bigger Picture: GPUs in 2026
- AI Everywhere: From gaming to productivity, AI will be fully integrated into software.
- Ray Tracing Becomes Standard: With Unreal Engine 5.3+, path tracing may become the norm rather than an option.
- Cloud Gaming Growth: Providers like GeForce NOW and Microsoft xCloud may adopt these GPUs for virtualized gaming at scale.
What to Expect at CES 2026
NVIDIA’s keynote at CES 2026 will be the global stage for the RTX 50 SUPER reveal. Likely announcements:
- Live gameplay demos of AAA games in 8K with DLSS 4.
- Pro workflow showcases (video editing, 3D rendering, AI model training).
- Custom partner models from ASUS, MSI, Gigabyte, and more.
- Launch schedule:
- RTX 5070 SUPER → January 2026
- RTX 5070 Ti SUPER → February 2026
- RTX 5080 SUPER → March 2026
For more on CES itself, see the official CES website.
Looking Ahead: Beyond the SUPER Refresh
While the RTX 50 SUPER series is a major mid-cycle refresh, it’s only the bridge toward the RTX 5090 and RTX 60 series expected in late 2026–2027. These future cards may bring:
- Full-speed 36–40 Gbps GDDR7 memory.
- Massive CUDA core increases.
- Potential return of multi-GPU scaling with new AI-driven load balancing.
Conclusion
The delay of the NVIDIA RTX 50 SUPER series to January 2026 may frustrate some fans, but it’s a strategic move that ensures the refresh launches with GDDR7 memory, expanded VRAM, and higher efficiency. With rumored specs like 10,752 CUDA cores, 24GB VRAM, and 36 Gbps memory speeds, the RTX 50 SUPER lineup is shaping up to be one of NVIDIA’s most important product updates yet.
All eyes will be on CES 2026, where NVIDIA will unveil the lineup to the world. For gamers, creators, and industry watchers alike, one thing is clear: the wait will be worth it.
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