Nvidia's Unconventional Decision: GDDR6 on RTX 5050 Desktop GPU
Nvidia clarifies the reason behind using GDDR6 memory instead of GDDR7 in its desktop RTX 5050 model, stating that GDDR6 offers the optimal choice for desktops due to its efficiency, while the power-saving GDDR7 is the preferred choice for laptops.
Let's dive into the breech! Nvidia's recent move to equip their RTX 5050 desktop GPU with older GDDR6 memory has left many scratching their heads, given that the laptop variant flaunts the latest and zippier GDDR7 memory. Nvidia's spokesperson, Ben Berraondo, squared off with Hardware Cannuck, defending this oddball choice, stressing that GDDR7 is the ace up laptops' sleeve.
Bernado argues that the RTX 5050 series presents a peculiar scenario where GDDR6 performs better in the desktop version, while GDDR7 reigns supreme in the laptop realm. The memory type's lower heat emissions and greater power efficiency make it a winning choice for the mobile RTX 5050, while the desktop version gets the cold shoulder.
For those late to the game, the desktop and laptop versions of the RTX 5050 share similar hardware specs, boasting 2,560 CUDA cores, an 8GB memory capacity, and a 128-bit memory interface. Their differences lie in the memory generation, clock speeds, and power targets.
Berraondo remained tight-lipped about any advantages GDDR6 offers the desktop RTX 5050. He merely alluded to it being the "best choice for desktops" without detailing any specific benefits. It's reasonable to assume that cost was the primary factor.
Purely in terms of performance, Nvidia has no reason to use GDDR6. GDDR7 delivers not only better thermal and electrical efficiency (allegedly) and plenty more bandwidth than the fastest GDDR6 modules. The fastest GDDR6 speed bins available in the market currently top out at 20 Gbps, while GDDR7 offers twice the bandwidth, with even the slowest modules operating at 28Gbps.
It's likely that Nvidia went the GDDR6 route on the desktop RTX 5050 for cost-cutting purposes and maybe better supply chain availability. Nvidia uses GDDR7 on all other RTX 50 series GPUs, including the highly coveted RTX 5090. By prioritizing GDDR6 on the desktop RTX 5050, Nvidia can conserve its GDDR7 supply for higher-end GPUs, assuming GDDR7 supply chains are tight.
There's also the possibility that Nvidia didn't require GDDR7 for the desktop RTX 5050, regardless of availability or pricing. The GPU's relatively few CUDA cores (just 2,560 cores) might make it compute-limited with GDDR7.
Nvidia's confounding decision to go with GDDR6 for the desktop RTX 5050 leaves the tech world scratching its collective head. The desktop variant drops next month, starting at $249. Catch up with Tom's Hardware for more updates and analysis on this mind-boggling move.
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- In light of Nvidia's decision to use GDDR6 in the desktop RTX 5050, one could argue that the technology giant leans towards older gadgets when it comes to power efficiency in certain scenarios, even if more advanced memory like GDDR7 offers better performance.
- Nvidia's choice to use GDDR6 in the desktop RTX 5050 appears to be driven by artificial-intelligence (AI) and machine learning considerations, as the relatively few CUDA cores in the GPU might make it compute-limited with GDDR7, thus calling for a memory type that requires less computational resources.
