Nvidia RTX 5080 Super launch seen cancelled as 24GB memory costs bite - 디지털투데이

TechRadar reported on Wednesday that Nvidia informed graphics card manufacturers it was discontinuing plans for the RTX 5080 Super, which had been anticipated for a January 2027 release. The primary challenge is the memory requirement, as the RTX 5080 Super would need 3GB modules instead of the 2GB GDDR7 modules used in the existing RTX 5080, with significantly higher costs.

This report goes beyond previous claims of a delay, as no new timeline was provided, suggesting a potential cancellation rather than a postponement. The cancellation comes amid memory supply constraints and rising GPU prices, making the launch of a new 24GB product economically challenging for Nvidia.

Market Impact

In China, the existing RTX 5080 16GB model is expected to remain the top consumer product for the foreseeable future, as the RTX 5090 is not sold in China and remains scarce and overpriced elsewhere. The RTX 5090 has been selling for 3 to 4 times its recommended retail price, reaching around $10,000 in the United States, with some suggesting the only realistic way to obtain one is through expensive prebuilt PCs.

Strategic Shift

The cancellation reflects Nvidia's apparent shift in priorities toward data centers and AI technologies. Critics on Reddit have accused Nvidia of intentionally limiting powerful consumer cards to reserve AI computing resources for major clients. This strategic move has contributed to the industry's shift from consumer GDDR to HBM memory for AI data centers.

The cancellation of the RTX 5080 Super is not merely about a single product but signals broader issues with Nvidia's consumer lineup. With memory cost pressures likely to persist, dissatisfaction among high-end PC gamers is expected to grow, potentially affecting Nvidia's market position in the consumer graphics segment.