No: NVIDIA did not release its desktop GeForce RTX 50 series in 2024. It announced the Blackwell-based cards on January 6, 2025, with the RTX 5090 and RTX 5080 arriving later that month. NVIDIA also claimed the RTX 5090 could deliver up to twice the RTX 4090’s performance—but that figure includes DLSS 4 and is not a guarantee of twice the speed in every game or in native rendering.
Did the GeForce RTX 5000 series come out in 2024?
No. NVIDIA announced its desktop GeForce RTX 50 series on January 6, 2025. At the time, it said the RTX 5090 and RTX 5080 would be available starting January 30, with the RTX 5070 Ti and RTX 5070 scheduled to start in February. NVIDIA’s January 30 update subsequently reported that the RTX 5090 and RTX 5080 were out. These are historical launch dates, not an indication of current availability or stock. NVIDIA’s announcement and launch update document the dates.
Expectations about new RTX products circulated during 2024, but the specific claim that the desktop series would release that year did not come true. October 2024 coverage is evidence of the rumor-era discussion, not confirmation of NVIDIA’s plans or product specifications. The available evidence does not establish who originated the precise 2024-release rumor. XDA’s October 7, 2024 coverage reflects expectations at the time.
How much faster did NVIDIA say the RTX 5090 would be?
NVIDIA said the RTX 5090 could outperform the RTX 4090 by up to 2x, attributing the comparison to Blackwell innovations and DLSS 4. That is NVIDIA’s qualified company claim, not an independent benchmark result and not a promise that every game will run twice as fast. In particular, DLSS frame generation can increase displayed frame rates by creating frames, which is different from rendering every frame traditionally.
#1 Best Overall
- AI Performance: 772 AI TOPS
- OC mode: 2580 MHz Default mode: 2550 MHz(Boost clock)
- Powered by the NVIDIA Blackwell architecture and DLSS 4
- SFF-Ready Enthusiast GeForce Card
- Axial-tech fans feature a smaller fan hub that facilitates longer blades and a barrier ring that increases downward air pressure
NVIDIA’s launch announcement listed 92 billion transistors and 3,352 trillion AI operations per second (TOPS) for the RTX 5090. These are NVIDIA-published specifications; they do not, by themselves, establish a particular gaming frame rate or improvement in a given workload. NVIDIA’s announcement provides the specifications and its performance comparison.
What does DLSS 4’s “up to 8x” claim mean?
NVIDIA described DLSS 4 Multi Frame Generation as generating up to three additional frames for each traditionally rendered frame. Its “up to 8x” claim compares performance with traditional rendering and is tied to this feature; it should not be read as an across-the-board increase in native rendering speed. Generated frames are produced by the feature rather than rendered individually in the conventional way, so the comparison depends on DLSS support and the conditions used.
Rank #2
- [3352 AI TOPS, 5th Gen Tensor Cores, AI Content Creation] Built for AI-assisted photo and video workflows including upscaling, denoise, background removal, masking, and generative AI creation for faster creator productivity.
- [32GB GDDR7 VRAM, Local LLM Inference, Larger Models] Run local LLM inference and on-device AI tools with massive VRAM headroom for larger models, longer context, and heavier multitasking across AI and creator apps.
- [28 Gbps, 512-bit, 21760 CUDA Cores] High-throughput next-gen memory and core resources for demanding creator projects, complex timelines, large assets, and GPU-accelerated ML experimentation and inference pipelines.
- [Quad-Fan Force, Vapor Chamber, Phase-Change Thermal Pad] Designed for sustained performance under heavy loads with quad-fan cooling, a patented vapor chamber, and a phase-change GPU thermal pad to help lower temps and reduce hotspots.
- [DP 2.1b x3, HDMI 2.1b x2, Bundle GPU Holder] Multi-display ready with up to 4 displays and up to 7680 x 4320 max digital resolution, plus an included GPU Holder to help reduce GPU sag and improve long-term build stability.
What else did NVIDIA emphasize about RTX 50?
NVIDIA positioned the Blackwell-based series for gaming as well as AI and creator work. In its launch update, the company highlighted FP4 support and additions to video encoding and decoding. These are NVIDIA’s descriptions of the platform, not independent evaluations of performance in a particular application. NVIDIA’s launch update covers those capabilities.
At CES 2025, NVIDIA founder and CEO Jensen Huang said, “GeForce enabled AI to reach the masses, and now AI is coming home to GeForce.” NVIDIA’s CES 2025 blog records the statement.
The Tool Desk
Outbyte Driver Updater FREEFix the driver behind crashes, sound loss and screen glitchesFind Drivers →Outbyte PC Repair FREEClear out junk files and repair common Windows errorsFree Scan →Rank #3
- Powered by the NVIDIA Blackwell architecture and DLSS 4. System Requirements: Minimum 850W PSU with 16-pin 12V-2x6 (12VHPWR) connector required. Verify before purchasing.
- Military-grade components deliver rock-solid power and longer lifespan for ultimate durability. Compatibility: 348mm (13.7") length, 3.6 slots, 4.3 lbs. Confirm case clearance and slot spacing. GPU bracket included.
- Protective PCB coating helps protect against short circuits caused by moisture, dust, or debris
- 3.6-slot design with massive fin array optimized for airflow from three Axial-tech fans
- Phase-change GPU thermal pad helps ensure optimal thermal performance and longevity, outlasting traditional thermal paste for graphics cards under heavy loads
What were the announced US starting prices?
| Model | Announced US starting price | Availability stated at announcement |
|---|---|---|
| GeForce RTX 5090 | $1,999 | Starting January 30, 2025 |
| GeForce RTX 5080 | $999 | Starting January 30, 2025 |
| GeForce RTX 5070 Ti | Not stated in the cited announcement | Starting in February 2025 |
| GeForce RTX 5070 | Not stated in the cited announcement | Starting in February 2025 |
The prices shown are NVIDIA’s announced US starting prices in 2025, not current retailer prices. Availability, listings, and the price of a specific card may differ; these launch figures cannot establish what a card costs or whether it is in stock now. NVIDIA’s announcement gives the prices and launch schedule.
Independent reader supportYour contribution helps us test, update, and keep practical guides available for everyone.What should you check before choosing an RTX 50 card?
Compare cards against the workload you actually care about. For games, distinguish conventional rendering from DLSS features such as Multi Frame Generation, and check whether the titles you play support the features you want. For creator or AI tasks, look at the requirements and performance data for the applications you use rather than assuming gaming claims predict results.
Rank #4
- Equipped with GeForce RTX 5090 chipset
- Integrated with 32GB of 512-bit GDDR7 memory interface
- WATERFORCE All-in-One Cooling System
- RGB Lighting
- Protective metal back plate
- Resolution and workload: Consider the games, applications, and resolutions you use, not just a headline comparison.
- Memory and board specifications: Check the specifications for the exact model under consideration; an RTX family name alone does not identify every card detail.
- Price: Treat NVIDIA’s launch MSRPs as historical reference points and verify a current price with a retailer.
- Build compatibility: Confirm the exact card’s dimensions, power-supply requirements, and connectors against your PC. Compatibility depends on the specific board and system, not simply on its RTX 5090 or RTX 5080 label.
NVIDIA named add-in-board makers including ASUS, GIGABYTE, MSI, PNY, and ZOTAC. That does not verify current stock, pricing, or compatibility for any particular board. The announcement lists the manufacturers and launch information.
Quick Recap
Best Value
- Powered by the NVIDIA Blackwell architecture and DLSS 4
- Powered by GeForce RTX 5080
- Integrated with 16GB GDDR7 256bit memory interface
- PCIe 5.0
- WINDFORCE cooling system
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.
Free tools Windows power users keep installed
One-click scans. No signup required.
