NVIDIA Halts Production of GeForce RTX 5090 Amid Shift to Workstation Cards
Allocation Changes for GB202 Silicon
NVIDIA has ceased allocating its GB202 graphics silicon for the GeForce RTX 5090, based on information provided by leaker MEGAsizeGPU on X. The leaker stated, “No more GB202 for 5090, confirmed,” adding that “all future GB202 supplies are RTX Pro exclusive.” This shift denotes a strategic realignment as NVIDIA directs its resources toward workstation products that command higher prices.
GB202 Overview
The GB202 chip is NVIDIA’s largest “Blackwell” graphics processor and is a key component of various high-end models. It powers the RTX PRO 6000 with 96 GB of memory and 24,064 CUDA cores, as well as the RTX PRO 5500, which features 21,760 CUDA cores and 84 GB of memory. Interestingly, the RTX 5090 does not fully utilize the capabilities of the GB202 chip, leading to speculation that NVIDIA is prioritizing its more expensive workstation offerings over consumer graphics cards.
End of Life for RTX 5090?
In a subsequent post, fellow leaker Hongxing2020 suggested that the RTX 5090 could be reaching its end of life (EOL). An inside notice claimed that NVIDIA would no longer offer any RTX 5090 models, including the China-market D variants. Instead, the RTX 5080 with 24 GB of memory is set to become the top-of-the-line GeForce card, while the 16 GB variant will be phased out. Some sources have linked this to a rumored RTX 5080 SUPER model, which is said to utilize the newer GB203 chip.
Market Impact and Consumer Availability
The RTX 5090, which launched in January 2025 with a price tag of $1,999, has recently seen European listings exceeding €5,000, while retailers in the U.S. reported sell-outs at prices reaching $4,299. Although there might still be stock available from existing partners utilizing the GB202 chips, prices are expected to rise as supplies dwindle. Additionally, many RTX 5090 units might not have reached the gaming market, as reports indicate bulk purchases by AI companies have absorbed a significant portion of the available stock.
The Future of NVIDIA’s GPU Lineup
As NVIDIA is reportedly delaying the release of its RTX 60-series graphics cards until 2028, the RTX 5080 24 GB may remain the highest-performing GeForce card actively produced for an extended period. With this redirection of resources and market focus, it is clear that NVIDIA is strategically positioning itself to cater to more lucrative segments within the industry.
