Nvidia Shifts GB202 Silicon from RTX 5090 to High-Margin Pro Cards

Key points

• Leaker MEGAsizeGPU claims Nvidia has stopped allocating GB202 silicon to the RTX 5090, reserving it exclusively for RTX Pro workstation cards.
• The RTX 5090, launched in January 2025 at $1,999, now trades near $5,000-$6,000 due to scarcity and AI demand.
• A second leaker, hongxing2020, suggests an RTX 5080 24GB model will become the new top-tier GeForce card, potentially replacing the 5090.
• Existing inventory of GB202 chips may still allow for some 5090 production, but fresh supply is being redirected to higher-margin professional products.
• The RTX 60 series is not expected until 2028, meaning the 5080 24GB could remain the flagship consumer GPU for an extended period.

Background

The RTX 5090 has faced significant supply issues since its launch, with prices surging due to AI demand and limited availability. Previous reports indicated that AI firms were buying 5090 units in bulk for server use, further straining consumer supply. The recent introduction of the RTX Pro 5500 and other professional cards highlights Nvidia's focus on high-margin enterprise products.

How outlets are covering it

Notebookcheck and TechPowerUp agree that Nvidia is redirecting GB202 silicon to professional cards, citing leaker MEGAsizeGPU. TechPowerUp adds details from a second leaker, hongxing2020, regarding a potential 24GB RTX 5080. KitGuru echoes the shift to professional cards but notes that many rumored product updates have not materialized. All sources agree that the move is driven by higher margins in the professional and AI sectors, but they differ on the immediate impact on consumer availability, with some suggesting existing inventory may sustain sales for a while.

Why it matters

This shift signals a strategic pivot by Nvidia to prioritize high-margin professional and AI products over consumer gaming cards. It could lead to further price increases for the RTX 5090 and a prolonged wait for the next generation of consumer GPUs, impacting both gamers and AI developers.

What to watch

Watch for the release of the RTX 5080 24GB and any official statements from Nvidia regarding the RTX 5090's production status. Monitor price trends for the RTX 5090 and other high-end GPUs in the coming months.