By Key Points
- RTX 5050 desktop GPU launches at $249 with GDDR6 VRAM
- Laptop versions come with faster GDDR7 memory
- Both versions support DLSS 4 and ray tracing
- Over 150 fps claimed in games like Cyberpunk 2077
Nvidia has officially unveiled the GeForce RTX 5050 GPU, bringing modern features like ray tracing and DLSS 4 with Multi Frame Generation (MFG) to the budget gaming segment. Starting at $249, this is the most affordable RTX 50-series GPU yet — and it’s launching for both desktop PCs and gaming laptops.
For desktop users, the RTX 5050 is powered by 2,560 CUDA cores based on Nvidia’s new Blackwell architecture. It draws up to 130W of power and features 8GB of GDDR6 VRAM.
Check the fine print. Image: Nvidia – Techtoken
The choice of GDDR6 — a last-gen memory type — might seem underwhelming, but it keeps costs down and allows for a wide range of third-party options from brands like Asus, MSI, Gigabyte, Zotac, and more.
While it doesn’t match the higher-tier RTX 5060, which has more CUDA cores, the RTX 5050 still boasts a 60% performance uplift compared to the widely-used RTX 3050. Nvidia says it can deliver an “immersive ray-traced experience” in popular single-player titles like Cyberpunk 2077 and Avowed at high settings, thanks to DLSS 4 and Multi Frame Generation.
This move echoes recent efforts by tech brands to pack more value into their budget devices, similar to how Anker launched the Sleep A30 with premium features in an affordable form.
However, note that Nvidia’s performance figures — like 150+ fps — were tested using a high-end Ryzen 7 9800X3D CPU and at 1080p resolution, so real-world results may vary depending on your full system setup.
RTX 5050 for $249:
>5% faster than RTX 4050 pic.twitter.com/fwXv1kNUiS
— Pirat_Nation 🔴 (@Pirat_Nation) June 24, 2025
GDDR7-Powered RTX 5050 Laptops Arrive from $999
Laptops with the RTX 5050 GPU are also hitting the market, starting at $999, with some models available starting today. These laptops come with the same number of CUDA cores (2,560) but with GDDR7 VRAM, which is faster and more power-efficient than the desktop’s GDDR6.
Power draw for these laptop GPUs ranges between 35W to 100W, making them ideal for slimmer gaming laptops that won’t overheat or drain battery too fast.
Thanks to the efficiency of GDDR7, Nvidia has been able to pack high performance into portable designs, offering a solid gaming experience even on the go.
NVIDIA Formally Launches GeForce RTX 5050 for Desktops and Laptops, Starts at $249 https://t.co/ScrJWGgavv pic.twitter.com/WWVuz9H0pf
— TechPowerUp (@TechPowerUp) June 24, 2025
These laptops cater to a rising demand for slim, high-performance notebooks — a trend also seen in the next-gen Xbox with AMD chipset that’s pushing boundaries in console hardware.
Interestingly, these laptops are launching ahead of the Game Ready Driver update scheduled for early July — but they will ship with pre-installed drivers to ensure a smooth experience from day one.
With GDDR7 and smart power management, the RTX 5050 laptop GPU gives gamers a modern and efficient option that balances performance and portability. It’s especially good news for users who want ray tracing in a thin-and-light form factor.
NVIDIA GeForce RTX 5050 announced with 8GB GDDR6, $249 price, launching mid-to-late July https://t.co/xwbdfMnEuC
— VideoCardz.com (@VideoCardz) June 24, 2025
Why Nvidia Skipped the Desktop RTX 4050
One of the more surprising parts of the RTX 5050 story is the complete absence of a desktop RTX 4050. Nvidia never released a 40-series entry-level GPU for desktops, making this new RTX 5050 the first true budget GPU refresh since the RTX 3050.
The RTX 3050, while still popular and widely used on Steam, is now two generations old. Its limited ray tracing capabilities and lack of support for DLSS 4 made it less relevant for today’s gaming needs.
The RTX 5050 fixes that with a modern architecture, better AI-enhanced upscaling, and stronger performance, while still keeping the price accessible.
Nvidia finally unveils the RTX 5050, sporting 2,560 Blackwell CUDA cores, 8GB of GDDR6, and a 130W TGP. The new GPU represents Nvidia’s first new xx50-class desktop card since the RTX 3050 https://t.co/ndF2G4hsWi
— Tom’s Hardware (@tomshardware) June 24, 2025
By skipping a desktop RTX 4050, Nvidia effectively bridged the gap between the RTX 3050 and the RTX 5060 in one step, while keeping the price under $250. This also helps reduce product overlap, giving budget buyers a clearer upgrade path.
This kind of strategic decision mirrors moves in other tech spaces — for instance, Google’s Gemini AI features also focused on skipping incremental updates to leap forward in capability.
Gamers looking for entry-level GPUs with current-gen features now have a new go-to option — and with laptops also launching at under $1,000, the RTX 5050 lineup is shaping up to be Nvidia’s most important value play in 2025.
Even the smaller details matter — just like how Windows 11’s boot sound update changed how users experience startup, the 5050 series changes how affordable gaming feels out of the box. And with gamers always on the move, something like the MagSafe Wallet Tracker might just be the perfect complement to a new laptop setup.
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