There's a buzz in the tech community: new rumors suggest that Nvidia's highly anticipated RTX 5080 graphics card could be set for release on January 21, 2024. This speculation stems from a now-deleted post from HKEPC, a media outlet from Hong Kong, which caught the attention of tech enthusiasts through platforms like Tom’s Hardware.

Adding to the excitement, an accidental listing by Zotac hints that the first cards in Nvidia's RTX 50-series might include the RTX 5090, RTX 5080, and RTX 5070. Unlike the previous generation where the RTX 4090 and RTX 4080 were unveiled simultaneously, it remains uncertain if the upcoming models will follow suit. The RTX 5080 might just be the first card available, but clarity is still needed on this front.

In terms of specifications, the Nvidia RTX 5080 is rumored to feature a solid 16GB of GDDR7 memory, marking a significant upgrade from the previous RTX 4080, which utilized GDDR6 memory. Reports indicate that it will be equipped with 10,752 CUDA cores—offering a 10% improvement over its predecessor. Additionally, it's based on a cutting-edge 4NP (5nm-class) manufacturing process, promising a 30% increase in density compared to the 4N process used in prior models—this means gamers can expect robust performance in even the most demanding PC games.

Exciting images allegedly leaked on the Chiphell Forums show MSI's Nvidia GeForce RTX 5080 Gaming Trio OC Edition. These images confirm the expected specs, such as the 16GB GDDR7 memory, a 256-bit bus interface, and connectivity options, including three DisplayPorts and one HDMI port. The card will also support Nvidia's acclaimed DLSS and G-Sync technologies, making it ideal for gamers seeking a superior visual experience. Its design retains a triple-fan cooling solution, reminiscent of the previous Tri Frozr 3 from the RTX 4080 lineup.

What remains a mystery, however, is the pricing of the RTX 5080. The RTX 4080 launched at a hefty $1,199, and with AMD scaling back its competitive offerings in the high-end GPU market, Nvidia stands in a position to set prices as it sees fit. While this monopoly could lead to inflated costs, there's hope that Nvidia will maintain reasonable pricing to retain customer loyalty.

As always, these rumors should be taken with caution until Nvidia makes an official announcement. With CES 2025 kicking off on January 7, speculation suggests that Nvidia might reveal the RTX 50 series during a keynote presentation just before the event. This could finally confirm whether the buzz surrounding the RTX 50 series holds any ground. Stay tuned for updates and more mouthwatering details!