Nvidia GeForce RTX 5080 16GB Reportedly Discontinued; 24GB Replacement Could Cost $2,999
The GPU market is facing potential price volatility. According to reports from Chinese tech forums, including Board Channels, Nvidia is reportedly discontinuing the current 16GB GeForce RTX 5080 series. The anticipated successor is rumored to be an RTX 5080 Super featuring 24GB of VRAM, but with the new model not yet ready for release, spot prices for existing 16GB units are reportedly climbing rapidly.
Rising Costs for Current Models
As the industry awaits the next iteration, the current lineup is already seeing price adjustments. Sources claim that wholesale prices for the RTX 5080 16G series have increased by approximately 2,000 Yuan (around $299) in recent weeks. Some reports indicate a broader price hike of 1,200 Yuan across the RTX 5080 series, while specific brands like Asus have reportedly seen price increases of 1,000 Yuan compared to early October.
This upward trend is largely attributed to the skyrocketing costs of "GDDR7" VRAM, which is impacting the manufacturing margins of all high-end graphics cards.
The $2,999 Speculation
The most striking detail from the leaks involves the potential pricing of the 24GB variant. Rumors suggest that the RTX 5080 24G series could be positioned at a premium price point, potentially reaching 19,999 Yuan—roughly $2,999. It is important to note that Nvidia has not officially announced the existence of an RTX 5080 Super with 24GB of memory, nor has any official pricing been confirmed.
The ripple effect is being felt elsewhere in the lineup as well. Reports suggest that wholesale prices for the RTX 5070 Ti are also rising, with some prices hitting 9,850 Yuan (approximately $1,400) before retailer margins are applied. If these rumors hold true, the GPU market in 2027 could become significantly more expensive for consumers.