NVIDIA has cited that its GeForce RTX 5050 Laptop GPU features GDDR7 memory for higher efficiency while the desktop variant relies on GDDR6.
NVIDIA Says The Reason To Go GDDR7 On Laptop GeForce RTX 5050 Vs GDDR6 on Desktop Variant Has To Do With Higher Efficiency
Yesterday, NVIDIA finally introduced the GeForce RTX 5050 GPU for Desktops and Laptops. This is an entry-level solution that is designed for budget gamers with pricing starting at $249 & $999 US, respectively. One big difference between the two solutions is that, while the core specs remain the same on both platforms, the desktop variant features 20 Gbps GDDR6 memory. In contrast, the laptop variant features 24 Gbps GDDR7 memory.
This is a major difference as the laptop variant has access to 384 GB/s of bandwidth, or 20% more bandwidth than the desktop model, which pumps out 320 GB/s of bandwidth. Both models come with a narrow 128-bit bus interface and 8 GB of VRAM, so the extra bandwidth can help in certain gaming scenarios.
The RTX 5050 notebook GPU has been optimized for the best power efficiency for portable laptops with great battery life. Therefore G6 is the best choice for desktops and the more power efficient G7 is the best choice for laptops.
— Ben Berraondo (@MrBenB) June 25, 2025
In this case benefits of G7 are for thermals and battery life, crucial for our OEM partners and hopefully you’ll see some great laptop options
— Ben Berraondo (@MrBenB) June 25, 2025
While it would've been preferred to use GDDR7 memory on the desktop variant too, NVIDIA states that it makes more sense to use GDDR7 on laptops since these devices are power-constrained, and the higher efficiency of GDDR7 makes them run faster while consuming similar or lower power than a GDDR6 solution.
At the same time, it would also make sense to use GDDR7 memory on the desktop GeForce RTX 5050 variant, since those cards can also benefit from higher bandwidth and the power aspects of GDDR7. GDDR7 overclocks well, and given the 130W TDP, which is 30W higher than the maximum rating of the 5050 Laptop, the GPU will be able to produce slightly better performance. But then, we should also remember that the newer memory costs more, and there might also be a supply issue, which GDDR6 doesn't.
RTX 5050 Desktop vs RTX 5050 Laptop
| GPU Name | GeForce RTX 5050 | GeForce RTX 5050 |
|---|---|---|
| Platform | Desktop | Laptop |
| GPU SKU | GB207-300 | GB207-300? |
| GPU Cores | 2560 (20 SM) | 2560 (20 SM) |
| Core Clock | 2317-2572 MHz | 1500-2662 MHz |
| VRAM | 8 GB | 8 GB |
| Memory Bus | 128-bit | 128-bit |
| Memory Type | GDDR6 | GDDR7 |
| Memory Speed | 20 Gbps | 24 Gbps |
| Bandwidth | 320 GB/s | 384 GB/s |
| TGP | 130W | 35-100W |
So yeah, there's NVIDIA's explanation of the GDDR7/GDDR6 memory situtation for the GeForce RTX 5050. However, we believe that we might see a GDDR7 variant down the road.
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