NVIDIA GeForce RTX 5090 SE: Bridging the Gap in High-End Gaming GPUs
NVIDIA is preparing to launch the GeForce RTX 5090 SE, a new addition to its next-generation graphics card lineup, according to recent reports from GameGPU. Positioned between the current RTX 5080 and the flagship RTX 5090, the RTX 5090 SE aims to offer gamers a compelling balance of performance and value in the high-end GPU market.
Key Specifications and Architecture
The GeForce RTX 5090 SE is built on the advanced "GB202" silicon, the same architecture powering the RTX 5090. However, the SE variant features a cut-down configuration, with fewer streaming multiprocessors (SMs) and a slightly narrower 384-bit GDDR7 memory interface. Despite these changes, the card retains a substantial 32 GB of video memory, achieved through a combination of 24 Gb and 16 Gb memory chips.
In terms of core specifications, the RTX 5090 SE enables 110 out of the 192 available SMs on the GB202 die. This results in a total of 14,080 CUDA cores, 110 RT cores for real-time ray tracing, 440 Tensor cores for AI and deep learning tasks, and 440 texture mapping units (TMUs). While the exact number of render output units (ROPs) has not been confirmed, it is expected to be around 144.
Performance and Power Efficiency
The RTX 5090 SE is designed to deliver high-end gaming performance while offering improved power efficiency compared to the flagship model. The total graphics power (TGP) is expected to be around 500 watts, a reduction from the RTX 5090’s 575 watts. This makes the SE variant a more accessible option for enthusiasts seeking top-tier performance without the maximum power draw of the flagship card.
Market Positioning and Availability
Unlike the RTX 5090D and RTX 5090D V2, which are region-specific models created to comply with U.S. AI accelerator export regulations, the RTX 5090 SE is a global, mainstream gaming GPU. NVIDIA is reportedly targeting a launch MSRP of $1,500 for the RTX 5090 SE. However, as with many high-demand graphics cards, actual street prices may exceed the suggested retail price due to market dynamics.
With the introduction of the GeForce RTX 5090 SE, NVIDIA is set to offer gamers and creators a new option that balances cutting-edge performance, memory capacity, and power efficiency. This move further strengthens NVIDIA’s position in the competitive high-end graphics card segment, catering to users who demand exceptional gaming and creative workloads without opting for the absolute flagship.
