RTX 5090 DD with Lower Memory Specs Launching in China

In May, Nvidia's RTX 5090 D graphics card suddenly vanished from the Chinese GPU market. It has now been revealed that the GPU encountered new US export limitations, which bar it from being shipped to China. Nvidia seems to be gearing up to introduce a new RTX 5090 DD GPU model, a version of the RTX 5090 that aligns with US export regulations.

What are the changes in the RTX 5090 DD? While it maintains the same number of CUDA cores and a consistent 575W TDP as the other RTX 5090 variants, its memory specifications have seen significant reductions. Instead of featuring 32GB of GDDR7 memory on a 512-bit memory bus, Nvidia's new DD GPU comes with 24GB of GDDR7 memory on a 384-bit memory bus. This alteration results in a 25% decrease in the bandwidth of Nvidia's GPU.

At this time, it is unclear how these modifications will affect the gaming performance of Nvidia’s new DD GPU. The decrease in memory bandwidth will certainly impact AI and workstation tasks. However, it's uncertain how memory-restricted Nvidia’s RTX 5090 may be in gaming scenarios.

The initial RTX 5090 D was almost indistinguishable from its non-D version. The only significant variation was in its AI inferencing capabilities. This adjustment did not influence gaming performance, making it irrelevant for gamers.

If Nvidia's new DD GPU design compromises gaming efficiency, it would be a considerable disappointment for gamers in China. Nonetheless, having access to Nvidia's new DD GPU is certainly preferable to having no options beyond Nvidia’s RTX 5080.

While the RTX 5090 establishes a new standard for peak performance, elite power isn't the only choice available. The RTX 5080 offers remarkable next-generation features, ultra-fast ray tracing, and DLSS 4 support—all at a more affordable price. Whether you're constructing a high-end rig or enhancing your current setup, the RTX 5080 provides top-tier gaming and creative capabilities within reach. As always, for the latest news on hardware launches and industry developments, be sure to follow our dedicated hardware coverage.