NVIDIA is set to release two new mobile GPUs later this month — the GeForce RTX 5060 Mobile and RTX 5050 Mobile. These entry-level cards, built on the 'Blackwell' architecture, promise to deliver performance enhancements for budget-conscious gamers. Recently, inadvertent leaks from major manufacturers like Razer, Lenovo, and LG have given hardware enthusiasts a sneak peek at what these new products might offer.
Reports reveal that Razer plans to include the RTX 5060 Mobile GPU in its 2025 version of the Razer Blade 16. However, after media coverage, Razer China swiftly modified its website content to withdraw this information, likely in an effort to adhere to NVIDIA's non-disclosure agreement. Similarly, a press release from LG Taiwan concerning its new LG gram AI laptop initially mentioned the RTX 5050 but was later altered to a more generic statement: 'Equipped with NVIDIA GeForce RTX 8GB graphics card model number 16Z90TR-E.AD88C2'. Meanwhile, Lenovo has shared an unboxing video of the IdeaPad Pro 5 16-inch (2025 Edition) on YouTube, detailing its capability to 'support the latest NVIDIA GeForce RTX 5050 graphics card, with a total power output of up to 135W for exceptional performance'. Speculations suggest this graphics card may have a TDP of 65W, and Lenovo has yet to retract this assertion.
This isn't the first instance of information 'slipping through'. As early as mid-2024, supply chain sources indicated NVIDIA was developing mobile GPUs based on the 'Blackwell' architecture, including high-end models like the RTX 5090 and 5080, as well as mid-range versions like the RTX 5060 and 5050. The Blackwell architecture is projected to offer improved power efficiency and superior AI computational capabilities compared to its predecessor, the Ada Lovelace architecture. The RTX 5060 Mobile and 5050 Mobile are anticipated to feature GDDR7 memory, providing greater bandwidth over GDDR6, potentially exceeding 1TB per second. This improvement is critical for enhancing gaming frame rates and tackling complex graphical tasks. Moreover, NVIDIA is expected to integrate the fourth-generation RT core and fifth-generation Tensor core in these GPUs, enhancing real-time ray tracing and AI-powered DLSS technology.
In terms of performance, the RTX 5060 Mobile is projected to outperform the previous generation RTX 4060 Mobile by approximately 30%. Rumors suggest it scores around 13,800 points on the 3DMark Time Spy test, compared to the RTX 4060 Mobile's typical score of 10,000 points. The performance boost is likely due to an increased number of CUDA cores and faster video memory. While specific performance numbers for the RTX 5050 Mobile are still unknown, it's expected to match the RTX 4050 Mobile in terms of light gaming and everyday productivity tasks. Both cards are presumed to feature 8GB of memory, which, albeit modest, paired with DLSS 4 support, should suffice for most mainstream gaming.
The preliminary exposure of the manufacturers' promotional materials also hints at the potential use cases for these GPUs. The Razer Blade 16 aims to offer a high-end gaming experience; with the RTX 5060 Mobile, it could strike a balance between sleek design and performance. Conversely, the LG gram series is renowned for its lightweight design, and incorporating the RTX 5050 Mobile may allow it to retain its portability. Lenovo's IdeaPad Pro 5 targets the mid-range market, and its 135W total power output suggests a combination with an Intel Core Ultra 200H series processor for robust performance.
It's crucial to note that NVIDIA's Blackwell architecture isn't exclusive to mobile platforms. Desktop versions of the RTX 50 series, including models like the RTX 5090 and RTX 5080, were showcased at CES 2025 earlier this year. Desktop versions of the RTX 5060 and 5050 are expected to follow suit in the coming months. Typically, mobile GPUs debut alongside new laptops post events like Computex, which positions the release of the RTX 5060 and 5050 Mobile around mid-2025. Reports indicate that Acer's RTX 5060-equipped Predator Helios Neo 16S AI will debut in May, with MSI's Venture Pro 16 also potentially featuring the RTX 5050.
Despite these rumors, NVIDIA has not yet officially unveiled the complete specifications or pricing for these cards. Industry experts predict the RTX 5050 Mobile may have a TDP ranging from 45W to 65W, whereas the RTX 5060 Mobile might reach closer to 80W — a moderate increase from its predecessor but with a more notable improvement in performance. As for pricing, laptops powered by the RTX 5050 could start around $7,000, while those featuring the RTX 5060 might approach $10,000, contingent on vendor specifications and marketing strategies. All these speculations are set to be clarified in the upcoming official announcement from NVIDIA, where we will see the true performance of these new GPUs.