Recently, a VGA compatibility list on MSI's website attracted the attention of tech enthusiasts: it featured an RTX 5080 with 24 GB of VRAM, as opposed to the current 16 GB version. The emergence of this potential new product raises questions about whether MSI will introduce an unexpected twist to the RTX 50 series.

According to available data, the NVIDIA GeForce RTX 5080 is set to be the next flagship model in the RTX 50 series. Built on the Blackwell architecture, it's configured with 16 GB of GDDR7 memory on a 256-bit memory interface. The official release is slated for late January 2025, with a starting price of $8,299—offering a more competitive option compared to the RTX 4080's debut price of $9,499. As per official figures, the RTX 5080 comprises 10,752 CUDA cores and supports the latest DLSS 4 technology, facilitating smooth 4K gaming while enhancing AI rendering efficiency. Nevertheless, the existing 16 GB of video memory could be insufficient for some high-resolution or professional applications, fostering rumors of a 24 GB variant.

MSI's VGA compatibility list was found on the page for its X870 Tomahawk Wi-Fi motherboard. Alongside the known RTX 5090 (32 GB), RTX 5070 Ti (unknown capacity), and RTX 5070 (12 GB), the list also mentions the RTX 5080 24 GB, while the 16 GB version is absent. This anomaly has ignited speculation—could this be a clerical error on MSI's part, or does it hint at an unreleased model? Typically, NVIDIA maintains strict control over its GPUs' specifications, and partners like MSI are expected to comply with standard protocol, particularly regarding critical specifications such as memory allocation.

The technical feasibility of a 24 GB graphics memory is not implausible; the RTX 5080's 256-bit memory interface with 8 memory channels yields exactly 16 GB when using standard 2 GB GDDR7 modules, and 24 GB with 3 GB GDDR7 modules. Notably, the 3 GB module appears in the RTX 5090 notebook GPU, which also leverages a 256-bit interface. This suggests NVIDIA possesses the capability to potentially extend this technology to the RTX 5080. However, with the card currently available only in a 16 GB version, realization of a 24 GB configuration will largely be contingent on NVIDIA’s strategic product planning.

Further exploration into GDDR7 memory highlights its substantial performance benefits, supporting high-capacity designs. Compared to the previous GDDR6X generation, GDDR7 provides a significant bandwidth boost. The RTX 5080 achieves memory speeds up to 32 Gbps, with total bandwidth exceeding 1 TB/s, slightly surpassing the RTX 4090's 1007 Gb/s. This high-bandwidth design is particularly beneficial for large memory capacities, reducing data bottlenecks, especially when handling large textures or complex computations. Should a 24 GB RTX 5080 materialize, it could further enhance the card's performance potential.

In terms of application scenarios, 16 GB of memory sufficiently caters to most 4K gaming needs. However, when it comes to 8K gaming, VR, or professional content creation like 3D rendering and video editing, the importance of memory capacity becomes clear. The 24 GB version of the RTX 4090 has gained popularity in professional circles, even prompting a 48 GB modification. A 24 GB version of the RTX 5080 could address this market gap at a more accessible price point for efficiency- and budget-conscious users.

Currently, MSI has not released an official statement regarding the rumor. As the VGA compatibility list solely indicates the range of GPUs supported by the motherboard—not MSI's proprietary lineup—the authenticity of the 24 GB RTX 5080 remains uncertain. One possibility is an inadvertent input error; another is that MSI could have prior knowledge of NVIDIA’s plans to release an enhanced model, such as the RTX 5080 Ti or Super, featuring higher memory in the future. Rumors also suggest that MSI inadvertently displayed an RTX 5080 Vanguard box labeled "24 GB GDDR7" in an earlier promotional video, although this has not been officially confirmed, adding to the mystery surrounding the rumor.

For tech enthusiasts, the potential for a 24 GB RTX 5080 is exciting—not only could it elevate the card's multitasking capabilities, but it might also establish a novel balance between price and performance. However, until NVIDIA or MSI provide a definitive answer, it remains speculative. Regardless of the outcome, the future of the RTX 50 series warrants keen attention.