Nvidia’s forthcoming next-generation Blackwell graphics cards, slated as the successors to the current Lovelace GeForce GPUs and expected to debut in 2025, might take an unconventional turn according to emerging rumors. These rumors, while emanating from a Chinese source and backed by a regular leaker, suggest a potential departure from the usual product lineup.
The rumors, initially reported by VideoCardz and substantiated by leaker ‘Kopite7kimi’, claim that Nvidia’s Blackwell GPUs will omit the typical x04 model and instead feature an x05 variant. This change implies that Nvidia will bypass the equivalent of the AD104 chip present in the RTX 4070, opting for a GB205 (GB denoting Blackwell) model.
According to Kopite7kimi, the chipset lineup for Blackwell GPUs is expected to comprise GB202, GB203, GB205, GB206, and GB207. This lineup closely mirrors the structure of previous generations like Lovelace and Ampere, save for the alteration of the x04 model designation to x05 and the change to 2xx for chipset identifiers.
The absence of an x04 model with Blackwell begs the question: what implications might this hold for Nvidia’s product strategy? While these rumors are still speculative, they could signal a shift in Nvidia’s approach to market segmentation and performance tiers. The decision to introduce an x05 model suggests that Nvidia might be altering its product positioning, potentially offering a different performance spectrum than what consumers have grown accustomed to.
This modification in model nomenclature prompts considerations about the performance hierarchy within the Blackwell range. While it’s too early to draw definite conclusions, some speculations suggest that the RTX 5070 model, if it follows the pattern, might deviate from the expected performance trajectory. The notion is that the x05 designation could indicate a slightly lower performance level for the RTX 5070, suggesting a possible realignment of Nvidia’s traditional GPU hierarchy.
However, this proposition remains nuanced. The relative performance of the Blackwell lineup is still uncharted territory, and Nvidia might be refining its strategy as it gains insights into the capabilities of these GPUs. The alteration in naming conventions might not necessarily correlate with a reduction in performance; instead, Nvidia could be aiming for a more finely balanced distribution across its product stack.
Adding to the intrigue is the altered naming scheme, where Blackwell chips are identified with GB2xx instead of the expected GB1xx. The rationale behind this shift lies in Blackwell’s purported dual role as both consumer GeForce GPUs and professional-grade chips. The GB1xx models are assumed to target data centers and intensive workloads, while the GB2xx chips cater to gaming enthusiasts. This dual-purpose designation adds another layer of complexity to Nvidia’s evolving product lineup.
While these rumors are captivating, it’s essential to approach them with a degree of skepticism. With Blackwell’s release still a considerable time away, many details remain fluid, and Nvidia’s strategy may evolve significantly before launch. Furthermore, if Nvidia is indeed reevaluating its mid-range offerings, AMD’s anticipated RDNA 4 GPUs could seize the opportunity to present stiff competition, especially in light of reports that AMD might not be launching a high-end Navi 41 offering.
As the technology landscape continues to evolve, industry watchers and consumers alike will await further developments from Nvidia and AMD as they navigate the intricate landscape of next-generation GPUs.
