In a stunning transfer by Nvidia, the corporate formally introduced (opens in new tab) it will likely be pulling the RTX 4080 12GB off the launch desk, and might be deleting the mannequin for good. This comes after critical backfire from the neighborhood about Nvidia’s horrible naming scheme for the RTX 4080 12GB, which featured considerably decrease core counts and reminiscence specs in comparison with the 4080 16GB variant.
Hardly ever does the corporate admit errors on branding, and much more unusual is the choice to tug a product from the launch desk. The RTX 4080 12GB identify was undeniably misleading in its nomenclature, with the RTX 4080 12GB and 16GB that includes vastly totally different core specs, regardless of each playing cards sharing the RTX 4080 identify.
The RTX 4080 16GB was alleged to function 9728 CUDA cores utilizing the AD103 GPU, with a 256-bit huge bus, 22.6Gbps GDDR6X reminiscence, and 717 GB/s of bandwidth. The RTX 4080 12GB in the meantime was to make use of the AD104 GPU with solely 7680 CUDA cores, paired with 21Gbps GDDR6X working on a 192-bit huge bus, yielding 504 GB/s of bandwidth.
In Nvidia’s personal testing, this huge distinction is specs translated right into a whopping 30% efficiency distinction between the 4080 12GB and 16GB fashions, which equates to a solely totally different efficiency tier altogether if we have a look at earlier GeForce merchandise. Given these efficiency figures, we’re actually glad Nvidia pulled the plug on the RTX 4080 12GB earlier than it was launched.
It seems to be just like the RTX 4080 16GB will now launch as simply the plain previous RTX 4080, presumably with the identical specs however with out itemizing the reminiscence capability as a part of the identify. What we do not know is whether or not the change in identify will even include a worth minimize, although given the 4090 offered out at launch we would not hope for a lot. Nonetheless, regardless that RTX 3080 Ti launched at $1,199, the 3080 10GB was solely $699. This might be an enormous step up in generational pricing if Nvidia retains the 4080 on the earlier $1,199 worth level.
Nvidia has not introduced a alternative for the RTX 4080 12GB, solely its deletion from the product stack. Nvidia should have a alternative within the works, since RTX 4080 12GB companion fashions had been seemingly already in manufacturing. We assume it should inherit the RTX 4070 model, although it may doubtlessly additionally find yourself as an RTX 4070 Ti if Nvidia decides to go that route. With a discount to 4070 standing, we additionally anticipate Nvidia will scale back the value — $599 for an RTX 4070 appears cheap to us.
There’s most likely much more happening behind the scenes than simply fanatic and press outrage over the naming scheme. RTX 4090 offered out, even with a beginning worth of $1,599. Perhaps Nvidia feels assured it may well elevate different costs. Actually, wanting on the potential value of the {hardware} behind the varied GPUs, it is troublesome to give you a state of affairs the place AD103 and AD104 have to promote at $1,200 and $900, respectively, to spice up Nvidia income.
AMD’s looming RDNA 3 launch might also be an element. Maybe Nvidia has early indications of efficiency and pricing and is deciding to take pre-emptive motion. We’ll hopefully know extra in early November.
