The long-awaited GeForce RTX 5050 is finally here, and NVIDIA’s board partners-ASUS, GIGABYTE, MSI, and ZOTAC-have wasted no time unveiling their custom versions.
Despite the original plan to launch later in July, NVIDIA appears to be accelerating its release to July 1st, with availability rolling out gradually afterward.
ASUS leads with three models: the Prime GeForce RTX 5050, Prime OC, and Dual. The Prime series offers triple-fan cooling, while the Dual sticks with a two-fan layout. Clock speeds hit up to 2707 MHz in the Prime OC model, making it the fastest among ASUS’ offerings.
GIGABYTE follows with a more restrained approach. It presents the Gaming OC (2632 MHz), WindForce OC (2587 MHz), and a Low Profile OC model. The WindForce OC, with its triple-fan system, is the top performer in their lineup, though GIGABYTE seems focused on value over pushing limits.
MSI has the most diverse portfolio, releasing six models, including Shadow 2X, Gaming, and Ventus variants. OC editions reach up to 2647 MHz, with dual-fan designs across the board. MSI appears to balance cooling, performance, and size well, offering something for most users.
ZOTAC rounds things out with four models, including the compact SOLO with a single fan, ideal for small form factor builds. The Twin Edge and Twin Edge OC editions feature dual fans and modest clocks up to 2602 MHz. ZOTAC’s approach is clearly geared toward affordability and compact builds, though performance-minded users may look elsewhere.
Base pricing starts at $249 but expect OC and premium-cooled models to nudge closer to $299. Whether you’re after top clocks, silent operation, or a budget-friendly compact card, there’s an RTX 5050 flavor ready to drop into your rig.