NVIDIA’s latest move in the world of graphics cards seems to be a strategic answer to ongoing trade and export regulations. The GeForce RTX 5090, a flagship GPU, is making a return, but this time under a different name-GeForce RTX 5090 D V2.
Aimed specifically at the Chinese market, this GPU is designed to comply with U.S. regulations that have created challenges for Chinese gamers trying to get their hands on high-end graphics cards.
The export restrictions between the U.S. and China have only intensified over the past few years, and it’s been particularly tough for those in China who want access to the latest GPUs. The original GeForce RTX 5090, launched globally, was eventually prohibited for sale in China due to shifting U.S. trade policies. Enter the RTX 5090 D, NVIDIA’s first attempt to create a China-compliant variant. However, this didn’t last long either, with further changes to regulations leading to the introduction of the GeForce RTX 5090 D V2.
Scheduled for launch in August 2025, the GeForce RTX 5090 D V2 will feature 21,760 CUDA cores, much like its predecessors, but with some notable changes. The card will come with 24 GB of GDDR7 memory, a significant downgrade from the original 32 GB found in the RTX 5090 and RTX 5090 D models. Despite this 25% reduction in VRAM, NVIDIA is not expected to adjust the pricing, which could disappoint Chinese gamers who had hoped for better value given the cut in memory.
The new GPU will feature a modified PCB design, marked as the PG145 SKU 40, and a slightly different die (GB202-240) compared to the GB202-250 of the RTX 5090 D. The memory bandwidth will be reduced, offering 1.34 TB/s compared to the 1.79 TB/s of the RTX 5090. While performance is expected to remain on par with the earlier models in terms of gaming, the VRAM limitation could impact certain high-demand tasks like AI computations and LLMs, which require large memory capacities. Despite these challenges, NVIDIA’s solution still seems to offer a viable option for users who need a powerful GPU, though the reduced VRAM might lead to some compromises.
In short, while the RTX 5090 D V2 may not be the best deal for those who were hoping for the full power of the RTX 5090, it serves as a necessary step for NVIDIA to navigate the complexities of U.S.-China relations. Chinese gamers and businesses will have to decide whether the trade-off in VRAM is worth it for the price, which, for now, remains the same.
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