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The headline came from a September 2024 leak attributed to Kopite7kimi—not an NVIDIA announcement. It predicted a Blackwell-based GeForce RTX 5090 with 21,760 CUDA cores, 32GB of GDDR7, a 512-bit memory bus and a 600W total graphics power (TGP). NVIDIA’s eventual RTX 5090 confirmed the core count, memory capacity, memory type and bus width, but the Founders Edition is generally specified at 575W rather than 600W. The rumor was unusually close on the hardware, while its most dramatic number was an early or rounded power target.
What the September 2024 leak claimed
Tom’s Hardware reported the figures on September 26, 2024, and HotHardware published a closely related account on September 27. Both attributed the information to hardware leaker Kopite7kimi. The reports described the specifications as preliminary, not final product specifications.
| Model in the leak | Rumored GPU | CUDA cores | Memory | Bus | Rumored TGP |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| GeForce RTX 5090 | GB202-300-A1 | 21,760 | 32GB GDDR7 | 512-bit | 600W |
| GeForce RTX 5080 | GB203-400-A1 | 10,752 | 16GB GDDR7 | 256-bit | 400W |
Tom’s Hardware’s preliminary table is available in its September 26 report, while HotHardware’s contemporary coverage included an approximate bandwidth calculation based on the rumored memory speed.
Which RTX 5090 specifications were later confirmed?
NVIDIA’s official product page identifies the shipping RTX 5090 as a Blackwell GPU with the following key specifications:
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- AI Performance: 772 AI TOPS
- OC mode: 2580 MHz Default mode: 2550 MHz(Boost clock)
- Powered by the NVIDIA Blackwell architecture and DLSS 4
- SFF-Ready Enthusiast GeForce Card
- Axial-tech fans feature a smaller fan hub that facilitates longer blades and a barrier ring that increases downward air pressure
- 21,760 CUDA cores
- 32GB of GDDR7 memory
- 512-bit memory interface
- 1,792GB/s of memory bandwidth
- 2.01GHz base clock and 2.41GHz boost clock
- PCIe 5.0 support
Those figures appear on NVIDIA’s RTX 5090 specification page. The leak’s broad GB202 identification was also directionally correct for the flagship Blackwell product. Its approximate 1.7TB/s bandwidth estimate was close to NVIDIA’s final listed 1,792GB/s.
| Leaked claim | What the released RTX 5090 shows | Assessment |
|---|---|---|
| 21,760 CUDA cores | 21,760 CUDA cores | Confirmed |
| 32GB VRAM | 32GB GDDR7 | Confirmed |
| 512-bit bus | 512-bit memory interface | Confirmed |
| GB202 GPU | Blackwell flagship GPU | Broadly correct |
| 600W TGP | Founders Edition commonly listed at 575W | Close, but not final |
| Performance implied by core count | No benchmark result in the leak | Unestablished |
The 600W number needs three separate explanations
It was a leaked target, not an official final rating
The 600W figure should be attributed to the 2024 rumor. The standard Founders Edition is generally identified as a 575W card, including in PC Gamer’s report. The fairest retrospective conclusion is that the leak correctly anticipated an unusually high power envelope, but not the final Founders Edition TGP exactly.
Rank #2
- [3352 AI TOPS, 5th Gen Tensor Cores, AI Content Creation] Built for AI-assisted photo and video workflows including upscaling, denoise, background removal, masking, and generative AI creation for faster creator productivity.
- [32GB GDDR7 VRAM, Local LLM Inference, Larger Models] Run local LLM inference and on-device AI tools with massive VRAM headroom for larger models, longer context, and heavier multitasking across AI and creator apps.
- [28 Gbps, 512-bit, 21760 CUDA Cores] High-throughput next-gen memory and core resources for demanding creator projects, complex timelines, large assets, and GPU-accelerated ML experimentation and inference pipelines.
- [Quad-Fan Force, Vapor Chamber, Phase-Change Thermal Pad] Designed for sustained performance under heavy loads with quad-fan cooling, a patented vapor chamber, and a phase-change GPU thermal pad to help lower temps and reduce hotspots.
- [DP 2.1b x3, HDMI 2.1b x2, Bundle GPU Holder] Multi-display ready with up to 4 displays and up to 7680 x 4320 max digital resolution, plus an included GPU Holder to help reduce GPU sag and improve long-term build stability.
TGP is not the same as whole-system consumption
Total graphics power describes the graphics board’s power budget; it is not a promise that the entire computer continuously draws 575W or 600W. The CPU, storage, fans, motherboard and transient behavior add to system demand. A cable rated for a particular power level likewise describes delivery capability, not constant consumption.
Connector labels and ratings are not interchangeable
Early coverage referred to a 12V-2×6 connector, while NVIDIA’s documentation describes a 16-pin PCIe Gen 5 connection and specifies adapter arrangements. “600W cable,” “600W TGP” and “12V-2×6” therefore should not be used as synonyms.
Rank #3
- Powered by the NVIDIA Blackwell architecture and DLSS 4. System Requirements: Minimum 850W PSU with 16-pin 12V-2x6 (12VHPWR) connector required. Verify before purchasing.
- Military-grade components deliver rock-solid power and longer lifespan for ultimate durability. Compatibility: 348mm (13.7") length, 3.6 slots, 4.3 lbs. Confirm case clearance and slot spacing. GPU bracket included.
- Protective PCB coating helps protect against short circuits caused by moisture, dust, or debris
- 3.6-slot design with massive fin array optimized for airflow from three Axial-tech fans
- Phase-change GPU thermal pad helps ensure optimal thermal performance and longevity, outlasting traditional thermal paste for graphics cards under heavy loads
Why 32GB of GDDR7 mattered
4K gaming and high-resolution assets
At 4K, demanding texture packs, ray tracing and large game worlds can increase memory pressure. More capacity reduces the chance that a workload is constrained by available VRAM, but it does not automatically raise frame rates. Engine behavior, settings and the rest of the GPU determine whether the extra memory is used.
Creation, rendering and local AI
Large 3D scenes, video timelines, GPU rendering and local image-generation or language-model workflows can benefit more directly from 32GB than ordinary gaming. Capacity determines whether a workload fits; bandwidth and compute throughput determine how quickly it runs once it fits. NVIDIA lists the RTX 5090’s 32GB capacity and 1,792GB/s bandwidth on its official specifications page.
Rank #4
- Equipped with GeForce RTX 5090 chipset
- Integrated with 32GB of 512-bit GDDR7 memory interface
- WATERFORCE All-in-One Cooling System
- RGB Lighting
- Protective metal back plate
Why 21,760 CUDA cores do not mean twice the performance
CUDA-core totals are not a universal performance scale between generations. Real results also depend on Blackwell’s execution design, clock speeds, cache, memory bandwidth, Tensor and ray-tracing hardware, drivers, game engines, resolution, upscaling and frame-generation settings. The leak contained no benchmark evidence, so its core count cannot be converted into a dependable performance multiplier.
Power, connector and case requirements
The Founders Edition quick-start guide gives more conservative installation guidance than the current product webpage. Follow the documentation supplied with the exact card and power supply, because add-in-board models can differ.
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- Powered by the NVIDIA Blackwell architecture and DLSS 4
- Powered by GeForce RTX 5080
- Integrated with 16GB GDDR7 256bit memory interface
- PCIe 5.0
- WINDFORCE cooling system
| Requirement | Founders Edition guide | Current NVIDIA web page | Practical interpretation |
|---|---|---|---|
| Minimum system PSU | 1000W | 850W shown | Use the exact model’s documentation; a high-quality 1000W-class unit is the safer planning baseline for the Founders Edition. |
| Power connection | 600W-or-greater PCIe Gen 5 16-pin cable, or the included adapter with four independent PCIe 8-pin cables | Web specifications show a different cable option | Do not assume every cable or adapter arrangement is interchangeable. |
| Card clearance | Approximately 304mm × 137mm × 61mm | Varies by board partner | Check length, thickness, slot space and cable bend clearance in the specific case. |
| Supported operating systems | Windows 10, Windows 11 and 64-bit Linux | — | Install current drivers for the chosen operating system. |
The guide is available as NVIDIA’s RTX 5090 Quick Start Guide. During installation, fully insert the plug until it is flush and avoid a sharp bend immediately at the connector. Use the supplied adapter when the guide calls for it. Leave room for airflow and cable routing rather than treating the listed card dimensions as the only clearance you need.
Independent reader supportYour contribution helps us test, update, and keep practical guides available for everyone.What a prospective buyer should check
- PSU quality: Wattage alone is insufficient. Check transient-response capability, protections, warranty and whether the unit includes a native modern 16-pin cable.
- Physical fit: Compare the exact vendor card’s length, thickness, connector position and support-bracket requirements with the case.
- Thermals: A 575W-class board adds substantial heat to the room and requires adequate case airflow.
- Workload: Confirm that your games or applications can use the extra VRAM and bandwidth.
- Value: A lower-tier GPU may be the better choice if you play at 1080p, do not use memory-heavy creator or AI workloads, or prioritize performance per dollar.
- Model differences: Add-in-board cards can have different coolers, dimensions, factory power limits, connector implementations and PSU recommendations. NVIDIA notes that specifications vary by manufacturer.
Who benefits from an RTX 5090?
Strong fit
- Enthusiasts targeting maximum 4K or high-refresh performance
- Creators, renderers and researchers whose projects exceed 16–24GB of VRAM
- Local AI users whose models or working data need a large GPU memory pool
- Buyers prepared to provide the required PSU, case space, cooling and electrical overhead
Poor fit
- 1080p-focused systems
- Compact cases without three-slot-class clearance
- Computers with weak, aging or poorly cabled power supplies
- Buyers primarily seeking the best performance per dollar
- Games and applications that do not approach the memory capacity of less expensive GPUs
What the leak got right—and what it did not establish
The 2024 report was remarkably close on the RTX 5090’s core hardware: CUDA-core count, 32GB GDDR7, 512-bit memory interface and the general Blackwell flagship identity all survived into the released product. The 600W figure was close to the final power class but not the Founders Edition’s commonly listed 575W TGP. The leak did not establish gaming performance, whole-system power draw, pricing or universal connector requirements.
For official product details, consult NVIDIA’s RTX 5090 page. NVIDIA’s official purchase channel is its GeForce RTX 5090 Marketplace page; availability and pricing can vary, and the product page used for specifications has displayed placeholder price and date fields.
Bottom line
The RTX 5090 leak was a historical rumor with unusually accurate headline hardware specifications. Treat 21,760 CUDA cores, 32GB of GDDR7 and a 512-bit bus as claims later confirmed by NVIDIA, but treat 600W as a preliminary power target rather than the final Founders Edition rating. Whether the card is sensible depends less on the headline than on your resolution, workload, VRAM needs, PSU, case and tolerance for flagship-level heat and cost.
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