The oldest NVIDIA graphics cards announced with RTX branding were the professional Quadro RTX 8000, Quadro RTX 6000, and Quadro RTX 5000, announced on August 13, 2018. For gaming, the answer is the original GeForce RTX 20-series, unveiled a week later on August 20, 2018. Which one counts as “the oldest” depends on whether you mean the first RTX-branded product family or the first GeForce RTX cards.
What was the first RTX graphics card?
NVIDIA’s first announced RTX-branded GPUs were the Quadro RTX 8000, 6000, and 5000. NVIDIA introduced them at SIGGRAPH on August 13, 2018, as Turing-based GPUs for professional visual-computing work. The announcement placed availability in Q4 2018, but did not identify which model reached buyers first. NVIDIA’s Quadro RTX announcement
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What was the first GeForce RTX?
For gaming graphics cards, NVIDIA unveiled the GeForce RTX series on August 20, 2018, naming the GeForce RTX 2080 Ti, RTX 2080, and RTX 2070 among its initial GPUs. The announcement said the RTX 2080 Ti and RTX 2080 would be available in September; it does not establish which was first delivered to retail. NVIDIA’s GeForce RTX announcement
How the original RTX launches compare
| RTX family | Announcement | Models named | Availability stated by NVIDIA |
|---|---|---|---|
| Professional Quadro RTX | August 13, 2018 | Quadro RTX 8000, 6000, and 5000 | Starting in Q4 2018; no individual first-sale date stated. |
| Gaming GeForce RTX | August 20, 2018 | GeForce RTX 2080 Ti, 2080, and 2070 | September for the RTX 2080 Ti and RTX 2080; no definitive first retail-sale day stated. |
The dates distinguish an announcement from availability: Quadro RTX was announced first, while GeForce RTX was the gaming launch. Neither announcement establishes the exact first retail-sale date for every model.
#1 Best Overall
- Powered by the NVIDIA Blackwell architecture and DLSS 4
- Powered by GeForce RTX 5060
- Integrated with 8GB GDDR7 128bit memory interface
- PCIe 5.0
- WINDFORCE cooling system
Why the RTX 3050 is not the oldest
The GeForce RTX 3050 is a later card, announced on January 4, 2022, with partner availability beginning January 27, 2022. It belongs to a later point in the RTX timeline, not the 2018 launch. NVIDIA’s RTX 3050 announcement
Independent reader supportYour contribution helps us test, update, and keep practical guides available for everyone.What did the original Quadro RTX cards cost?
NVIDIA’s 2018 announcement listed estimated street prices of $10,000 for the Quadro RTX 8000, $6,300 for the RTX 6000, and $2,300 for the RTX 5000. These are historical launch-era figures, not current prices. The announcement also listed memory configurations of 48GB, 24GB, and 16GB, respectively. NVIDIA’s Quadro RTX announcement
Quick Recap
Rank #4
- 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
Rank #3
- AI Performance: 767 AI TOPS
- OC mode: 2632 MHz (OC mode)/ 2602 MHz (Default mode)
- Powered by the NVIDIA Blackwell architecture and DLSS 4
- Axial-tech fan design features a smaller fan hub that facilitates longer blades and a barrier ring that increases downward air pressure
- A 2.5-slot design maximizes compatibility and cooling efficiency for superior performance in small chassis
Rank #2
- Powered by the NVIDIA Blackwell architecture and DLSS 4
- Powered by GeForce RTX 5070 Ti
- Integrated with 16GB GDDR7 256bit memory interface
- PCIe 5.0
- WINDFORCE cooling system
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.
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