Custom NVIDIA RTX 5090 with 128GB VRAM Emerges: A $13,000 AI Powerhouse

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A modified NVIDIA RTX 5090 GPU with 128GB of VRAM has been spotted, designed for AI workloads and priced at $13,200. This custom GPU, emerging from Chinese factories, quadruples the standard memory capacity and utilizes advanced GDDR7X memory.

Unprecedented GPU Modification Surfaces

A groundbreaking modification of NVIDIA's RTX 5090 graphics card has emerged, boasting an astounding 128GB of VRAM—four times the standard capacity. This custom GPU, priced at approximately $13,200, is specifically designed for AI workloads and represents a significant leap in graphics card capabilities

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Technical Marvel and Manufacturing Process

Source: Tom's Hardware

Source: Tom's Hardware

The modified RTX 5090 utilizes GDDR7X memory, which is not yet widely available. To achieve the 128GB capacity, the GPU likely employs a dual-sided PCB configuration with 64GB on each side. This design surpasses previous modifications, such as the 96GB RTX 4090, and pushes the boundaries of what was thought possible in GPU memory expansion

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The creation of these modified GPUs involves a complex process:

  1. Salvaging GPU cores and memory from standard gaming cards
  2. Mounting components on custom PCBs designed for increased memory capacity
  3. Implementing custom firmware and BIOS for system compatibility

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Market Drivers and Implications

The development of these high-capacity GPUs is driven by several factors:

  1. Export Controls: Restrictions on high-end GPUs in certain regions, particularly China, have fueled an underground market for modified cards

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  2. AI Boom: The increasing demand for local AI processing, including running large language models, necessitates GPUs with extensive memory

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  3. Limited Availability: The scarcity of official AI-focused GPUs and their high costs in some markets have created a niche for these custom solutions

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Pricing and Comparative Value

At $13,200, the modified RTX 5090 is significantly more expensive than its standard counterpart. However, when compared to NVIDIA's official AI-focused offerings, the pricing appears more reasonable:

  • The 96GB RTX 6000 Pro is priced at $10,000
  • The custom 128GB RTX 5090 offers 33% more memory for a 33% price increase

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Concerns and Cautions

While these modifications showcase impressive technical achievements, they raise several concerns:

  1. Market Flooding: The AI boom has led to an influx of hollowed-out GPUs in secondhand markets, potentially scamming unsuspecting buyers

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  2. Legality and Warranty: These modifications likely void warranties and may not comply with NVIDIA's official standards or regulations

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  3. Reliability: The long-term stability and performance of these heavily modified GPUs remain uncertain.

Future Implications

This development signals a growing trend in GPU modification for AI applications. It highlights the increasing demand for high-memory GPUs in AI research and development, potentially influencing future official GPU designs from manufacturers like NVIDIA. The emergence of these custom solutions also underscores the need for more accessible, high-capacity GPUs in regions affected by export controls

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