NVIDIA GeForce RTX 5090 SE: The Rumored Blackwell Gap Filler
The GeForce RTX 5090 SE is rumored to become NVIDIA’s answer to the performance gap between the RTX 5080 and RTX 5090.
Unlike a completely new GPU, the SE is reportedly based on a cut down version of the GB202 chip used by the RTX 5090. The leaked configuration suggests 110 active SMs, producing 14,080 CUDA cores.
⚠️ QUICK TAKE
RTX 5080 → RTX 5090 SE → RTX 5090
The SE is rumored to target gamers who want near flagship class hardware without stepping up to the full RTX 5090.
What Is the RTX 5090 SE?
The RTX 5090 SE is currently only a rumored product. NVIDIA has not officially confirmed its existence, specifications, launch date, or pricing.
The card is expected to use NVIDIA’s Blackwell architecture and a partially disabled GB202 die. The full GB202 contains 192 SMs and 24,576 CUDA cores, while the rumored SE configuration would activate only 110 SMs.
Rumored Key Specifications
| Specification | RTX 5090 SE |
|---|---|
| Architecture | NVIDIA Blackwell |
| GPU | Cut down GB202 |
| CUDA Cores | 14,080 |
| Active SMs | 110 |
| Memory | 24GB or 32GB GDDR7 |
| Memory Bus | 384 bit |
| Positioning | Between RTX 5080 and RTX 5090 |
| Status | Rumored |
Memory is the biggest uncertainty. Early reports claimed 32GB GDDR7, while another report specifically points to 24GB GDDR7 with a 384 bit bus.
🧠 How the Cut Down GB202 Works
The concept is straightforward:
GB202 → Fewer active SMs → 14,080 CUDA Cores → Lower performance → Lower product tier
The rumored 14,080 CUDA cores are around 35% fewer than the RTX 5090’s 21,760 CUDA cores, placing the SE firmly below the flagship.
Its 384 bit memory interface would also sit below the RTX 5090’s 512 bit configuration.
RTX 5090 SE vs RTX 5090
| Feature | RTX 5090 SE | RTX 5090 |
|---|---|---|
| CUDA Cores | 14,080 | 21,760 |
| Architecture | Blackwell | Blackwell |
| GPU | Cut down GB202 | GB202 |
| Memory | 24GB or 32GB GDDR7 | 32GB GDDR7 |
| Bus | 384 bit | 512 bit |
| Position | Gap filler | Flagship |
💡 EDITOR’S NOTE
The RTX 5090 SE name itself is still uncertain. Some reports describe it as a replacement for the previously rumored RTX 5080 Ti, while others question whether NVIDIA would actually use the SE branding.
There is also skepticism around the leaked memory configuration, particularly the reported 32GB version on a 384 bit interface.
Quick Facts
Architecture: Blackwell
GPU: Cut down GB202
CUDA Cores: 14,080 rumored
Memory: 24GB or 32GB GDDR7 rumored
Target: Between RTX 5080 and RTX 5090
Officially confirmed: No
Final Verdict
The RTX 5090 SE could become an interesting middle ground if NVIDIA actually releases it. Its rumored 14,080 CUDA cores would make it substantially different from both the RTX 5080 and RTX 5090.
For now, however, treat every specification as leaked information rather than confirmed hardware. The final memory configuration, pricing, power requirements, performance, and launch plans remain unknown.