Nvidia discreetly announced a new version of the GeForce RTX 5070 GPU within a driver blog post.

      Digital Trends may earn a commission if you purchase through links on our website. Why should you trust us?

      Having more VRAM doesn't always correlate with enhanced performance, and the pricing could make the RTX 5070 Ti a more attractive option based on the final configurations.

      Nvidia recently revealed a new GPU variant in an unusual manner: it was included in a blog post about a game driver update.

      Along with the release of the Game Ready 596.36 WHQL driver, the company confirmed the introduction of a 12GB GDDR7 configuration for the GeForce RTX 5070 laptop GPU.

      Nvidia

      What is motivating Nvidia to do this now?

      The brief answer: memory supply issues. Nvidia has acknowledged that the demand for its RTX GPUs surpasses the availability of the 16Gb G7 modules currently used in most RTX 50-series products.

      The new 12GB version circumvents this problem by utilizing 24Gb G7 modules manufactured using a different process that creates 3GB chips instead of the usual 2GB. This variant is sourced from an alternative supply chain, which has been boosted by Samsung and Micron.

      This results in an additional configuration positioned above the standard 8GB model, providing laptop manufacturers more options to differentiate their products, and possibly offering them at a slightly lower price than those with the higher-end configuration.

      The 12GB RTX 5070 laptop GPU will not replace the 8GB variant; both versions will be available concurrently.

      RTX 5060 Kunal Khullar / Digital Trends

      Is increased VRAM advantageous in this situation?

      Not necessarily. According to an Engadget report, the 12GB version may not offer a significant performance gain over the 8GB version unless Nvidia expands the memory bus to 192-bit, which has not been confirmed for the new GPU yet.

      Laptops featuring the 12GB GeForce RTX 5070 laptop GPU are anticipated to start shipping around June 2026. Manufacturers such as Lenovo, MSI, and XMG are expected to be among the first to adopt this graphics chip.

      What stood out to me is the odd approach Nvidia took by disguising a new GPU variant within a driver blog post rather than organizing a conventional launch event. This reflects how supply-chain challenges are influencing product strategies. In my view, the new GPU serves as a solution for memory sourcing that aims to benefit consumers.

      If the pricing remains reasonable, the 12GB GeForce RTX 5070 could effectively fill a market gap. If not, it could undermine the already modest value proposition of the RTX 5070 Ti.

      For over five years, Shikhar has been consistently breaking down advancements in consumer technology and presenting them in an accessible way.

      Asus has unveiled the remarkable dual-screen ROG Zephyrus Duo, priced at an astounding level.

      The ROG Zephyrus Duo isn't just another gaming laptop with dual screens; it's Asus's most ambitious attempt to create a "portable workstation" that also excels at gaming.

      Asus has concluded that one screen is simply inadequate for a laptop. The ROG Zephyrus Duo returns to the market boasting two screens, with pre-orders now open for what is being called the world’s first 16-inch dual-screen gaming laptop. Starting at $4,499.99 and reaching up to $5,499.99 for the highest configuration, this is undoubtedly a device aimed at those who want their laptops to reflect their ambition, whether for pioneering innovation or for gaming on a dual-screen setup.

      Read more

      Dell 34 Plus USB-C monitor review: A stunning ultrawide display with delightful surprises.

      Dell's curved monitor combines practical minimalism with some impressive features.

      Quick Take

      I’ve become quite skeptical of any monitor labeled as a “productivity display.” While they aren't necessarily bad, the truth is most of them tend to be uninspiring and slow to adopt modern standards. With their bulky black bezels and the dull grey corporate aesthetic that screams, “I belong in a 2014 cubicle,” they do little to enhance a workspace. I've never desired one on my desk. So, when I unpacked the Dell 34 Plus USB-C monitor (SKU S3425DW), I was prepared for the usual letdown. However, it exceeded my expectations.

      AI is on its way to Linux, but not in an annoying way that might irritate you.

      Ubuntu’s AI initiatives seem surprisingly sensible for a change.

      Canonical has finally addressed the subject of AI, confirming that Ubuntu is preparing to incorporate AI features. However, the company's strategy is more measured than what we observe elsewhere. A recent announcement has outlined its vision for AI in Ubuntu, and it’s unexpectedly restrained. Canonical will not impose AI into every aspect of the operating system and aims to keep control firmly in the hands of users.