A forthcoming update suggests the imminent release of a novel laptop computer variant, featuring an innovative Ada Lovelace (RTX 40 series) graphics processing unit, replacing the current Ampere GPU. If accurate, this could imply a substantial boost in performance, potentially marking the first time non-RTX 4000 branded Nvidia GPUs will gain access to cutting-edge Nvidia features like DLSS 3.
The complexity arises from the existence of both desktop and laptop models of the RTX 3050, whereas only a laptop variant is available for the RTX 4050, with no corresponding desktop model. Although this budget-conscious graphics card may struggle to claim a spot among the top-performing cards, it could still bring some excitement to Nvidia’s entry-level offerings.
A brand-new leak has emerged directly from an Nvidia driver release, with subtle hints scattered throughout the driver files referencing an “RTX 3050 A”, according to PCI ID database records that appear to point to a fresh iteration of the RTX 3050 model. The system details a specification that simply reads: “AD106M [NVIDIA GeForce RTX 3050 Laptop GPU] – and, indeed, ‘3050’ is no mistake.”
There exist several crucial details present here. The primary designation is the “A” at the end of the RTX 3050 title in Nvidia’s driver, as depicted – a courtesy to Videocardz – suggesting it corresponds to the Ada architecture. It appears that Nvidia has released a fresh iteration of the RTX 3050, boasting an Ada-structure-based GPU for its architecture. In the interim, the submission for PCI ID explicitly asserts that the newly introduced GPU is indeed the AD106M, with the ‘M’ designation indicating its classification as a mobile chip, rather than a desktop-oriented device.
The complexity arises from the fact that the current RTX 3050 desktop card leverages the GA106 GPU, built upon the last-gen Ampere architecture featuring 2,560 CUDA cores. While NVIDIA’s RTX 3050 laptop variant employs a compact GA107 GPU, it still boasts an impressive 2,560 CUDA cores. Despite the lack of a desktop RTX 4050, the mobile RTX 4050 leverages the AD107 GPU, which boasts 2,560 CUDA cores.
Given the specifications of the RTX 4050, it is reasonable to assume that an RTX 3050 A would utilize a similar or slightly less capable GPU, potentially employing fewer cores or options, such as the AD107, consistent with its naming convention and performance expectations. As an alternative, the leak hints at utilising the more powerful AD106 GPU, which is also responsible for powering the desktop RTX 4060 card featuring 3,072 CUDA cores and the RTX 4070 mobile chip boasting 4,608 CUDA cores.
While the codename suggests an ultra-effective laptop computer graphics card, the “RTX 3050” title implies a slower and less potent iteration compared to the “RTX 4050”.
Although the wait might be considerable, it’s likely to be earlier than you find a laptop with this exciting new GPU on the market. In the meantime, take a look at our current top gaming laptop recommendations, as they will remain the best options for a while still.
