Nvidia's RTX 60 Series: Rubin Architecture, GR20x Chips, and Anticipated Delays
Nvidia's upcoming RTX 60 series graphics cards are reportedly set to feature the Rubin architecture and GR20x GPU chips. While an initial launch window was anticipated for the second half of 2027, reports now indicate potential delays impacting both the RTX 60 series and the previously planned RTX 50 Super series. These postponements are reportedly influenced by memory component shortages and Nvidia's strategic prioritization of its AI accelerator business.
Architectural Insights: Rubin and GR20x
The forthcoming Nvidia RTX 60 series graphics cards are reported to integrate GR20x GPU chips. These chips are based on the Rubin architecture, which Nvidia has also applied in its AI GPU products. Information suggests the gaming series may not utilize the GR102 chip. The GR100, designed specifically for AI tasks and data centers, is noted to integrate two GR102 chips.
Evolving Release Timelines
Initial reports, citing leaker Kopite7kimi, indicated a projected launch window for the RTX 60 series in the second half of 2027. However, other reports suggest potential shifts in this timeline. The RTX 60 series, codenamed 'Rubin', was previously expected to begin mass production in late 2027, with a potential announcement or launch in January 2028 at CES. The reported postponement of the RTX 50 Super series is also expected to impact the release schedule of the RTX 60 series.
Key Factors Driving Delays
The Information reported, citing sources familiar with the matter, that Nvidia postponed the RTX 50 Super series launch to prioritize its higher-margin AI accelerators. This decision is attributed to increased demand for DRAM from AI datacenters, which has reportedly driven up memory prices.
Nvidia managers reportedly stated that global memory shortages and the necessity to prioritize memory production for the company's AI chip business were contributing factors.
High-Bandwidth Memory (HBM) silicon, utilized in Nvidia's AI GPUs such as the H100 and H200, shares manufacturing lines with other memory types.
This situation reportedly leads memory manufacturers and Nvidia to focus on server and datacenter products over consumer gaming GeForce cards.
The RTX 50 Super Series: A Closer Look
The RTX 50 Super Series, codenamed 'Kicker', was initially anticipated to appear during CES 2026, with a release sometime in Q2 2026. This series was designed to use 3GB GDDR7 memory chips to increase memory capacity. Nvidia managers reportedly delayed 'Kicker' in December without providing a new timeline.
Broader Market Context
The current RTX 50 lineup from Nvidia is approaching its first anniversary. Earlier unconfirmed reports had suggested a potential release of RTX 50 Super GPUs in early 2026, prior to the recent reported delays.
Separately, Nvidia is reportedly planning to reintroduce the RTX 3060 model. This move is noted amid broader industry-wide memory component shortages. These reported delays indicate that new gaming hardware from Nvidia may not be available as early as previously expected, potentially extending the market presence of the current RTX 50 Series.