‘Unlaunching’ the RTX 4080 12GB

After the RTX 4080 12GB was cancelled, many wondered what became of these GPUs. Considering the fact that these chips are already in AIB GPUs, there was some conern regarding the fate of this SKU. However, Gamer’s Nexus shed some light on this topic. Reportedly, partners already have the boxes packed with the ‘12GB‘ SKU and ready to go. The cards have paint on back of them which may potentially harm customers as highlighted by Gamer’s Nexus. Suppose, the RTX 4080 12GB relaunches as an RTX 4070 Ti. Inevitably, some of the older boxes featuring the 4080 12GB (Now, the 4070 Ti) will fall into the hands of a few retailers. This means that, consumers may end up buying a GPU tagged as the RTX 4080 (on the box). But in reality, it turns out to be an RTX 4070 Ti (If this SKU gets downgraded). Surely, there will be a proper control over these ‘already-made’ GPUs. Although, things may go south in certain cases.

Compensation for the Partners

Gamer’s Nexus has confirmed from their sources that all the boxes are being collected and destroyed. In addition, NVIDIA is also compensating the AIB partners for the boxes. This is partly because the ‘screw up’ is at NVIDIA’s end this time. 

The Fate of this GPU

We believe that most AIB partners were caught off-guard based on how NVIDIA made this abrupt change. When commenting on whether a price reduction is expected, one partner company told Gamer’s Nexus; Similarly, we will also see a name change. This is the part where we sit down and guess until NVIDIA makes an official announcement. One possibility is that, the GPU could receive cut-down specifications by flashing the BIOS. ~Partner To Gamer’s Nexus A driver-level implementation is also possible, akin to LHR. However, that may end up being bypassed by hackers. Do bear in mind that this is the worst-case scenario where NVIDIA will reduce the specs of the actual GPU, offsetting the positive feedback they received.  

Release Date

A few sources told Gamer’s Nexus that the rebranded RTX 4080 12GB will allegedly launch sometime around CES 2023. It may end up launching as an RTX 4070 or an RTX 4070 Ti. Similarly, by the same time we may also see the RTX 4060 and possibly even the RTX 4050, which has been pictured.