Leaked Blower-Style RTX 5090D: Two-Slot GPU Design Aims for AI Workloads

Footage of a new blower-style NVIDIA RTX 5090D has surfaced on Bilibili, a popular Chinese video platform. The post, shared by hardware leaker Uniko’s Hardware on X (formerly Twitter), shows the card’s compact two-slot design and a rear-mounted power connector. The video creator, Su-A computer, drew a comparison to a similarly styled RTX 4090D from ASUS. The RTX 5090D is equipped with the GB202 chip, featuring 32 GB of GDDR7 VRAM and a PCIe 5.0 x16 interface for optimal transfer rates, as confirmed by the GPU-Z readings shown in the video. Blower-style GPUs are favored in systems with limited internal space or those designed for professional multi-GPU setups, such as AI training rigs. These cards typically have a single centrifugal fan that draws in cool air from within the case, expels hot air directly outside, and prevents heat from being recycled within the system. This design is particularly effective in maintaining lower temperatures, making it ideal for high-performance computing environments. However, blower-style GPUs are not typically used for gaming. They can be noisier and less efficient at cooling due to the enclosed circuit boards. Instead, they are better suited for professional applications that require multiple GPUs, like AI training and data processing. The rear placement of the 16-pin power connector and the smaller two-slot form factor make the RTX 5090D more convenient for multi-GPU installations. Larger, third-party RTX 5090 GPUs often occupy 3.5 slots or more, which can be cumbersome when wiring multiple cards. The Chinese market is eagerly anticipating the release of the blower-style RTX 5090D. This card would provide smaller firms with a more accessible and affordable option compared to the high-priced, China-specific NVIDIA H20 and AMD MI308 GPUs, which have been restricted by the U.S. government. Once widely available, the RTX 5090D could enable smaller companies to build their own mini AI accelerators, similar to the TinyBox developed by TinyGrad. While these systems are still expensive (the TinyBox starts at $15,000), they are significantly more affordable than the nearly $200,000 cost of an AI server equipped with eight NVIDIA H20 GPUs. In summary, the blower-style RTX 5090D represents a pragmatic design choice for professional multi-GPU systems, offering a balance between performance, cooling efficiency, and space management. Its potential availability in the Chinese market could democratize access to powerful AI hardware, making it an exciting development for smaller firms and tech enthusiasts.