GeForce RTX 5090 D V2 Listed in China Ahead of Launch

The GeForce RTX 5090 D V2 is set to launch tomorrow in China, but one of NVIDIA’s major board partners has already revealed its details on a leading e-commerce platform. Colorful has listed multiple editions of the GPU, showing downgraded specifications compared to the original model. This release comes after changes in US export policies forced NVIDIA to adjust its Chinese market offerings.

Why NVIDIA Created the RTX 5090 D V2

The original GeForce RTX 5090 D was a customized version of the RTX 5090 designed for the Chinese market, with reduced AI capabilities to meet export restrictions. However, new US trade rules meant NVIDIA had to halt its shipment.

To comply, NVIDIA developed the GeForce RTX 5090 D V2. This version reduces memory from 32 GB to 24 GB of GDDR7 VRAM. It also scales back memory bandwidth from a 512-bit interface to 384-bit. The goal was to ensure the GPU meets regulatory limits while still appealing to high-end PC gamers in China.

Colorful Jumps Ahead of the Official Launch

NVIDIA’s partners were expected to reveal their designs after the official embargo lifted. However, Colorful listed its RTX 5090 D V2 lineup early on JD.com, one of China’s largest online retailers.

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The listings show four different editions, all built around the same cut-down GPU. Prices start at 20,699 Yuan (about $2,880) and go up to 20,999 Yuan (around $2,900). The variations appear to be based on cooling designs, factory overclocks, and bundled features.

Price Gap From Expectations

The revealed prices are higher than anticipated. A previous report suggested the GeForce RTX 5090 D V2 might cost around 14,000 Yuan, making it roughly $830 cheaper than the older RTX 5090 D. Instead, the listed prices are nearly identical to the original.

Tech analyst @Zed__Wang noted that NVIDIA may have decided to keep the price aligned with the previous model. This means Chinese gamers could end up paying the same amount for hardware with less VRAM and reduced bandwidth.

Market Impact in China

This pricing strategy could frustrate buyers. Many expected a cost drop due to the performance downgrade. Still, with the original RTX 5090 D no longer available, options are limited.

Reports indicate that leftover RTX 5090 D stock has already been sold and shipped internationally, often fetching over $5,000 from overseas retailers. With that supply exhausted, the GeForce RTX 5090 D V2 becomes the default choice for high-end buyers in China.

The Shadow GPU Market

Another factor affecting the Chinese GPU scene is the gray market. The standard GeForce RTX 5090, which is not officially sold in China, is often smuggled in. Many of these units are then converted into AI-focused GPUs.

There have even been reports of stripped-down PCBs—missing both the GPU core and VRAM chips—circulating in the supply chain. These empty boards likely come from modified RTX 5090 units, sold secretly after components are removed. In one case, a buyer received an MSI RTX 5090 missing its key components entirely.

Performance Expectations

While the GeForce RTX 5090 D V2 retains much of the core processing power of its predecessor, the reduced memory and narrower bus could affect performance in memory-intensive workloads, particularly at 8K resolutions or in AI-based applications.

For standard gaming at 4K, the impact may be less noticeable, but buyers looking for maximum specs will see the downgrade as a step back. NVIDIA is banking on demand and lack of alternatives to sustain sales despite the cutbacks.

What’s Next for the RTX 5090 Series in China

The launch of the GeForce RTX 5090 D V2 highlights the delicate balance between global regulations and market demand. NVIDIA must adapt its products to meet compliance rules while maintaining consumer interest.

Tomorrow’s official release will confirm whether the listed prices are final or just placeholders. For now, Colorful’s early listings have set expectations high—and stirred debate among PC gamers about whether this model justifies its price tag.