Nvidia enables 12GB configuration for mobile RTX 5070 as Framework raises price by 71.5 per cent
A new 12GB GDDR7 variant is now available for the mobile GeForce RTX 5070, though it retains identical raw performance to the 8GB model and comes with a significant price premium.
Nvidia has released a driver update that enables a 12GB GDDR7 memory configuration for the mobile GeForce RTX 5070, effectively addressing the 8GB VRAM bottleneck that has hindered gamers running AAA titles at high resolutions and AI enthusiasts deploying local models. This update represents a 50 per cent increase in memory capacity, yet the hardware specifications remain largely unchanged.
The 12GB variant utilises the same GB206 silicon die as the desktop RTX 5060, retaining the 128-bit memory interface and 4,608 CUDA cores found in the 8GB version. Consequently, raw performance remains identical between the two configurations, with the upgrade offering additional memory headroom rather than increased computational power.
Manufacturer Framework, which is the first to announce a device featuring this new 12GB configuration in its Laptop 16, has applied a substantial price premium to the upgrade. The cost for the 12GB module has risen from $699 to $1,199, representing a 71.5 per cent increase for what is otherwise the same GPU architecture.
Framework attributes the significant price hike to ongoing memory shortages, supply chain constraints, and the elevated costs associated with GDDR7 capacity. The modular laptop maker noted that these factors are driving pricing from silicon suppliers, a situation that other laptop manufacturers will likely face as they source from the same supply chain.
The company also indicated that the price for the standard 8GB version is likely to increase once current GDDR7 inventory is depleted. This suggests that the current pricing structure for the mobile RTX 5070 may become even more restrictive as stock levels shift, leaving consumers with limited options for future-proofing their hardware.
While the additional memory capacity provides a necessary buffer for demanding workloads, the lack of performance gains alongside the steep cost increase highlights the current challenges in the semiconductor market. Nvidia buried the announcement regarding this new configuration within a routine Game Ready driver update blog post, underscoring the incremental nature of the fix amidst broader industry constraints.
