NVIDIA Unveils RTX PRO 5500 "Blackwell" Workstation GPU with 84 GB GDDR7 Memory
NVIDIA has expanded its professional visualization lineup with the introduction of the RTX PRO 5500 "Blackwell" workstation GPU. This new graphics card is engineered for demanding professional workloads, offering a significant leap in memory capacity and computational power for workstation environments.
Key Specifications: Massive Memory and High Performance
The RTX PRO 5500 is built around the advanced GB202 GPU die, featuring an impressive 21,760 CUDA cores—the same count found in the consumer-grade GeForce RTX 5090. However, the RTX PRO 5500 distinguishes itself with a substantial 84 GB of GDDR7 memory, optimized for professional applications such as 3D rendering, AI development, and scientific computing.
The 84 GB of GDDR7 memory is connected via a 416-bit memory bus, delivering approximately 1,398 GB/s of memory bandwidth. Each GDDR7 module operates at around 26 Gbps per pin, aligning with standard GDDR7 speeds. To achieve this high memory capacity, NVIDIA utilizes 28 memory modules—14 on the front and 14 on the back of the PCB—effectively sandwiching the board for optimal space utilization.
Positioning Within the RTX PRO Lineup
Within NVIDIA’s professional GPU range, the RTX PRO 5500 "Blackwell" is positioned just below the flagship RTX PRO 6000. The RTX PRO 6000 offers a slightly higher CUDA core count at 24,064 and a larger 96 GB memory capacity. In contrast, the RTX PRO 5000 "Blackwell" features a lower 14,080 CUDA cores and up to 72 GB of memory, making the new RTX PRO 5500 much closer in performance to the top-tier model.
Designed for Rack-Mounted Workstations
The RTX PRO 5500 is engineered for rack-mounted workstation deployments, with a thermal design power (TDP) of 600 W. NVIDIA offers both air and liquid-cooled solutions, with the reference design utilizing high-RPM server fans and a large heatsink for efficient passive air cooling. This approach ensures reliable performance in data center and enterprise environments.
Advanced Features for Professional Workloads
The RTX PRO 5500 supports NVIDIA’s Multi-Instance GPU (MIG) technology, allowing users to partition the GPU into multiple instances. For example, the card can be split into two instances with 42 GB each, or a single instance with the full 84 GB, providing flexibility for diverse workloads. Standard RTX PRO technologies are also supported, enabling resource allocation tailored to specific professional needs.
While NVIDIA has not yet announced pricing or availability for the RTX PRO 5500 "Blackwell," its advanced specifications and enterprise-focused design indicate it will be a premium offering for high-end workstation users.
