Imagine this: a former NSA contractor, known for exposing government secrets, suddenly turns his attention to the world of tech. Edward Snowden, the whistleblower, has publicly criticized Nvidia's new RTX 5000 series.

        What's got him so riled up? It's not just the high price tags. Snowden points out that these cards are short on VRAM, or video memory. This is a big deal for gamers, as more VRAM means better performance in games.

        Snowden believes Nvidia should have given the RTX 5070 at least 16GB of VRAM, not the 12GB it actually has. He also thinks the RTX 5080 should come in two versions: one with 24GB and another with 32GB.

        One of Snowden's biggest complaints is the limited VRAM in the RTX 5090. He thinks it should have a version with 48GB or more. This is because more VRAM means smoother gameplay and better performance.

        Why does this matter? Nvidia's strategy of limiting VRAM could be a way to push consumers to buy more expensive models. It also opens the door for future releases with even more VRAM and higher prices. The RTX 5080, for example, only has 16GB of VRAM, but the RTX 5090 has 32GB. This makes the RTX 5090 the top choice for gaming performance, but it comes at a cost. The price increase is at least 25 percent, and the performance boost is only about 30 percent.

        Despite the criticism, gamers and scalpers were eager to get their hands on the new RTX 5090 and 5080. There were long lines and chaotic scenes in Japan. Some stores had very few cards to sell, leading to frustration and disappointment.

        The stock shortages have led some to call this a "paper launch, " meaning the products exist but are hard to find.  This could be a strategy to create hype and demand. Micro Center outlets, for example, had very few RTX 5090s available. In some cases, there were only four or five cards to be sold.

        Snowden's critique highlights a broader issue: the balance between performance and price. Is it worth it to pay more for a card with better specs? Or is it a case of overpriced tech that doesn't deliver on its promises? This is a question many gamers are asking themselves.

        The tech world is always evolving, and companies like Nvidia are constantly pushing the limits of what's possible. But as Snowden points out, there's a fine line between innovation and exploitation. Consumers want value for their money, and it's up to companies to deliver.

        Nvidia's strategy of releasing cards with less VRAM could be seen as a way to control the market. By limiting the amount of VRAM, they can create a sense of scarcity and drive demand for higher-end models. But is this fair to consumers? Is this a smart move for the company?

        As the tech world continues to change, one thing is clear: consumers have a voice, and they're not afraid to use it. Whether it's through social media or other platforms, they're holding companies accountable for their actions. And as Snowden's comments show, even unexpected voices can make a difference.

Snowden Speaks Out on Nvidia's Latest GPUs

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