Modders are slapping 32GB of VRAM on Nvidia's RTX 5080 GPUs, but that isn't good for gamers — modded variants designed for AI workstations and servers
We have seen these types of mods on multiple generations of Nvidia cards; it was only inevitable that the RTX 5080 would get the same treatment.
(Image credit: Nvidia)
A report has surfaced overseas confirming that modders have figured out a way to double the RTX 5080's VRAM capacity from 16GB of GDDR7 memory to 32GB. This allows gaming GPUs to be used in workstations and servers, which could ultimately increase their use for AI workloads, potentially creating supply issues. Discovered by Uniko's Hardware (h/t VideoCardz), a Chinese GPU repair technician claims modders are "successfully" modifying RTX 5080s with 32GB of memory, and deploying these mods specifically on RTX 5080 cards boasting blower-style cooler designs that are optimized for workstations and servers.
The modder did not explain how the modification process is being done. Likely, modders are adding eight additional 2GB memory chips to the RTX 5080's PCB to achieve 32GB of capacity. This is something Nvidia does on existing models, such as the RTX Pro 6000 and RTX 5060 Ti 16GB, to reach their respective memory capacities using a clamshell approach.
a gpu repair technician in china claimed 5080 32g has already been a thing."""目前5080呢已經是可以成功改32G了改32G渦輪所以後期的拆芯片改渦輪呢應該是還是會很多的所以我感覺5080的價格有可能會起飛"""bilibili 智强显卡工作室https://t.co/X9ygzxd523 pic.twitter.com/Y6TGUbbsvoDecember 26, 2025
If this mod becomes popular, RTX 5080 supply could dwindle quickly as AI-minded buyers sweep up existing inventory, as happened with RTX 5090 sales. With the 32GB mod applied, the RTX 5080 can technically run the same AI models as the 32GB RTX 5090 (albeit with longer processing times), at just half to a third of the price (based on the constantly fluctuating prices of RTX 5090 SKUs).
However, the popularity of this mod could be hamstrung by the availability of GDDR7 video memory ICs. The outgoing DRAM memory shortage has created exponential price increases and availability shortages across the entire industry. In 2025 alone, memory prices increased by 246%, and they're expected to keep rising well into 2026.
Graphics cards have thankfully been hit the least among the major products that use memory, but ripple effects from the aforementioned availability issues are still affecting GPUs. For instance, in Japan, RTX 5080s modded with 32GB of VRAM will likely be made mainly from GDDR7 chips salvaged from damaged RTX 50-series graphics cards that repair technicians have on site.
