Unless it’s a simple mistake, MSI seems to have revealed that RTX 5070 laptop GPUs will be getting a memory upgrade, jumping from their usual 8GB up to 12GB. For those confused, the desktop version of the RTX 5070 does indeed offer 12GB of GDDR7, but this is restricted to just 8GB for its laptop version.

Today (April 15), MSI launched its new Raider and Crosshair gaming laptops, shipping with Intel Core Ultra 200HX Plus processors, up to RTX 5090 laptop GPUs, and a combined CPU and GPU power of 300W. An officially released specification table for the Crosshair 16 Max HX, however, reveals the new 12GB 5070 laptop spec.

RTX 5070 laptop GPU listed with 12GB of RAM

While this is a surprising hardware spec – since Nvidia hasn’t announced such changes – it seems to line up with the recently leaked RTX 5060 and RTX 5060 Ti 9GB plans, along with the rumored 9GB version of the RTX 5050. The reason for these new, higher VRAM versions is due to Nvidia’s expected switch to 3GB GDDR7 modules (up from 2GB). In other words, the 5070 laptop GPU design may be changing from the existing 4x2GB to a 4x3GB setup, upping the total amount.

While this looks like an obvious upgrade, it is worth noting that memory bandwidth and speeds may be compromised as a result. For example, based on leaked information, the 5060 series cards would be losing up to 25% bandwidth as a result of the switch from 2GB to 3GB modules, with a lower memory bus, which may hurt gaming performance. Reports suggest the switch to 3GB is a cost-cutting measure amid ongoing memory shortages and price hikes.

It is worth noting that plans of 9GB RTX 5060 series cards have been denied by a well-known leaker, as Nvidia is “on track” to deliver the RTX 5050 9GB instead. Whether the 12GB version of the RTX 5070 laptop GPU is legitimate or not, we’ll have to wait and see – but MSI’s official specs sheet remains unchanged at the time of writing this.

About the Author

Jack Goodall

At PC Guide, Jack is mostly responsible for reporting on hardware deals. He also specializes in monitors, TVs, and headsets and can be found putting his findings together in a review or best-of guide.