Disappointment Looms: Nvidia RTX 5090 GPU Stocks in Short Supply at Launch, RTX 5080 Availability Also Uncertain
Nvidia’s RTX 5090 and 5080 Launch: Low Stock and Unpredictable Supply
Rumors surrounding the upcoming launch of Nvidia’s RTX 5090 and 5080 graphics cards have been swirling, and the latest buzz suggests that stock will be extremely limited, leaving enthusiasts and gamers eager to get their hands on these powerful GPUs disappointed. As we approach the launch day, concerns about availability and pricing are only increasing.
According to YouTuber Moore’s Law is Dead, who has been tracking the situation closely, the RTX 5090 will have a "lack of a launch" due to very low stock levels. In fact, one major retailer had zero RTX 5090 graphics cards in stock as of last night. While it’s possible a few units might materialize at the last minute, as they often do with Nvidia launches, it’s unlikely to be many and only for a brief time.
The RTX 5080, on the other hand, has a slightly more promising outlook, but the supply is still relatively limited. One big US retailer claims to have around 60 units of the 5080 in stock, which is only about half of the stock seen with the RTX 4080 launch. Another source agrees with this assessment, saying that the 5080 will have only about half the stock of the 4080.
A Tale of Woe: RTX 5000 Launch Context
Comparisons to Nvidia’s RTX 3000 launch, marred by a global chip shortage caused by the pandemic, don’t inspire confidence. With Japanese retailer Wccftech now offering a "lottery system" for customers to buy the chance to purchase an RTX 5080 or 5090 on launch day, it’s clear that the situation is dire.
Analysis: Severe Skewing for Supply and Demand, with Pricing as a Further Concern
With customers already queuing up outside stores for their shot at buying an RTX 5090 on launch day, or participating in lotteries to get their hands on one, it’s clear that there’s an intense demand for these powerful GPUs. Couple this with the extremely limited supply, and you have the perfect storm for a demand/supply imbalance.
While we must take all rumors with a grain of salt, it’s hard to ignore the widespread speculation suggesting that supply and demand are severely skewed. To make matters worse, pricing for these GPUs will likely be above the MSRP, leaving eager buyers with a hefty bill to pay.
Conclusion and Resources
If you’re hoping to snag one of Nvidia’s new Blackwell graphics cards when they launch later today, TechRadar has you covered. Check out our [Where to Buy the RTX 5090] live blog for the best retailers to hit up, and our [RTX 5080] blog for more information. Good luck – you’re going to need it!
