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- The RTX 50 series GPUs suffer from limited stock, leading to inflated prices on online marketplaces.
- Nvidia claims strong sales, but many buyers struggle to find these GPUs, raising concerns about its hype.
- With ongoing newer series issues, older GPUs like the RTX 3060, 4060, and 4070 Ti remain the best budget-friendly options.
At CES 2025, Nvidia launched the 50 series GPUs, including the RTX 5090, the world’s most powerful GPU. Nowadays, 50 series GPUs are making headlines that these graphics cards are selling quickly. However, I don’t think this is entirely true, as many buyers and gamers struggle to find one.
Limited Stock And High Demand
Nvidia claims that the RTX 50 series GPUs are selling quickly. However, many fans remain skeptical about this news. The main issue is that these GPUs are not accessible to everyday buyers. Tech enthusiasts, reviewers, and influencers mainly have access to high-end models like the RTX 5080 and RTX 5090.
There is also a limited stock of these GPUs, and there are reasons for this. First, Nvidia released the first set of GPUs at the end of January, followed by more batches over the following weeks. This slow rollout helps Nvidia to control the hype; however, it also indicates that GPUs are not available in enough quantity at once.
Another issue is the supply shortage, as Nvidia struggles to produce enough GPUs to meet demand. Additionally, many are reporting issues with the RTX 5090 and RTX 5080, leading to concerns about availability and quality control. These challenges further limit the number of RTX 50 series GPUs reaching stores.
At the same time, buyers who want these GPUs often turn to online marketplaces with extremely high prices. Sellers on eBay have listed some NVIDIA GeForce RTX 5090 units for as much as $6,000, far exceeding the original price. This pricing makes them unaffordable for the average gamer.
Nvidia’s Message And Consumer’s Reaction
During a recent media event, Nvidia’s VP of the GeForce Platform, Jason Paul, assured that the supply of the 50 series was improving. He also claimed that Nvidia sold twice as many 50 series GPUs in the first few weeks compared to a similar period for the 40 series GPUs.
However, comparing the 50 series to the 40 series is misleading. There was a significant gap between the release of the first model, the RTX 4090, and the launch of the second model, the RTX 4080. In contrast, the 50 series has multiple models, including the RTX 5090, 5080, 5070 Ti, and 5070, released within five weeks.
Additionally, many tech reviewers and influencers received early access to these GPUs for testing and content creation, generating fans’ excitement. However, the real challenge lies in whether the average consumer can buy an RTX 50 series GPU without paying excessive markups or waiting months.
Several media outlets have highlighted that only a few RTX 5090 and 5080 units have been spotted in public hands. Some critics have even labeled this as a “paper launch,” where the focus is more on media exposure rather than ensuring wide consumer availability.
So, what happens next? Nvidia is expected to release more models in the series. Some reports suggest that mid-range GPUs, such as the RTX 5060 Ti and RTX 5060, will be announced soon and may hit the market in early to mid-April. Time will tell if they’re widely available or just for tech reviewers.
Should You Upgrade Or Wait?
Many gamers still use older Nvidia GPUs, which perform well and are available at lower prices. A recent Steam survey shows that the RTX 4060 remains one of the most popular graphics cards. Priced between $300 and $350, it offers a good balance of performance and affordability.
Moreover, when the 50 series GPUs hit the market, their prices were inflated due to limited availability. A user tracked and analyzed the prices of sold Nvidia GPUs, providing insight into how third-party sellers increased prices when stock was low.
Until supply issues are fully resolved and GPUs become widely available, it’s advisable to stick with older models that are both affordable and easy to find. According to our testing, the RTX 3060 and RTX 4070 Ti still stand out as the best budget-friendly options.
The situation with the RTX 50 series GPUs highlights the gap between marketing claims and real-world availability. In the coming months, it will be crucial to see whether Nvidia can balance the excitement of a new release with the practical needs of its loyal gaming community.
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[Comparisons Expert]
Shehryar Khan, a seasoned PC hardware expert, brings over three years of extensive experience and a deep passion for the world of technology. With a love for building PCs and a genuine enthusiasm for exploring the latest advancements in components, his expertise shines through his work and dedication towards this field. Currently, Shehryar is rocking a custom loop setup for his built.
Get In Touch: shehryar@tech4gamers.com
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