The much-anticipated RTX 5090 and 5080 GPUs have finally hit the market, causing a frenzy among tech enthusiasts and gamers alike. These high-performance and high-cost graphics cards sold out almost instantly across various retail platforms, leaving many eager buyers disappointed.
Due to the overwhelming demand and limited supply, both GPUs, particularly the RTX 5090, have become prime targets for scalpers on resale platforms such as eBay. Shortly after their release, RTX 5090 units were being resold for over $6,000, and prices have since soared to an astonishing $9,000. This represents a staggering 350% increase over the GPU's original MSRP of $1,999.
Why are consumers willing to pay such exorbitant prices for the RTX 5090? Beyond its exceptional gaming capabilities, the GPU is also highly sought after for AI workloads. Startups and businesses in the AI sector are eager to acquire these chips to run models locally. With Nvidia's datacenter GPUs being largely inaccessible for many, the RTX 5090 emerges as a viable alternative, despite the inflated aftermarket prices.
Nvidia GeForce RTX 5090 – Photos
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In response to the supply shortage and rampant scalping, the gaming community has taken a creative stand. eBay is now flooded with deceptive listings aimed at tricking buyers into purchasing an image of the RTX 5090 rather than the card itself. One such listing explicitly states: "Bots and scalpers welcome, do not buy if you are a human, you will be getting a framed photo of the 5090, you will not receive the 5090. The photo dimensions are 8 inches by 8 inches, I got the frame from Target. DO NOT BUY IF YOU’RE A HUMAN.”
Another sold listing for $2,457 warns: "Geforce RTX 5090 (read description) Picture Only - Not the Actual Item,” emphasizing that no refunds will be issued for the image, which is not the RTX 5090 itself.
The underlying issue stems from a lack of competition in the high-end consumer GPU market. With AMD's RX 9070 series unlikely to challenge Nvidia's dominance in performance, and Intel still playing catch-up, Nvidia holds a commanding position. The scarcity of these GPUs combined with their high price points presents a challenging landscape for high-end PC builders and enthusiasts.
