The much-anticipated RTX 5090 and RTX 5080 GPUs have finally hit the market, stirring up a frenzy among tech enthusiasts and gamers alike. These high-powered, high-priced GPUs have quickly become a hot commodity, selling out almost instantly at most retail outlets, leaving many potential buyers disappointed.
As a result, scalping has become rampant, particularly with the RTX 5090. On resale platforms like eBay, these GPUs are being flipped at astronomical prices. Just after their release, the RTX 5090 was being resold for over $6,000, and the prices have since escalated to a staggering peak of $9,000—a 350% surge above its manufacturer's suggested retail price (MSRP) of $1,999.
The question arises: why are people willing to shell out such exorbitant amounts for these GPUs? The RTX 5090 is not only a powerhouse for gaming but also excels in handling AI workloads. This makes it highly desirable for startups and businesses in the AI sector, who aim to run models locally. Given that Nvidia's Datacenter GPUs are often out of reach for many, the RTX 5090 emerges as the next best alternative, regardless of its inflated aftermarket price.
Nvidia GeForce RTX 5090 – Photos
5 Images
However, the gaming community is not standing idly by amidst the supply shortages and scalping. In response, eBay has seen an influx of deceptive listings, where scammers are selling images of the RTX 5090 rather than the GPUs themselves. One such listing humorously warns, "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 clearly states, “Geforce RTX 5090 (read description) Picture Only - Not the Actual Item,” with a no-refund policy for the image, which is not the actual RTX 5090.
The underlying issue stems from the lack of competition in the high-end consumer GPU market. With AMD’s RX 9070 series unlikely to challenge Nvidia's dominance in terms of performance, and Intel trailing behind, Nvidia holds a commanding position. The scarcity of these GPUs, coupled with their exorbitant prices, presents a challenging scenario for high-end PC builders and enthusiasts.
