NVIDIA's latest high-end graphics cards, the GeForce RTX 5080 and RTX 5090, launched today, January 30, 2025, amid heightened anticipation and significant demand. Unveiled at CES 2025, these new graphics cards promise to revolutionize gaming performance with their advanced Blackwell architecture, DLSS 4 support, and the cutting-edge GDDR7 memory format.
Despite the excitement surrounding their release, many eager gamers are finding it difficult to purchase the new GPUs due to widespread supply shortages. Reports indicate retailers struggle to keep these cards stocked, with early indications showing nearly all models listed online are already sold out. According to IGN, "Every single one of the 47 different variations on Newegg's site is now sold out, from the $999.99 base model RTX 5080 to the $2,799.99 commanded for the Asus ROG Astral RTX 5090."
Given the trend of past NVIDIA launches, many anticipated these challenges. Supply numbers appear to be particularly low this time around, with NVIDIA having warned about inventory constraints leading up to the launch. Partner manufacturers like MSI expect to ship additional RTX 5090 stock as late as February 6, complicity asserting, "If history repeats itself, it’ll be partner cards to the rescue."
The flagship RTX 5080 features impressive specs including 10,752 CUDA cores, and 16GB of GDDR7 memory, achieving effective memory bandwidth of 960 GB/s. It also provides 336 AI Tensor cores meant to boost AI performance and supports ray tracing with 84 RT cores. The performance enhancements translate well, with both models pushing 4K gaming experiences to new heights, aided by technologies like NVIDIA's DLSS 4 and Multi-Frame Generation.
The performance of the RTX 5080 remains particularly impressive as it caters to high-resolution gaming enthusiasts. Early benchmarks suggest it holds around 11% more performance than its predecessor, the RTX 4080. Despite the lack of monumental leaps over the previous generation, the RTX 5080 is well-poised for 4K gaming scenarios.
Unfortunately, these advancements and superior specifications come alongside difficulties such as those highlighted by IGN: "The prices mostly elevated from the initially announced MSRP of the RTX 5080 and RTX 5090," indicating marketplace inflation. Purchasers have also been warned against paying inflated prices from scalpers, particularly those taking advantage of the current scarcity by reselling cards at double or triple their retail cost.
With offers from major retailers like Amazon, Overclockers UK, Scan, Box, and Currys expected to compete for attention, fast action is recommended for anyone wanting to secure the new cards. Some online stores will only feature limited GPU models, so checking for stock alerts and jumping on deals is pivotal. Retailers may also provide exclusive bundles detailing components from high-end manufacturers like ASUS, MSI, and Gigabyte.
Despite facing hurdles, NVIDIA hopes to bolster its GPU sales by leveraging the burgeoning AI market. Data processing for AI-driven tasks relies heavily on discrete GPUs which could also benefit from the RTX 5090 capabilities. Analysts suggest the demand for these cards might remain high, thanks to the continued investment toward developing AI-centric technologies, raising questions about whether traditional gaming enthusiasts can still secure their purchase.
Skeptics still exist, with speculation circulating about natural tendencies to preserve current setups instead of upgrading to the anticipated RTX 50-series benefits. NVIDIA’s push for DLSS 4-assisted enhancements and improved performance through AI algorithms might not compel all users to buy new hardware. Many owners of existing RTX 4080 cards may find it challenging to justify the costs associated with these new entries.
Overall, the launch of the NVIDIA GeForce RTX 5080 and RTX 5090 provides exciting new technologies for gamers, but also highlights the considerable challenges consumers face due to scarce supplies. Retailers and NVIDIA alike are grappling with the fallout from increased demand coupled with lagging inventory levels, making securing these coveted GPUs a race against time and opportunity.