Nvidia is set to launch its highly anticipated GeForce RTX 5090 and RTX 5080 graphics cards on January 30, 2025, at 9 AM EST. With promises of substantial performance improvements and cutting-edge features, the demand for these new GPUs is expected to be monumental, leading many experts to predict sell-outs within hours of their release.
The RTX 5090 will retail at approximately $1,999, and the RTX 5080 will be priced at around $999. These GPUs introduce GDDR7 memory, with the 5080 offering 34% more bandwidth than its predecessor, the RTX 4080. Nvidia claims these new cards will deliver double the performance of prior models.
According to Nvidia's release schedule, the RTX 5070 Ti and RTX 5070 will follow suit, launching shortly after, on February 2025, starting at $749 and $549, respectively. This expanded range aims to provide gamers with high-performance options at varying price points.
Retailers, including Newegg, Best Buy, and Nvidia’s official website, are gearing up for this launch. Shoppers should set their alarms early, as the cards will go live for purchase at precise times: 9 AM Eastern, 8 AM Central, 7 AM Mountain, and 6 AM Pacific. For those hoping to snag one of these coveted GPUs, preparation is key—refreshing web pages and having payment details handy will be necessary to compete for limited stock. Traditional brick-and-mortar locations are also feeling the buzz, with many customers already camping out to secure their chances at buying these hot items on launch day.
What’s more, early reports indicate substantial upgrades to the RTX series. For example, the RTX 5090 boasts 18,432 CUDA cores and delivers up to 60% faster performance compared to the RTX 4090, with enhanced specifications translating to improved gameplay experiences. Its new GDDR7 architecture elevates memory speed to the next level, with bandwidth reaching up to 1.5 TB/s, which is particularly beneficial for gamers engaged with 4K and 8K resolutions.
The performance enhancements also extend to AI capabilities with the newly integrated DLSS 4 technology. This feature reportedly quadruples frame generation with minimal visual loss, leading to some dramatic improvements across supported titles.
Reviews for the new GPUs have begun to surface as anticipation builds. Experts note the RTX 5090 is particularly impressive, yet its performance uplift compared to the RTX 4090 is perceived as more incremental than groundbreaking. Nevertheless, the AI-enhanced gaming experience received with DLSS 4 support has been praised for delivering high frame rates and improved visual fidelity, raising expectations among gaming communities.
Buying strategies are more important than ever this time around, with potential reseller practices looming. Analysts have warned about the inevitable price inflations from scalpers; reports suggest some retailers might have limited stock of the RTX 5080 and 5090 ready for leisure shoppers on launch day.
Despite the warning signs of impending scarcity, Nvidia and various third-party manufacturers are reportedly ramping up stock shipments. Nvidia's forums mention significant demand and potential stock-outs could occur on launch day. The company reassured consumers, mentioning increased deliveries intended to meet capacity demands. Retailers are expected to implement systems like digital queues to handle the high traffic expected during the launch.
For those who opt for pre-built gaming desktops with the new GPUs, they can already find options available for pre-order via retailers like Adorama. Although these pre-built systems often come at premium prices compared to standalone cards, they might offer the best bet for those unwilling to risk missing out on Nvidia’s flagship models directly.
Not surprisingly, Nvidia has learned from past GPU launches and is bracing for the challenges associated with significant consumer interest. The company seems determined to improve availability compared to prior launches where stock shortages were rampant and many failed to get their hands on the cards.
Given the advanced technological features and specifications wrapped around the RTX 5090 and RTX 5080, Nvidia appears set to deliver much more than just another round of gaming hardware. For enthusiasts, these GPUs could become the gold standard for high-performance gaming and creative applications.
With ever-evolving gaming landscapes and demanding graphics requirements, Nvidia's RTX 50 series promises to enrich the gaming experience for both casual and competitive gamers alike. The final question now looms: will you be ready at the crack of dawn to pounce on your chance to own one of these cards?