On January 30, 2025, the eagerly anticipated Nvidia RTX 5080 and 5090 graphics cards went live for pre-order at 9 AM ET, sparking high demand as tech enthusiasts rushed to secure the new hardware.
Right at the release time, major retailers including Newegg and Best Buy had their product pages set up, but the excitement came with warnings of rapidly dwindling stock levels. Reports indicate the limited availability, echoing previous launches of Nvidia cards where supplies were swallowed up almost instantly.
For prospective buyers, the urgency is palpable. 'Multiple reports say RTX 50-series cards will quickly run out of stock at launch,' reported GamesRadar+ Creative Director Kevin Lee. This sentiment was highlighted across various tech outlets as consumers prepared for the race against time.
Newegg emerged as one of the first stores to confirm the availability of both the RTX 5090 and RTX 5080 pre-orders. Customers were advised to refresh their screens frequently and, if entering a queuing system, to stay put for the best chance at securing their desired GPU.
The competitiveness of this launch can be compared to the release of high-demand products such as the PlayStation 5's 30th Anniversary Edition, reinforcing the expectation of fast sellouts. Customers were advised to have online accounts ready with payment and shipping information saved to bypass delays.
While the Nvidia site itself is not handling direct purchases, other platforms like Amazon are worth checking, even though previous year’s trends suggest limited chances for successful orders. Establishing swift action on this front is imperative.
Adding to the excitement, retailers have been showcasing various pre-built gaming PCs featuring the new graphics cards. Maingear, for example, has included the RTX 5080 and 5090 options within their high-end offerings. Their systems are customizable, allowing buyers to tailor the build to their liking.
Newegg has also been spotlighting several models with the RTX 5080. Among these, the ABS Kaze Ruby gaming PC, previously noted for its high-performance specs, is available for $2,699.99, down from $2,999.99. This offers gamers advanced gaming performance, powered by the latest Nvidia technology.
At Best Buy, retailers are mostly updating their listings to show 'coming soon' labels, indicating eager anticipation among shoppers. When live, CyberPower's Gamer Supreme configuration featuring the RTX 5080 is expected to draw significant attention.
The demand is certainly justified; Nvidia’s latest advancements allow for stunning performance, with the RTX 5090 reportedly capable of delivering gameplay at 4K resolution and 400 frames per second, promising to be one of the most powerful consumer graphics cards to date.
Interestingly, even smaller brands are capitalizing on the buzz around the RTX 50 series, offering their own pre-built gaming PCs and custom options to meet the growing desires of gamers. The competition among various retailers will not only influence stock levels but may also determine potential deals and promotions.
Potential buyers should keep their expectations realistic as they prepare for the pre-order rush. With Nvidia confirming low stock levels and high demand anticipated, securing one of these graphics cards is expected to be as competitive as it is exhilarating.
Whether you’re waiting for the RTX 5080 or the more premium RTX 5090, one thing is clear: if you want to be among the first to experience Nvidia's cutting-edge GPU technology, you’ll need to act fast and navigate the frenzy of online purchasing like seasoned pros.