The RTX 50-series GPUs have arrived, but their availability remains a significant challenge. Following the limited launch of the RTX 5090 and RTX 5080 in January, renowned market analyst Ming-Chi Kuo predicts further delays and potential stock shortages for the rest of the lineup.
Supply constraints are cited as the primary reason for these shortages. The RTX 5090 sold out almost immediately, with some retailers suggesting June as a potential restock date. This scarcity has created a lucrative market for scalpers, with exorbitant prices on platforms like eBay, including instances of photos of the GPU being sold for $2,000.
Gamers hoped for improved availability with the release of the RTX 5070 Ti and RTX 5070, rumored to launch on February 20 and in early March, respectively. The latter is expected to compete directly with AMD’s RX 9070 XT, a card that has also faced its own availability challenges.
Kuo’s predictions indicate a delay in mass production for the RTX 5070 and RTX 5060, pushing their release back to March and April, respectively. The RTX 5060, often the preferred GPU for mainstream gamers, is now anticipated in April.
Unfortunately, supply issues are expected to affect the mainstream RTX 5070 and RTX 5060 as well. This raises concerns of another “paper launch,” where GPUs are technically released but practically unavailable to consumers at retail prices.
Further adding to the bleak outlook, conversations with retailers in Taiwan by X (Twitter) user Kakashii suggest an uncertain timeline for RTX 5090 and RTX 5080 restocks, potentially extending for weeks or even months. This situation echoes the challenges faced during the RTX 30-series launch.
While this is undoubtedly frustrating for Nvidia enthusiasts, AMD might benefit. The lack of available Nvidia GPUs could drive consumers towards the RX 9070 XT, especially if priced competitively. More information on this is expected in the coming weeks.
