The Nvidia RTX 5090, the flagship graphics card of the Blackwell series, has seen its inflated prices gradually decrease, though they still sit significantly above the manufacturer’s suggested retail price (MSRP). Recent data compiled from eBay sales by a Reddit user reveals a downward trend, with average prices dropping from around $6,000 at launch to approximately $4,000 in recent weeks.
Supply Shortages and Initial Price Hikes
Since its release, the RTX 5090 has been plagued by severe supply shortages, mirroring previous GPU launches. This scarcity fueled exorbitant prices on secondary markets like eBay, with some initial listings reaching as high as $10,000, drastically exceeding the MSRP. This echoes past GPU shortages where limited supply and high demand created a perfect storm for price inflation.
Analyzing the Price Decline
The compiled eBay sales data illustrates a consistent decline in RTX 5090 prices. In the week following launch, prices fluctuated wildly, ranging from MSRP to a staggering $10,000. From January 30th to March 21st, the standard deviation, a measure of price volatility, was $1,121.98. However, focusing solely on March, the standard deviation significantly decreased to $145.60. This suggests a growing market stability and more consistent pricing among resellers.
A graph showing price trend for the RTX 5090 Founders Edition
Nvidia’s Response and European Price Adjustments
Nvidia has acknowledged the supply chain challenges and is actively working to increase stock levels for the RTX 50-series GPUs. The company expects prices to stabilize closer to MSRP as availability improves. They are collaborating with partners to optimize supply chains and more effectively meet consumer demand.
In Europe, Nvidia has implemented price reductions for its RTX 50-series, including a drop of over four percent for the RTX 5090 to €2,229. This adjustment is attributed to the Euro’s increased strength against the dollar. However, limited stock continues to hinder consumer access to these GPUs even at the adjusted prices.
Looking Ahead: Continued Stabilization Expected
Despite these positive developments, the RTX 5090 remains difficult to acquire, and prices are still elevated above MSRP. Consumers are encouraged to monitor official retail channels for restocks and exercise caution when considering purchases from third-party sellers to avoid inflated pricing. As Nvidia and its partners continue their efforts to bolster supply, a gradual price decline towards stabilization is anticipated.
