The highly anticipated Nvidia RTX 5090 and RTX 5080 graphics cards are slated for release later this month, promising to be among the top performers of the year. However, several sources suggest that securing one at launch might be challenging due to potential supply constraints, reminiscent of the RTX 30-series launch. Could we be facing another GPU shortage?
Several leaks compiled by VideoCardz indicate that Nvidia and its partners may struggle to meet the initial demand for these next-gen GPUs. While an official postponement of the January 30th release date is unlikely, limited availability and delayed restocks are a real possibility.
These claims originate from various sources, lending them credibility. PowerGPU, a custom PC builder, warned on X (formerly Twitter): “The launch of the RTX 5090 will be the worst when it comes to availability. Already being told to expect it to be that way for the first 3 months.” This bleak outlook suggests significant supply limitations for at least the initial launch period.
Warning you all now.
The launch of the RTX 5090 will be the worst when it comes to availability. Already being told to expect it to be that way for the first 3 months.
— PowerGPU (@PowerGPU) January 21, 2025
A Zotac Korea representative echoed these concerns on TagTag, stating that their RTX 5090 won’t be available until February, possibly even mid-February. The extent to which the RTX 5080 will be affected remains unclear.
MSIZotac cites external factors as the cause of the shortage. Benchlife, a generally reliable source for hardware leaks, attributes the limited supply to “communication issues between Nvidia and its add-in card (AIC) partners,” though this should be treated with some caution. Benchlife asserts that while both the RTX 5090 and RTX 5080 will launch on January 30th, available quantities will be far below demand.
What does this mean for consumers eager to purchase an RTX 5090 or RTX 5080 at launch? It likely means a challenging few weeks until availability improves. The potential for scalpers to acquire and resell cards at inflated prices is a significant concern, especially considering the RTX 5090’s already high $2,000 MSRP. Partner models are expected to exceed this price, making scalper markups of $2,500 or more a distinct possibility.
The RTX 30-series launch, coinciding with a widespread GPU shortage, was a frustrating experience for many. Restocks vanished within seconds, and scalpers thrived. While a repeat of that scenario is unlikely, securing an RTX 50-series card early on may prove difficult.
For now, we must wait until January 30th to see if these concerning reports hold true. The launch of the RTX 5090 and RTX 5080 promises exciting advancements in graphics technology, but potential supply issues could cast a shadow over the initial release.
