The highly anticipated Nvidia RTX 5090, with a $2,000 MSRP, isn’t officially launching until January 30th. However, scalpers are already taking advantage of the hype, listing the coveted graphics card on eBay for exorbitant prices, some reaching a staggering $7,000. This echoes the GPU shortages experienced during the RTX 30-series launch, but the RTX 5090 scalping seems to be reaching unprecedented levels.
As reported by VideoCardz, individuals claiming early access to the RTX 5090 are leveraging eBay to sell these cards at a significant markup. Many listings are pre-sales, as the card isn’t officially available yet, with estimated shipping dates around February 5th, a week after the official release. This raises questions about the legitimacy of these offers and the wisdom of paying such inflated prices for a product that will be readily available soon.
While the $7,000 listings remain without bids, other listings priced between $2,750 and $3,950 are attracting numerous bids, some exceeding 30. This indicates a concerning trend of buyers willing to pay almost double the MSRP from potentially unreliable sources.
Nvidia RTX 5090 Scalping
One particular eBay listing, currently at $3,950 with 10 bids, is from a seller claiming to be an employee of a technology retailer with guaranteed RTX 5090 stock. They claim the retailer expects shipments around January 30th, with a minimum 10-day waiting period for buyers.
Adding insult to injury, this $4,000 listing comes with a strict no-refund or return policy. The seller states that any defects are the manufacturer’s responsibility and absolves themselves of any liability. Buyers are required to agree to these terms before purchasing.
While the initial availability of the RTX 50-series might be limited, fueling this scalping frenzy, it’s strongly recommended to resist these inflated prices. Patience, even for a few months, is generally the best approach to avoid overpaying and potential scams. Waiting for official retail channels offers consumer protection and ensures a legitimate product.
