The highly anticipated RTX 5090 and 5080 GPUs have launched, creating a frenzy in the market. High demand and limited supply have led to immediate sellouts at most retailers, leaving many potential buyers disappointed.
Consequently, both GPUs, particularly the RTX 5090, are experiencing significant price gouging on secondary marketplaces like eBay. Shortly after release, RTX 5090s were listed for over $6,000, with prices escalating to a shocking $9,000 – a 350% markup from the MSRP of $1,999.
This exorbitant pricing attracts buyers beyond gamers. The RTX 5090's suitability for AI workloads makes it a desirable option for startups and businesses needing local model processing. With Nvidia's datacenter GPUs out of reach for many, the RTX 5090 becomes a viable alternative, despite the inflated resale costs.
Nvidia GeForce RTX 5090 – Images
5 Images
The gaming community's response to the scarcity and scalping is noteworthy. eBay is flooded with deceptive listings, selling images of the RTX 5090 instead of the actual product.
One listing explicitly states: "Bots and scalpers welcome, do not buy if you are a human, you will be getting a framed photo of the 5090, you will not receive the 5090. The photo detentions [sic] is 8 inches by 8 inches, I got the frame from Target. DO NOT BUY IF YOU’RE A HUMAN.”
Another completed listing, sold for $2,457, clearly indicates: “Geforce RTX 5090 (read description) Picture Only - Not the Actual Item,” with a similar disclaimer regarding non-refundable image purchases.
The core problem stems from the lack of robust competition in the high-end consumer GPU market. With AMD's RX 9070 series unlikely to challenge Nvidia's dominance and Intel trailing behind, Nvidia holds a monopoly. The current shortage and exorbitant prices paint a bleak outlook for high-end PC builders and enthusiasts.
