The long-awaited RTX 5090 and 5080 GPUs have finally hit the market, sparking a frenzy among tech enthusiasts and professionals alike. These high-powered and high-priced graphics cards sold out almost instantly across various retail channels, leaving many eager buyers disappointed and out in the cold.
Due to the overwhelming demand, both GPUs, particularly the RTX 5090, have become prime targets for scalpers. On resale platforms like eBay, RTX 5090s were quickly snapped up for over $6,000. The situation has escalated rapidly, with prices now soaring to a staggering peak of $9,000—a 350% markup over the GPU's Manufacturer's Suggested Retail Price (MSRP) of $1,999.
So, why are people willing to pay such exorbitant prices? The RTX 5090 is not just a powerhouse for gaming but also excels in handling AI workloads. This makes it highly desirable for startups and businesses in the AI sector, looking to run models locally. With Nvidia’s Datacenter GPUs often out of reach for many, the RTX 5090 emerges as the next best alternative, despite the inflated aftermarket prices.
Nvidia GeForce RTX 5090 – Photos
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However, the gaming community is not taking this supply shortage and scalping lightly. In response, eBay has seen a surge in fake listings designed to deceive buyers. These listings offer an image of the RTX 5090 instead of the actual card. One such listing humorously warns potential buyers: "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 dimensions are 8 inches by 8 inches, I got the frame from Target. DO NOT BUY IF YOU’RE A HUMAN."
Another sold listing, which fetched $2,457, was equally candid: "Geforce RTX 5090 (read description) Picture Only - Not the Actual Item," clearly stating that no refunds would be issued for the image, which is not the RTX 5090 itself.
The underlying problem stems from the lack of competition in the high-end consumer GPU market. With AMD's RX 9070 series struggling to challenge Nvidia's dominance, and Intel still playing catch-up, Nvidia holds a commanding position. The scarcity of these cards, coupled with their exorbitant prices, creates a challenging landscape for high-end PC builders and enthusiasts, painting a bleak picture for the immediate future.
