The launch of the Nvidia GeForce RTX 5090 and RTX 5080 has set the tech world ablaze. These high-performance GPUs, released at premium prices, have flown off the shelves, leaving many eager buyers in the cold. The demand has been so intense that both cards, particularly the RTX 5090, have become prime targets for scalpers on resale platforms like eBay. Within hours of their release, RTX 5090s were being resold for over $6,000, and prices have since soared to a staggering $9,000, marking a 350% increase over the GPU's manufacturer's suggested retail price (MSRP) of $1,999.
So, why are people willing to shell out such exorbitant sums for these GPUs? The RTX 5090 isn't just a powerhouse for gaming; it's also a valuable asset for AI workloads. This makes it highly sought after by 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 option, despite its inflated aftermarket prices.
Nvidia GeForce RTX 5090 – Photos
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However, the gaming community isn't taking the supply shortage and scalping lying down. In a clever twist, eBay has become a battleground for fake listings designed to outsmart scalpers. These listings offer not the RTX 5090 itself, but rather an image of the GPU. One such listing humorously warns, "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.” Meanwhile, another sold listing for $2,457 clearly states, “Geforce RTX 5090 (read description) Picture Only - Not the Actual Item,” with a no-refund policy 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 unlikely to challenge Nvidia's dominance in performance, and Intel trailing behind, Nvidia holds a commanding position. The scarcity of these cards, coupled with their sky-high prices, paints a bleak picture for high-end PC builders and enthusiasts, highlighting the urgent need for more competition and better supply management in the GPU market.
