by Harper Apr 12,2025
The wait is finally over for PC enthusiasts and gamers alike: the first wave of Nvidia GeForce RTX 50-series graphics cards is now available for preorder, starting at 6am PT on January 30. Kicking off the series are the two highest-end GPUs, the RTX 5090 and RTX 5080. Meanwhile, the mid-range RTX 5070 and RTX 5070 Ti cards are slated for release later in February.
Be prepared, though; launch-day stock of these GPUs is expected to vanish within hours or even minutes. Retailers have cautioned about potential shortages, exacerbated by bots that snatch up GPUs to resell at inflated prices. If you're ready to buy and lucky enough to find one in stock, don't hesitate. Another option is to consider prebuilt PCs equipped with the RTX 5090, which tend to remain available longer, albeit at a higher cost.
Update: Most retailers have already sold out.
Although only the RTX 5090 and 5080 will launch in January, Nvidia has revealed pricing on all four known models:
Various RTX 5090 and RTX 5080 graphics cards are listed for sale at the retailers mentioned above, but the availability of units can vary. To maximize your chances of securing one of the RTX 50-series cards on launch day, it's advisable to check each retailer and proceed with the first available card that allows you to complete checkout. With thousands of people vying for the same GPUs, even if you see one in stock, there's no guarantee you'll be able to purchase it.
Based on past Nvidia GPU launches, Best Buy may offer one of the best opportunities to purchase an RTX 5090 or RTX 5080 online, especially the Founder's Edition. Currently, only FE and Gigabyte graphics cards are listed, but more from Asus, MSI, and Zotac are expected. Best Buy's inventory varies by region, so if you're in an area with lower demand, your chances improve significantly. Best Buy also tends to ship preorders or offer in-store pickup quickly, meaning you could have your card within days.
Newegg should be high on your list as it stocks the widest selection of AIB 5090 and 5080 graphics cards from third-party manufacturers. Currently, there are 43 different models listed, though availability isn't guaranteed. As an authorized reseller, you'll be eligible for the full manufacturer's warranty when buying directly from Newegg. Even if standalone cards sell out, Newegg offers bundle kits that include additional components, which can be beneficial if you're building a PC from scratch.
While the Nvidia Store might seem like the logical first stop, securing a Founder's Edition here is challenging due to high demand. However, Nvidia has previously sent out special invites to registered users or those signed up for notifications through GeForce Experience or the Nvidia app, offering a glimmer of hope for loyal customers.
Amazon is a convenient option, but finding a GPU can be tricky without direct links. The site is often filled with overpriced listings from marketplace vendors. To ensure you're getting a genuine deal, always confirm the vendor is Amazon direct.
Adorama offers preorders for AIB RTX 5080 and 5090 GPUs, as well as pre-built gaming PCs. Be aware that their preorder queue can be slower than other vendors, potentially leading to longer wait times. Despite this, Adorama is a legitimate and authorized Nvidia reseller.
B&H Photo lists a variety of RTX 5090 and 5080 GPUs, but like Adorama, shipping times for preorders can be lengthy. They're an established retailer and authorized Nvidia reseller, expanding beyond their camera and print roots to a wide ecommerce platform.
If you're near a Micro Center, it's your best bet for securing an RTX 5090 or 5080 on launch day. Micro Center typically reserves GPU sales for in-store customers, so early arrival is key. Some enthusiasts have already started camping out to ensure they get their hands on one.
The Nvidia 50 series GPUs were officially unveiled at CES 2025, with a focus on enhanced AI features rather than traditional raster performance. DLSS 4 technology promises to quadruple frame rates with minimal visual compromise. While these new GPUs offer a modest performance boost, opinions vary on their value compared to the RTX 40 series.
In our review of the Nvidia GeForce RTX 5090 FE, Jackie Thomas noted, "The Nvidia GeForce RTX 5090 has officially taken the performance crown from the RTX 4090, but with less force than previous generations. When it comes to traditional non-AI gaming performance, the RTX 5090 provides one of the smallest generational uplifts in recent memory. However, in games that support it, DLSS 4 really does deliver huge performance gains – you just have to make your peace with the fact that 75% of the frames are generated with AI."
Jackie echoed a similar sentiment in our review of the Nvidia GeForce RTX 5080 FE, stating, "If you already have a high-end graphics card from the last couple of years, the Nvidia GeForce RTX 5080 doesn’t make a lot of sense – it just doesn’t have much of a performance lead over the RTX 4080, though the extra frames from DLSS 4 Multi-Frame Generation do make things look better in games that support it. However, for gamers with an older graphics card who want a significant performance boost, the RTX 5080 absolutely provides – doubly so if you’re comfortable with Nvidia’s AI goodies."
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