Key Takeaways
1. RTX 5080 and RTX 5090 GPUs are being sold significantly above their MSRP.
2. Buyers accuse companies like Asus of price manipulation related to Nvidia’s review embargo.
3. The official launch of the RTX 5070 Ti is on February 20th, but reviews will be available a day earlier.
4. Limited availability of RTX 5070 Ti at MSRP, with only a single model near the price in the U.S.
5. Nvidia faces backlash over high prices and limited supply, affecting consumer options and market dynamics.
It’s well-known that stores are offering RTX 5080 and RTX 5090 GPUs at prices significantly higher than their suggested retail prices (MSRP). Buyers of the RTX 5070 Ti are now accusing companies like Asus of manipulating prices to align with Nvidia’s review embargo rules. The official launch date for the RTX 5070 Ti is February 20th, but reviews for the $749 MSRP cards are set to be released on February 19th. Despite the anticipation, few GPUs are available at this price point.
Review Embargoes and Price Manipulation
The embargo on reviews for the more expensive RTX 5070 Ti cards will lift on February 20th. This might not sound like much, but the initial reviews tend to capture the most attention. VideoCardz.com pointed out that similar price tactics helped draw attention to other RTX 50 series cards. For instance, Asus first listed the RTX 5080 Prime at $999 with standard clock speeds. This pricing allowed the graphics card to be featured in early reviews. Just one week later, though, the price rose to $1265 in Asus’ own store.
Limited Availability and High Prices
Currently, there’s no guaranteed option at the MSRP for the Nvidia RTX 5070 Ti unless buyers seek out the Founders Edition. Nvidia has suggested a starting price of $749 for these cards. When customers in the U.S. check listings at Micro Center and Best Buy, the only RTX 5070 Ti that is near that price is a single PNY model. The situation is just as bleak in Europe, where retailers are advertising shockingly high prices for the RTX 5070 Ti.
The Blame Game Continues
The ongoing debate over RTX 5070 Ti prices sees Nvidia facing a lot of the backlash. It’s been reported that one reason EVGA left the GPU market is due to Nvidia making it hard to earn profits on custom cards. A limited supply greatly contributes to the issue, while tariffs compel manufacturers to reconsider their pricing strategies. As always, it’s the consumers who bear the brunt of these challenges.
The initial benchmarks for the RTX 5070 Ti show that its performance is surprisingly close to that of the RTX 5080. Sadly, the idea of paying $250 less for this GPU is becoming increasingly unlikely.
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