Tag: RTX 5080

  • Lucky Walmart Shoppers Find RTX 50 Series GPUs Under MSRP

    Lucky Walmart Shoppers Find RTX 50 Series GPUs Under MSRP

    Key Takeaways

    1. Walmart shoppers have found significant discounts on RTX 50 series GPUs, often below MSRP.
    2. Successful purchases have been reported on Reddit, with users buying RTX 5080 and RTX 5070 at prices much lower than retail.
    3. Returned GPUs at Walmart can be restocked at discounted prices, even if they are still sealed.
    4. The strategy of buying online and returning to store for restock discounts is gaining popularity among shoppers.
    5. Similar discount tactics are also being observed at other retailers, like Micro Center.


    Walmart shoppers have discovered a way to save money on RTX 50 series GPUs, which are usually sold at prices much higher than the manufacturer’s suggested retail price (MSRP) at many retailers. Some lucky individuals have shared their experiences on Reddit, revealing that they managed to buy an RTX 5080 and an RTX 5070 for prices significantly below MSRP by checking their local Walmart stores, despite these cards typically being available only online.

    Important Considerations

    Before you head out to your local Walmart, keep in mind that these reports are about a week old and Walmart might have updated its policies since then.

    Success Stories

    Around eight days ago, a Reddit user, CPrizzy, shared on the r/nvidia subreddit that they snagged a PNY RTX 5080 GPU for $896 (not including tax) at their nearby Walmart, while the MSRP for this item was $1,280 at checkout. After speaking to a store employee, the user discovered that the GPU had been returned just a day before and was placed back on the shelf with a lower price. The user even posted photos of the pristine RTX 5080, along with some technical details and performance benchmarks.

    More Deals Found

    Just two days later, another Redditor from Tampa, Florida, visited their local Walmart and purchased a PNY RTX 5070 for $515. This GPU was still in its sealed packaging but was also discounted and available on the shelf. At checkout, they learned that because these GPUs are meant to be sold online, any returns made in-store are restocked at a lower price, regardless of whether the packaging has been opened or not.

    A Popular Strategy

    Many commenters pointed out that shoppers are taking advantage of this situation to get GPUs at lower prices. They buy the items online, return them to the store, and then wait for them to be restocked at discounted rates so they can buy them again. This tactic is not limited to Walmart; Micro Center is also seeing similar activities.

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  • GeForce RTX 5080 Laptop Benchmarks: 10% Slower Than RTX 5090

    GeForce RTX 5080 Laptop Benchmarks: 10% Slower Than RTX 5090

    Key Takeaways

    1. Performance Gap: The mobile RTX 5080 is 10 to 15 percent slower than the mobile RTX 5090 based on benchmark tests.

    2. Game Performance: The performance difference is more noticeable in demanding games and at 4K resolutions, while it decreases at lower resolutions.

    3. DLSS Effect: The performance advantage of the RTX 5090 over the RTX 5080 remains consistent, regardless of whether DLSS is enabled or disabled.

    4. Value Consideration: The small performance difference suggests that choosing the RTX 5080 could be more cost-effective than opting for the RTX 5090.

    5. Potential Savings: Selecting laptops with the RTX 5080 may result in savings of hundreds of dollars while still providing strong performance.


    Laptops with Blackwell GPUs are starting to appear on the market just as manufacturers have promised. Now that the high-end mobile RTX 5090 has been extensively tested, it’s time to look at how the mobile RTX 5080 stacks up. It’s not surprising that the performance difference between the mobile RTX 5080 and the mobile RTX 5090 is similar to the difference seen between the mobile RTX 4080 and the mobile RTX 4090.

    Performance Comparison

    3DMark benchmarks from our two Schenker Neo 16 test units, which both feature the same Ryzen 9 9955HX processors, indicate that the RTX 5080 model is about 10 to 15 percent slower than its more expensive counterpart. This gap is evident when playing actual games like Baldur’s Gate 3, Final Fantasy XV, Alan Wake 2, or Assassin’s Creed Shadows. As usual, the performance difference is larger at 4K resolutions in demanding games, while at lower resolutions, where graphics are less reliant on the GPU, the difference shrinks.

    DLSS Impact

    An interesting point to note is that the performance difference between the mobile RTX 5080 and mobile RTX 5090 stays constant regardless of whether DLSS is turned on or off. For instance, when playing Assassin’s Creed Shadows with DLSS activated, the mobile RTX 5090 still holds a 15 percent advantage over the mobile RTX 5080.

    Conclusion on GPU Selection

    The relatively minor performance gap between these two high-end GPUs suggests that it could be more beneficial to choose laptops with the RTX 5080 rather than the RTX 5090. This choice could lead to savings of hundreds of dollars or potentially offer better value for performance per dollar spent.

  • Trump Tariffs Could Cause RTX 5080 Price to Soar, AIB Warns

    Trump Tariffs Could Cause RTX 5080 Price to Soar, AIB Warns

    Key Takeaways

    1. The initial stock for the RTX 50 series was very poor, with misleading MSRPs for the RTX 5090 and RTX 5080.
    2. Recent leaks suggest the price of the RTX 5080 could increase by 60% over its MSRP, with retail prices exceeding $1,400.
    3. Anticipated US tariffs could further raise the price of the RTX 5080 by at least 35% if exemptions expire in June.
    4. Gamers face a difficult situation with limited options, either waiting or paying significantly more for GPUs.
    5. Nvidia and AMD are set to release more affordable GPU alternatives, the RTX 5060 and RX 9060, which may provide better options for gamers.


    We have been discussing the terrible situation regarding the RTX 50 stock and pricing since the RTX 5090 and RTX 5080 were introduced on January 30, 2025. It’s well-known that the initial stock for the RTX 50 launch was extremely poor, and the so-called “official” MSRPs for the RTX 5090/5080, along with the later RTX 5070/5070 Ti, were basically misleading.

    Price Increases Ahead

    As if the situation couldn’t get any worse, a recent leak from Moore’s Law Is Dead suggests that the price of the RTX 5080 might soar to as much as 60% over its MSRP. A “Major” AIB source disclosed to MLID that they are selling “5080s to our retail partners for more than $1,400 before any additional mark-up.” Despite this inflated cost, retailers are still purchasing the RTX 5080 at such high prices because the AIB has cautioned them that “things could get even worse soon.”

    Potential for More Problems

    Just how much worse could it get? The AIB source indicated that they anticipate the RTX 5080 to “stay over 35% above MSRP.” However, this number could potentially rise to 60% if the US Section 301 tariffs implemented by former President Donald Trump in 2017 come back into play. The AIB noted that the exemptions for these tariffs are set to expire in June “as they are supposed to at this moment.” Thus, if these exemptions do indeed end and the tariffs are reinstated, the RTX 5080 produced by this “Major” AIB will become significantly pricier.

    Uncertain Future for Gamers

    Considering MLID’s recent findings and the fact that even system integrators are struggling to obtain the RTX 5090 at a fair price, it seems very unlikely that the situation will get any better anytime soon. Unfortunately for gamers, the only options available are to either wait and hope or spend a lot more money.

    On a positive note, both Nvidia and AMD are preparing to introduce their more affordable GPU alternatives in the RTX 5060 and RX 9060, respectively. If these new GPUs avoid the same troubles as their larger counterparts, gamers might finally have some next-gen choices to explore.

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  • RTX 5080 Lacks ROPs, Causes Gaming Performance Loss in Tests

    RTX 5080 Lacks ROPs, Causes Gaming Performance Loss in Tests

    Key Takeaways

    1. The RTX 5070 Ti shows a performance drop of over 10% due to having eight fewer Render Output Units (ROPs), suggesting similar issues for RTX 5090 and RTX 5080 GPUs.

    2. Gamers Nexus tested an RTX 5080 with 104 ROPs against one with 112 ROPs, revealing performance differences of up to 11% in various games at 4K resolution.

    3. In games like Baldur’s Gate 3 and Black Myth: Wukong, there was no performance difference between the two RTX 5080 models, while Dying Light 2 showed an 8.7% advantage for the model with full ROPs.

    4. At 1440p resolution, the performance gap is generally slight, but specific titles like Dying Light 2 still show notable differences, emphasizing game-dependent performance.

    5. The performance drop in ROPs affects the RTX 5080’s competitiveness against other GPUs, prompting users to ensure their cards have all ROPs intact or consider refunds/replacements.


    We previously mentioned that the RTX 5070 Ti appears to experience a performance drop of over 10% due to having eight fewer Render Output Units (ROPs). From this, it was clear that the RTX 5090 and RTX 5080 GPUs would likely face similar performance issues.

    Latest Gaming Tests

    However, we lacked solid gaming tests to support this. That changed when Gamers Nexus tested a defective RTX 5080 that had only 104 ROPs against a normal one with all 112 ROPs across various games. The results could be concerning for certain gamers out there.

    Testing conducted by Gamers Nexus at 4K resolution shows that the RTX 5080 with full ROPs can have anywhere from no performance difference to an 11% gain. The smallest difference is found in games like Baldur’s Gate 3 and Black Myth: Wukong, where both cards perform the same. Nevertheless, the RTX 5080 with 112 ROPs has a 4.9% edge over the one with missing ROPs in Dragon’s Dogma 2. The gap widens to 8.7% in Dying Light 2 and reaches a notable 11% in Total War: Warhammer 3.

    Performance at Different Resolutions

    When looking at 1440p, the gap between a fully operational RTX 5080 and one that’s lacking 8 ROPs is slight in most games tested. Yet, in Dying Light 2, the RTX 5080 with 112 ROPs shows an improvement of 8.8%. In short, the decline in gaming performance varies by title. While some games perform the same on both cards, others reportedly lag on the RTX 5080 with fewer ROPs.

    Conclusion

    Not surprisingly, this drop in performance impacts the RTX 5080’s comparison with other GPUs in the titles where the most performance loss occurs. Gamers Nexus goes deeper into specific games and compares the performance results with the 5070 Ti and the RX 7900 XTX. Be sure to check out the full video, which is linked below.

    In summary, make sure your RTX 5090/5080/5070 Ti has all ROPs intact, and if not, consider asking for a refund or a replacement.

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  • Asus ROG Strix G18 (2025) Now Available for Pre-Order with RTX 5080

    Asus ROG Strix G18 (2025) Now Available for Pre-Order with RTX 5080

    Key Takeaways

    1. The 2025 ROG Strix G series includes 16- and 18-inch models powered by RTX 5070 and 5080, with Intel and AMD options for gamers.
    2. The design features a refined look with RGB underlighting and a glowing ROG logo, resembling the Zephyrus G-series style.
    3. An advanced Tri-Fan cooling system enhances performance during gaming, with easy tool-less access for upgrading components.
    4. Currently, only one high-end model, the G18, is available for pre-order at $2,999.99, while a Ryzen version of the G16 is “coming soon” at $1,899.99.
    5. The series features the latest NVIDIA technology, including DLSS 4 and Frame Generation for improved graphics performance.


    The 2025 ROG Strix G series was unveiled at CES 2025, featuring 16- and 18-inch models powered by RTX 5070 and 5080. These laptops come in both Intel and AMD options, offering a range of choices for gamers.

    A Sleek Design

    While they may not grab as much attention as the flagship Strix Scar series due to the absence of flashy AniME Matrix LED animations, the Strix G models present a more refined look. They boast a complete RGB underlighting setup and a glowing ROG logo on the lid, giving them a sophisticated, Zephyrus G-series style.

    Enhanced Cooling System

    The latest Strix G models are designed to improve gaming experiences with their advanced Tri-Fan cooling system. This innovative setup features a vapor chamber flanked by a full-width heat sink and full-surround vents, ensuring optimal performance during intense gaming sessions.

    Maintaining these laptops is quite easy, thanks to tool-less access, which allows for simple upgrades of components like RAM and SSD.

    Limited Variant Availability

    Unfortunately, the series has launched with only one high-end model available: the G18. This version includes 16GB of RTX 5080 graphics, 32GB of DDR5-5600 RAM, a 2TB PCIe 4.0 SSD, and the Core Ultra 9 275HX processor.

    Additionally, it offers an IPS version of Asus’ 240Hz 2.5K ROG Nebula Display, Wi-Fi 7, Bluetooth 5.4, and dual Thunderbolt 5 ports.

    Pre-orders for this top-tier laptop can be made at Best Buy, priced at $2,999.99. Meanwhile, Best Buy is also showcasing a Ryzen version of the G16 (2025) with an RTX 5070 Ti, featuring a 1080p 165Hz display, “coming soon” at a price of $1,899.99.

    Official Announcement

    Fremont, California, February 25, 2025 – ASUS Republic of Gamers (ROG) has announced the launch of its 2025 NVIDIA ® RTX™ Laptop GPU line-up, which is now available for pre-order. ROG’s advanced line-up includes the latest NVIDIA technology, featuring innovative graphics capabilities such as DLSS 4 and Frame Generation, allowing for ray tracing without sacrificing performance. The pre-order options include the ROG Strix SCAR 16 & 18, ROG Strix G18, and ROG Zephyrus G14 & G16.

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  • RTX 5080 Owners Disappointed as GPU Lacks ROPs in RTX 50 Series

    RTX 5080 Owners Disappointed as GPU Lacks ROPs in RTX 50 Series

    Key Takeaways

    1. Nvidia acknowledged production flaws in RTX 5090, RTX 5090D, RTX 5070 Ti, and RTX 5080 GPUs, leading to missing ROPs.
    2. Affected RTX 5080 cards have 8 fewer ROPs, reducing the total from 112 to 104.
    3. Nvidia advises users to contact board manufacturers for replacements, potentially leaving many unaware of the issue.
    4. Performance tests suggest gamers may experience noticeable drops, with reports of up to 11% reductions in benchmarks.
    5. Nvidia’s claim of a 4% average performance drop remains unverified and should be approached with skepticism until independent evaluations are available.


    After Nvidia acknowledged that a small number of its RTX 5090, RTX 5090D, and RTX 5070 Ti GPUs had a production flaw resulting in some ROPs being absent, new reports have surfaced indicating that the RTX 5080 also faces similar problems. Nvidia has confirmed that certain RTX 5080 cards are missing 8 ROPs, bringing the total down to 104 instead of the expected 112.

    Nvidia’s Statement

    In a statement to The Verge, Nvidia revealed that “an early production build of the RTX 5080 GPUs were also affected by the same issue.” The company has once again advised users to “contact the board manufacturer for a replacement.” VideoCardz noted that Nvidia appears to be leaving the resolution of this issue largely to the customers. While this may work for knowledgeable gamers who can utilize tools like GPU-Z, it’s likely that many average users will remain in the dark about the problem.

    Performance Impact

    As a result, many unsuspecting gamers might experience a noticeable drop in performance, as indicated by recent tests.

    Interestingly, Nvidia claims that only about 0.5% of the RTX 5090/D, RTX 5080, and RTX 5070 Ti are impacted by the missing ROPs. This has sparked several questions from the media. For one, how did Nvidia come to discover that only around 0.5% of the RTX 5080 were affected shortly after the initial reports surfaced online? Is it possible that Nvidia was already aware of the issue and chose not to disclose it?

    Concerns on Performance Claims

    Additionally, there’s the matter of the 4% gaming performance reduction that Team Green has mentioned. As reported previously, the RTX 5070 Ti with 8 fewer ROPs displayed performance losses ranging from single digits up to 11% in 3DMark benchmarks. This indicates that the final impact may vary depending on different scenarios, which appears logical.

    Thus, Nvidia’s assertion of an average 4% performance drop remains unverified until we have thorough evaluations conducted by independent testers. Until then, it’s wise to approach any information shared online with a degree of skepticism.

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  • RTX 5080 Added to Blackwell GPUs That Overheat Power Connectors

    RTX 5080 Added to Blackwell GPUs That Overheat Power Connectors

    Key Takeaways

    1. A Reddit user reported a malfunctioning RTX 5080, highlighting potential issues in the RTX 50 series.
    2. The RTX 5080 showed a red light warning, indicating a cable connection issue, leading to reduced GPU performance.
    3. Damage was found at the PSU end of the 12VHPWR connector, though not as severe as issues with the RTX 5090.
    4. Tests revealed RTX 50 series cards could reach extremely high temperatures and draw excessive current, suggesting design flaws.
    5. Concerns over the reliability of RTX 5090 and 5080 may lead buyers to consider alternative options like the RX 9070 XT.


    If the issues with the spontaneously combusting Ryzen 7 9800X3D and GeForce RTX 5090 power connectors weren’t enough, there’s a new problem on the horizon. A Reddit user recently shared their experience with a malfunctioning RTX 5080, which has almost half the thermal design power (TDP) of the RTX 5090.

    The Discovery of a Problem

    User u/Ambitious_Ladder1320 realized something was wrong when their GeForce RTX 5080 began flashing a red light, an indicator often linked to a cable connection issue. After re-seating the cable and rebooting their system, the warning light disappeared; however, the GPU performance dropped to PCIe Gen3 speeds. Consequently, their display’s refresh rate and resolution were noticeably lower. A closer look revealed significant damage at the PSU end of the 12VHPWR connector, though it was not as severe as the issues seen with the earlier RTX 5090.

    Design Flaws in the RTX 50 Series

    This points toward a possible design flaw in the RTX 50 series, especially since Der8auer’s tests showed that the cards could reach temperatures of 150 degrees Celsius and pull as much as 22 Amperes of current—much higher than the wire’s specifications allow. Gamer’s Nexus has also jumped in to examine the situation, offering to purchase the PSU, cable, and the RTX 5080 for further investigation.

    User Error or Serious Concern?

    We will have to wait and see if this is a matter of user mistake, a theory proposed by at least one Redditor. Regardless, this raises red flags for anyone considering buying an RTX 5090 or 5080. However, acquiring one of these cards is nearly impossible right now. It might be wiser to hold out for the RX 9070 XT, and with a bit of luck, you could even get your hands on the 32 GB version later this year.

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  • Zotac Launches RTX 5090 and RTX 5080 GPUs for Gamers

    Zotac Launches RTX 5090 and RTX 5080 GPUs for Gamers

    Much like the launch of the 30 series in 2020, the new RTX 50 series GPUs are facing serious scalping issues, with large quantities being purchased in mere seconds after they become available. To tackle this problem, Zotac has introduced an interesting approach. However, as of now, this solution is only available to people living in the United States.

    Engaging with the Community

    Zotac has transformed the process of getting a GeForce RTX 5090 or RTX 5080 into a sort of game. To participate, users must join their Discord server and actively take part in challenges, discussions, and other community events. The more you engage in meaningful ways, the greater your chances of being selected. It’s important to note that this program gives you a chance to buy a graphics card, not to receive one for free.

    Fair Purchase Opportunities

    Selected participants will have a limited window to buy their new RTX 5090 or RTX 5080. Zotac has also implemented a one-per-household rule to ensure that everyone has an equal opportunity. Users caught reselling the GPUs will be disqualified from future raffles. Currently, only GeForce RTX 5080 cards are available, and there is no update on when the RTX 5090 models will be restocked.

    Joining Zotac’s Discord

    For those interested, joining the Zotac USA Discord is essential to taking part in this unique purchasing opportunity. Users must be prepared to engage actively to increase their chances of being chosen for a chance to buy these in-demand graphics cards.

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  • Nvidia RTX 5080 and 5090 Prices Surge Due to Shortages

    Nvidia RTX 5080 and 5090 Prices Surge Due to Shortages

    Many gamers had braced themselves for a letdown on the day Nvidia launched the RTX 50 series. Just a few days earlier, Nvidia had dampened expectations, cautioning consumers about potential shortages in GPU stock. Unfortunately, these worries have come true, as inventory at stores has either vanished quickly or is completely absent. Unsurprisingly, scalpers are exploiting the situation, reselling the scarce RTX 5080 and RTX 5090 GPUs for several hundreds or even thousands of dollars more than their original prices.

    Retail Availability

    Retailers like Best Buy and Newegg released Nvidia’s newest GPUs this morning around 9 AM EST. However, only a handful of buyers tracking stock on platforms like Reddit and Discord reported any success. While locating a product page with a card available wasn’t particularly hard, hopes faded fast once consumers reached the checkout stage. Other frustrated gamers directed their anger towards Nvidia’s official store, which still hadn’t listed the RTX 5080 or RTX 5090 Founders Edition for purchase.

    Scalper Success

    At first, scalpers took a gamble by investing in the RTX 50 series when the market was still uncertain. But soon, eBay’s closing prices clearly showed that they could earn significant profits, even after accounting for steep selling fees. Many dubious listings that violate eBay rules are swiftly taken down. Meanwhile, sellers who post images holding an RTX 5090 are reaping the highest sale prices. One seller with a good reputation on eBay showcased a Zotac Gaming GeForce RTX 5090 Solid outside a Micro Center, and it closed at just over $6000—far above the expected price of $1999.

    RTX 5080 Pricing

    The Nvidia RTX 5080 is not fetching as high a price above retail as the RTX 5090. Most sales hover around $2000-2200, with a few Zotac Gaming GeForce RTX 5080 GPUs sold for about $1800. While this price is still inflated, it’s not nearly as extreme as the triple MSRP for many RTX 5090 units.

    The outlook for any meaningful restocks of the RTX 50 series isn’t bright. Many experts attribute this to a design flaw in the Blackwell GPU chips, which caused delays in production. Companies like MSI received only a small fraction of the units they anticipated, significantly lowering the availability of custom cards.

    Future Supply Challenges

    If history serves as a guide, the supply of certain graphics cards may never fully satisfy demand. Nonetheless, after another frustrating launch, buyers are hopeful that Nvidia will find a way to accelerate the production timeline.

  • RTX 5080 Time Spy Score: Beats RX 7900 XTX, Up 15% vs RTX 4080

    RTX 5080 Time Spy Score: Beats RX 7900 XTX, Up 15% vs RTX 4080

    After recent reviews of the RTX 5090 surfaced, attention has now shifted to the next GPU in the RTX 50 series, the RTX 5080. Set to launch on January 30, it comes with a starting price of $999. Early leaks regarding the RTX 5080’s performance indicate a modest improvement over the RTX 4080, but not a groundbreaking one.

    Performance Insights

    For example, previous reports indicated that the RTX 5080 was merely 10% and 3% faster than the RTX 4080 in Blender and OpenCL benchmarks, respectively.

    Recently, a new result from the 3DMark Time Spy test for the RTX 5080 has been shared online, revealing a more favorable performance compared to earlier leaks involving OpenCL and Blender.

    Leaked Benchmarks

    According to findings posted on Baidu (via Olrak29 on X), the RTX 5080 scored 32,701 in the Time Spy Graphics test. Our records show that the RTX 4080 and RTX 4080 Super average around 27,605 and 28,344 points in the same test. This means the leaked RTX 5080 is ahead by 18.5% and 15%, respectively, compared to the RTX 4080 and RTX 4080 Super.

    However, gamers hoping the RTX 5080 would surpass or equal the RTX 4090 might feel let down, as the RTX 5080’s score is still 10% lower than that of the RTX 4090 based on our evaluations.

    AMD’s Position

    Currently, AMD doesn’t have a direct rival for the RTX 5080 in its RDNA 4 series, but it may not need one if the 3DMark scores are any clue. The RX 7900 XTX, for instance, averages around 31,540 points in the Time Spy Graphics test—just 4% behind the anticipated RTX 5080 score.

    With the RX 7900 XTX available for under $950 on platforms like Amazon and Newegg, many gamers might find it hard to justify the RTX 5080’s price. This situation is further complicated by reports of limited initial supply for the RTX 5080, which could drive prices even higher than the $999 MSRP.

    Final Thoughts

    Nevertheless, the landscape could shift in favor of the RTX 5080 when considering features like DLSS 4 and Multi Frame Generation, which some may view as essential.

    Ultimately, only time will reveal the true performance of the RTX 5080 and its availability at launch. Until then, it’s wise to approach all leaks and speculations with caution.

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