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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