The highly anticipated RTX 5090 and 5080 GPUs have launched, but their high price tags and limited supply have created a chaotic market. Both cards quickly sold out at most retailers, leaving many potential buyers disappointed.
Consequently, these GPUs, particularly the RTX 5090, are being aggressively scalped on secondary marketplaces like eBay. Shortly after release, RTX 5090s were listed for over $6,000, a price that has since soared to a staggering $9,000 – a 350% markup over the MSRP of $1,999.
This exorbitant demand stems from the RTX 5090's suitability for both gaming and demanding AI workloads. Startups and businesses involved in AI are eager to acquire these chips for local model processing, as Nvidia's datacenter GPUs are often inaccessible. The RTX 5090, despite its inflated resale price, becomes a viable alternative.
Nvidia GeForce RTX 5090 – Images
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The gaming community's response to the scarcity and scalping has been equally noteworthy. eBay is now flooded with fraudulent listings designed to deceive buyers. These listings offer an image of the RTX 5090, not the actual GPU.
One such listing explicitly states: "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 detentions [sic] is 8 inches by 8 inches, I got the frame from Target. DO NOT BUY IF YOU’RE A HUMAN.”
Another completed listing, sold for $2,457, clearly indicates: “Geforce RTX 5090 (read description) Picture Only - Not the Actual Item,” with a similar disclaimer regarding non-refundable image purchases.
The core problem is the lack of substantial competition in the high-end consumer GPU market. With AMD's RX 9070 series unlikely to challenge Nvidia's dominance and Intel trailing behind, Nvidia holds a near-monopoly. The resulting shortage and inflated prices present a bleak outlook for high-end PC builders and enthusiasts.
