NVIDIA’s latest GeForce RTX 50-series graphics cards, the RTX 5080 and RTX 5090 have officially launched as of January 30, 2025. These new GPUs, based on NVIDIA’s Blackwell architecture, have generated significant excitement in the gaming and professional communities. However, due to high demand, initial stocks have been quickly depleted.
High Demand and Rapid Sell-Out
NVIDIA anticipated substantial interest in these new releases. Tim Adams, NVIDIA’s head of the GeForce community, acknowledged the potential for stock shortages, stating that despite efforts to ship more units daily to retailers, stock-outs may occur. This prediction has proven accurate, with many retailers reporting that the RTX 5090 may not be available until February, and delays potentially extending for weeks or months.
Availability and Purchasing Options
Despite the rapid sell-out, options remain for those eager to acquire these cutting-edge GPUs. The RTX 50-series cards are available online and in physical stores such as Best Buy and Microcenter, with restocks expected as NVIDIA continues to supply retailers. Enthusiasts have been camping outside US Microcenter locations to secure these cards on launch day, indicating the high demand and limited initial availability.
Key Features and Pricing
The RTX 5090 is priced at $1,999 and boasts impressive specifications, including 32GB of GDDR7 memory and over 20,000 CUDA cores, making it a powerhouse for gaming and professional applications. The RTX 5080, while slightly less powerful, offers a more affordable option for gamers seeking high performance.
Looking Ahead
NVIDIA is also preparing to launch the RTX 5070 Ti and RTX 5070 in February, expanding the RTX 50-series lineup to cater to a broader range of performance needs and budgets. As the company works to meet the overwhelming demand, consumers are advised to monitor official NVIDIA channels and authorized retailers for updates on availability and restocks.