Nvidia RTX 5090 Stock Piles Up at US Retailer – But No One Wants to Pay the Price

A Surprising Sight: RTX 5090 GPUs Sitting on Shelves

For months,

The Asus ROG Astral LC RTX 5090 OC Edition is a high-end variant of Nvidia’s flagship GPU, featuring liquid cooling and factory overclocking. But at $3,719, it costs a staggering 85% more than Nvidia’s MSRP. Even more shocking, the price at Micro Center is nearly 10% higher than what Asus lists on its official website.

With such an extreme markup, even the most dedicated PC gaming enthusiasts appear to be refusing to buy the RTX 5090, leaving stock to gather dust on store shelves. This suggests that Nvidia’s pricing strategy—or at least that of its partners—may have hit a ceiling where consumers simply won’t pay the premium.

A Glimmer of Hope for the RTX 5080?

While the RTX 5090 remains absurdly expensive, there are indications that the RTX 5080 may be becoming more available. The same Reddit user who posted about the RTX 5090 stock at Micro Center also mentioned that RTX 5080 GPUs were readily available there. Though no pricing information was provided, it’s at least a positive sign that supply might be improving.

Online retailer Newegg currently lists a few RTX 5080 models in stock, including the MSI Ventus 3X RTX 5080 at $1,360. However, this is still 36% above Nvidia’s official MSRP of $999. Despite the continued price inflation, the fact that RTX 5080 cards are even available for purchase suggests a potential shift in the GPU market—perhaps signaling a gradual return to normalcy.

What Undercode Says: The Bigger Picture of GPU Pricing and Availability

1. Price Gouging and Consumer Resistance

The RTX 5090’s astronomical price at Micro Center highlights a growing issue in the GPU market: manufacturers and retailers are testing how high they can push prices before consumers stop buying. In this case, the answer is clear—enthusiasts are unwilling to pay nearly double the MSRP for a premium variant of the card. This trend suggests that, unless pricing adjusts, RTX 5090 models could sit unsold for weeks or even months.

2. Retailer Pricing Strategies: A Dangerous Game

Retailers like Micro Center often price high-demand GPUs significantly above MSRP, expecting desperate gamers and professionals to pay the premium. However, the failure of the RTX 5090 to sell at $3,719 shows that there is a limit to what customers will tolerate. If these GPUs continue to go unsold, Micro Center will likely be forced to lower prices to move inventory.

RTX 5080 Availability: The First Signs of Change?
Unlike the RTX 5090, which remains unattainable for most due to its extreme pricing, the RTX 5080 appears to be gradually entering the market. While prices remain above MSRP, the availability of multiple models at retailers like Newegg suggests that supply is catching up with demand. If this trend continues, we could see RTX 5080 prices normalize faster than expected.

4. Nvidia’s Strategy: Playing the Long Game

Nvidia has historically capitalized on GPU shortages to maintain high prices. By limiting supply at launch, the company ensures strong demand and maximizes profit margins. However, if consumers continue to push back against extreme pricing, Nvidia may be forced to adjust its strategy—either by increasing supply or pressuring retailers to bring prices closer to MSRP.

5. Impact on the GPU Market

The situation with the RTX 5090 raises important questions about the future of GPU pricing. If consumers refuse to pay extreme premiums, Nvidia and its partners may need to rethink pricing structures for high-end cards. Additionally, as competition from AMD and Intel increases, Nvidia could be forced to adopt more aggressive pricing strategies to maintain market dominance.

6. A Shift in Enthusiast Buying Habits?

Historically, hardcore PC gamers and content creators have rushed to buy the latest GPUs, regardless of price. However, the RTX 5090’s failure to sell at its current markup suggests that even high-end consumers are now reassessing their spending. If this trend continues, Nvidia and retailers may have to adjust their approach to pricing future flagship GPUs.

7. What Happens Next?

If RTX 5090 sales remain stagnant, we can expect price cuts in the coming weeks or months.
The RTX 5080’s improved availability could signal a wider stabilization of the GPU market.
Nvidia may have to adjust its pricing strategy for future Blackwell GPUs if consumers continue to resist extreme markups.

Fact Checker Results

Claim: The Asus RTX 5090 at Micro Center is overpriced.
✅ True – It is being sold at 85% over Nvidia’s MSRP, making it one of the most expensive consumer GPUs on the market.

– Claim: RTX 5080 availability is improving.

✅ Partially True – Some models are appearing in stock at major retailers like Newegg, though they remain overpriced.

– Claim: Nvidia’s GPU supply is increasing.

❌ Unverified – The RTX 5090 remains scarce online, suggesting supply hasn’t significantly improved yet.

References:

Reported By: https://www.techradar.com/computing/gpu/theres-suddenly-tons-of-nvidia-rtx-5090-gpu-stock-on-the-shelves-of-one-us-retailer-probably-because-no-one-wants-to-buy-at-nearly-double-the-launch-price
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