Nvidia RTX 5090 Plagued by Supply and Pricing Issues

The Nvidia RTX 5090 GPU has become a hot topic in the tech community, not because of its stellar performance, but due to its baffling availability and exorbitant pricing. Reports indicate that an Asus version of the RTX 5090 was spotted in surplus at a Micro Center in Dallas, but high prices have seemingly deterred potential buyers. The Asus ROG Astral LC RTX 5090 OC Edition, boasting features such as liquid cooling and factory overclocking, is priced at an astronomical $3,719—85% higher than Nvidia's already lofty Manufacturer’s Suggested Retail Price (MSRP). This has left the GPUs languishing on shelves as even the most ardent gaming enthusiasts balk at the price. According to various sources, the pricing and availability issues aren't limited to Asus. Other manufacturers, like Zotac, have also increased prices. A Reddit user highlighted that Zotac's RTX 5090 is now selling at a 20% markup from its earlier price. Such price inflation seems to be a trend across the board. What's driving the price surge and stock issues? Demand certainly plays a role due to the impressive capabilities of the RTX 5090, but logistical bottlenecks and supply chain disruptions also contribute. Nvidia's own manufacturing hiccups, including a recent situation involving defective RTX 50-series cards missing critical components, exacerbate the issue. In a larger market context, this could potentially push gamers and tech enthusiasts to consider AMD's offerings, although they too are experiencing similar constraints. Alternatively, some might simply wait for a stabilization in GPU availability and pricing. The takeaway from the situation is one of caution. While the current scenario paints a grim picture for immediate buyers, those waiting in the wings may find relief as supply levels out and retailers adjust pricing strategies. For now, patience may well be the best strategy for those targeting Nvidia's high-performance graphics cards.