Getting your hands on Nvidia’s latest gaming GPUs, the GeForce RTX 5090 and RTX 5080, is akin to hunting for a rare treasure amid barren lands. Enthusiasts had anticipated hurdles with supply, yet the situation seems more dire than anticipated, especially in the UK. Reports indicate that eager gamers might endure several weeks, if not months, of waiting to claim the latest Blackwell GPUs.
The scarcity of these powerful graphics cards can be attributed to the usual trifecta: limited production, an avalanche of demand, and the ever-pesky scalpers. Recent insights from a leading UK retailer echo the challenges faced across Europe. It appears that anyone hoping to snag an RTX 5090 is in for a wait that could stretch up to four months.
The retailer has announced that their stock has completely sold out, leading to a halt on pre-orders. They forecast that the RTX 5090 might reappear in inventory sometime between 3 to 16 weeks, while the RTX 5080 could make its return in 2 to 6 weeks. In essence, UK-based enthusiasts longing for these next-gen GPUs may have to dig deep into their reserves of patience.
The exorbitant pricing, running into thousands, seemingly hasn’t deterred scalpers from turning a hefty profit amid these shortages. For those wondering which card has caused more of a stir, it’s the RTX 5090 that has garnered praise, despite its modest improvements over its predecessor. Conversely, the RTX 5080 hasn’t impressed as much, with critics pointing out its lackluster jump over the RTX 4080 Super. However, consumer interest remains high, judging by the stocked-out shelves and claims of massive demand from retailers.
For now, UK gamers looking to upgrade their gaming setup with Nvidia’s cutting-edge technology must bide their time, perhaps setting their sights on delivery dates a few months down the line.
