NVIDIA is making headlines with its recent claims about the RTX 50 series GPUs, asserting that they have shipped significantly more units compared to the RTX 40 series, despite the ongoing scarcity in the market.
The RTX 50 series, featuring the new Blackwell architecture, has stirred up quite the conversation. From the outset, its launch has been labeled by many as a “paper” launch, since gamers and tech enthusiasts have struggled to get their hands on these coveted cards. When available, the limited stock vanishes in mere minutes, fueling frustration.
Contradicting public perception, NVIDIA recently reported doubling the shipments of RTX 50 series GPUs compared to the RTX 40 series in the first weeks after release. They showcased a graph illustrating the stark contrast, reminiscent of the initial performance comparisons drawn between the RTX 5090 and RTX 4090 during CES. However, much to the community’s dismay, no concrete figures were disclosed, leaving the evidence somewhat unconvincing.
The reality for consumers has been a different story, with many retailers indicating that they are awaiting the next batch of GPUs. Notably, even major global retailers have had limited RTX 5090 stock, with slightly better availability for the RTX 5080. Despite NVIDIA’s assertions, the RTX 5070 Ti and RTX 5070 have faced similar distribution challenges, although NVIDIA insists more units are in circulation than their RTX 40 counterparts. It’s crucial to note that NVIDIA launched four RTX 50 models in quick succession, unlike the staggered release of the previous series.
NVIDIA’s Justin Walker has promised improvements, assuring that both availability and pricing will stabilize shortly. According to an update, the company is accelerating shipments and is committed to ensuring that supply meets demand, partnering closely with manufacturers and retailers to accommodate this.
Walker stated, “We’re diligently working to ensure our products reach store shelves at MSRP. As supply aligns with demand, we anticipate a steady drop in prices,” emphasizing the company’s focus on rectifying the current situation.
Despite these challenges, the RTX 5070 has impressively climbed to Amazon’s best-seller list, yet its availability hasn’t met expectations. The anticipation is that within a few weeks, prices will draw closer to the manufacturer’s suggested retail price, marking a significant improvement since the initial launch.
With promises of better days ahead from NVIDIA, consumers remain hopeful for more access to these groundbreaking GPUs soon.
