The highly anticipated Nvidia RTX 5090 and RTX 5080 GPUs are set to launch on January 30th, generating significant buzz among gamers. Our RTX 5090 review hailed it as the fastest consumer graphics card available, fueling intense demand.
While both cards command premium prices ($2,000 for the RTX 5090 and $1,000 for the RTX 5080), limited stock is expected. Reports suggest extremely low availability, with one UK retailer claiming single-digit RTX 5090 stock.
This scarcity has led to an unusual sight: people camping outside a Micro Center store in Tustin, California, days before the launch. Images circulating on Reddit and the Unofficial Micro Center Discord show multiple tents, sparking debate about whether these individuals are genuine buyers or scalpers aiming for a quick profit.
One camper, identified in a Reddit thread, clarified their intentions, stating they are purchasing for personal use and not for resale. They acknowledged the time commitment but emphasized their desire to avoid inflated prices. Discord users report up to ten tents and approximately 24 people waiting.
Micro Center, in a YouTube video, advised against camping, citing the inclement January weather. The company will use a voucher system to allocate purchases on a first-come, first-served basis, with no choice of specific GPU model. A one-card-per-customer limit is in place. Despite discouraging camping, Micro Center recommends early arrival to secure a purchase.
Nvidia GeForce RTX 5090 – Photos
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This isn't unprecedented; YouTuber Austin Evans documented similar scenes at the same Tustin location during the RTX 3070 launch in 2020. The anticipation surrounding the RTX 50 series launch highlights the ongoing high demand for high-end gaming hardware.
