Well, it seems like NVIDIA's RTX 50 GPUs are "out of reach" for every market consumer since system integrators have now started to resent the supply issues.
NVIDIA's RTX 50 GPUs, Notably The Higher-End Models, Aren't Available at Decent Pricing In Distribution Channels
Team Green's RTX 50 GPU launch did bring in promising performance, but the availability situation indeed overshadowed the "goodness" of it. We saw retailers reporting "single-digit" SKU levels of models like the GeForce RTX 5090s, but the demand was gigantic, not enough to sustain the whole supply chain. This ultimately created a domino effect, with scalpers taking advantage of the situation and raising prices tremendously. Apparently, this has affected a popular system integrator, PowerGPU, whose CEO, Jese Martinez, has shown his frustration with the situation.
Essentially, the RTX 5090 has been a very hard GPU to get, and we, as a system integrator, we are also having difficulty getting these GPUs. We’ve gotten a very limited quantity since launch, and it took about two or three weeks just to get our first batch. Now, going into mid-March, we are essentially getting scalped from distribution.
We are getting offered the RTX 5090s anywhere from $3,050 to $3,100. These are lower end models, not crazy higher-end GPUs.
Martinez goes on to say that the high prices of the RTX 5090 pre-built systems aren't their fault at all; rather, they are being "ripped off" by the distribution channels. This is certainly an interesting situation within the existing supply chain. It shows how big of a mess NVIDIA's RTX 50 launch is, especially the higher-end models like the GeForce RTX 5090. Given that system integrators, which have more exclusive access to the supply chain, are facing such hurdles, imagine the sentiments of an average consumer.
Of course, firms like PowerGPU aren't as close as mainstream NVIDIA partners, but despite this, it is clearly evident that things aren't looking good at all. Team Green has reiterated their commitment to bringing up inventory levels, but that would certainly take time. And, given that the release of SKUs like the GeForce RTX 5060 is right around the corner, NVIDIA would be more focused on them to get a competitive edge.
For now, we expect readers to avoid the newer RTX Blackwell GPUs, especially if they are listed for astronomical prices. The supply situation will eventually improve over time, but this could take weeks or even months.
About the author: Muhammad Zuhair is a hardware and technology reporter for Wccftech, specializing in the semiconductor industry and the complex interplay between technology, manufacturing, and geopolitics. His coverage focuses on the corporate strategies and technological roadmaps of industry giants like TSMC, NVIDIA, Samsung, and Intel. Zuhair's expertise lies in deconstructing complex topics such as fabrication nodes (e.g., 2nm process), the economic impact of policies like the CHIPS Act, and the strategic development of AI infrastructure from NVIDIA, AMD and Intel.
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