The highly anticipated RTX 5090 and 5080 GPUs have launched, creating a frenzy in the market. Their high performance and price tag have resulted in immediate sellouts across most retail channels, leaving many gamers disappointed.

Consequently, both cards, particularly the RTX 5090, are experiencing significant price gouging on secondary markets like eBay. Shortly after release, RTX 5090s were listed for over $6,000, a price that has since climbed to a shocking $9,000 – a 350% markup from the MSRP of $1,999.

This exorbitant demand stems from the RTX 5090's suitability for AI workloads, making it attractive to AI startups and businesses seeking a powerful local processing solution. With Nvidia's datacenter GPUs beyond the reach of many, the RTX 5090 becomes a viable, albeit costly, alternative.

Nvidia GeForce RTX 5090 – Images

5 ImagesThe gaming community's response to the scarcity and scalping is noteworthy. eBay is now flooded with fraudulent listings designed to deceive buyers. These listings deceptively offer an image of the RTX 5090 instead of the actual GPU.

One such listing concludes: "Bots and scalpers welcome, do not buy if you are a human, you will be getting a framed photo of the 5090, you will not receive the 5090. The photo detentions [sic] is 8 inches by 8 inches, I got the frame from Target. DO NOT BUY IF YOU’RE A HUMAN.”

Another completed listing, sold for $2,457, explicitly stated: “Geforce RTX 5090 (read description) Picture Only - Not the Actual Item,” with a similar disclaimer against refunds.

The core problem is the lack of significant competition in the high-end consumer GPU market. With AMD's RX 9070 series seemingly unable to challenge Nvidia's dominance, and Intel trailing behind, Nvidia holds a near monopoly. The resulting shortage and inflated prices present a bleak outlook for high-end PC enthusiasts.