Campers Line Up for Nvidia RTX 5090 despite Cold Warning

The highly anticipated Nvidia RTX 5090 and RTX 5080 GPUs are set to launch on January 30th, generating significant excitement and, predictably, limited stock. Our RTX 5090 review lauded it as the fastest consumer-grade graphics card, fueling the frenzy.

Despite the hefty price tags—$2,000 for the RTX 5090 and $1,000 for the RTX 5080—demand is exceptionally high. Reports suggest extremely limited availability, with one UK retailer claiming to have only a "single-digit" number of RTX 5090 units.

This scarcity has led to an unusual scene outside a Micro Center store in Tustin, California. Images circulating on Reddit and the Unofficial Micro Center Discord show multiple tents erected days before the launch. While some speculate this is due to scalpers aiming for a quick profit, at least one camper on Reddit clarified they are purchasing for personal use, citing a desire to avoid inflated resale prices. They also reported a respectful atmosphere among those waiting. Currently, estimates suggest up to 10 tents and approximately 24 individuals are waiting.

Micro Center, in a pre-launch YouTube video, advised against camping, citing the inclement January weather. Their sales strategy will utilize a first-come, first-served voucher system, with no guarantee of a specific GPU model. A one-card-per-customer limit is in place, and while discouraging camping, Micro Center still recommends early arrival to secure a purchase. This isn't unprecedented; YouTuber Austin Evans documented similar scenes at the same Tustin location during the RTX 3070 launch in 2020.

Nvidia GeForce RTX 5090 – Photos

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