The next generation of GPUs is about to arrive. Nvidia is set to launch the RTX 5090 and RTX 5080 on January 30. In our RTX 5090 review, we described it as "the fastest consumer graphics card available," and excitement for the new lineup is clearly building.
Priced at $2,000 and $1,000 respectively, the RTX 5090 and RTX 5080 are high-end cards with premium price tags, yet demand appears exceptionally strong. However, supplies for both models are rumored to be extremely limited, with one UK retailer reporting only "single-digit" units of the RTX 5090 in stock.
Enthusiasts have already begun camping outside the Micro Center in Tustin, California, days before the official release. Photos of tents set up near the store have emerged on Reddit and the Unofficial Micro Center Discord server, leading to speculation that some in line might be scalpers aiming to profit from the anticipated shortage of these new gaming GPUs.
Campers already appeared
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The images reveal several tents already occupied by individuals waiting to purchase the new graphics cards. According to users, the larger grey tent currently houses four people. One of them posted in a Reddit thread, stating, “Hello everyone, I’m the person in the second tent you're discussing. We are buying these for personal use—no reselling or trading. We simply don’t want to overpay for a gaming card, and we do have some free time since we run our own business. Good luck to everyone trying to get one.”
In a follow-up comment, the same individual mentioned that everyone waiting at the Tustin Micro Center has been “very friendly and respectful.” As of this writing, approximately 10 tents are now at the location, with around 24 people reportedly waiting for the GPU launch on January 30, according to users on the Micro Center Unofficial Discord.
Prior to the launch, Micro Center outlined its sales plan for the RTX 5090 and 5080 in a YouTube video, advising customers against camping outdoors in the cold January conditions. “We do not encourage camping at our stores for the 5090 and 5080," the company stated.
Nvidia GeForce RTX 5090 – Photos
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Camping outside Micro Center for new graphics cards is not unheard of. YouTuber Austin Evans captured similar scenes at the same Tustin location during the RTX 3070 launch in 2020.
Sales will be handled through a voucher system on a first-come, first-served basis. Those in line will not be able to select a specific GPU model.
Each customer is limited to one card. Although Micro Center has discouraged camping, they still recommend arriving early to secure a unit.
