The NVIDIA RTX 4090, once considered the pinnacle of graphics card performance, is facing a curious situation: a shortage, coupled with rapidly rising prices, particularly in European markets. This development comes amidst swirling rumors suggesting NVIDIA might be pulling the plug on RTX 4090 production, setting the stage for the next generation, the RTX 5090.
Reports from Germany and Austria indicate that the RTX 4090 is becoming increasingly scarce, with many retailers having only one card left in stock, sold at a significantly inflated price. This situation follows recent reports of the RTX 4090 experiencing price drops, with some retailers even dipping below the recommended price. The price trajectory has now taken a dramatic turn, with prices climbing back up to levels well above the original MSRP. In some cases, the increase is as high as 50%, a staggering jump for a product that was already expensive.
This sudden price surge has led to speculation that NVIDIA is intentionally trying to clear out existing stock of the RTX 4090 to make way for the RTX 5090, rumored to offer a significant performance jump. While the official launch of the RTX 5090 (along with the RTX 5080) is currently pegged for CES 2025, recent whispers suggest a possible sneak peek at the end of 2024. This recent development could indicate that those whispers might hold some truth.
The situation demands a close watch on several key points. Firstly, we need to see how the RTX 4090’s price evolves in the US market, particularly in light of the rumors of discontinuation. Secondly, we need to monitor the chatter surrounding the RTX 5090 and RTX 5080. If the launch is indeed nearing, we should see a surge in leaks and rumors. While rumors about the Blackwell GPUs have been circulating, expect an even more significant volume of leaks in the coming months if a late 2024 launch is on the horizon.
It’s also interesting to consider who is actually buying these RTX 4090s, given that the RTX 5090 (and potentially the RTX 5080) are just around the corner. It seems unlikely that mainstream gamers are the primary buyers at this stage, particularly with the newer, potentially more powerful generation on the horizon. This raises a question: who are these buyers, and why are they choosing the RTX 4090 now?
The RTX 4090 shortage and price hikes are a fascinating story unfolding in the graphics card market. It remains to be seen whether these trends are indeed a sign of an impending generational shift, but the situation offers a glimpse into the dynamic world of high-end gaming hardware and the constant push for new technologies and performance advancements.
