RTX 5090 Campout: Eager Gamers Defy Winter Chill

The highly anticipated launch of Nvidia's RTX 5090 and RTX 5080 GPUs on January 30th has ignited a frenzy among gamers. Our RTX 5090 review hailed it as the fastest consumer graphics card, fueling immense excitement. Despite the hefty price tags – $2,000 for the RTX 5090 and $1,000 for the RTX 5080 – demand is exceptionally high. However, reports suggest extremely limited stock, with one UK retailer claiming single-digit RTX 5090 availability.

This scarcity has led to an unusual scene outside a Micro Center store in Tustin, California. Days before the launch, individuals have set up tents, sparking debate on whether these are genuine buyers or scalpers aiming for a quick profit. Images circulating on Reddit and the Unofficial Micro Center Discord server show multiple tents occupied by individuals awaiting the release.

One camper, in a Reddit thread, clarified that their group intends to purchase the cards for personal use, dispelling concerns of reselling. They also noted the respectful atmosphere among those waiting. Reports indicate a growing number of tents and individuals, potentially exceeding 24 people, at the Tustin location.

Micro Center, in a YouTube video, advised against camping, citing the inclement January weather. The company will employ a voucher system to manage purchases on a first-come, first-served basis, with no choice of specific GPU model. A one-card-per-customer limit is in place. While discouraging camping, Micro Center still recommends early arrival to secure a purchase.

Nvidia GeForce RTX 5090 – Images

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This situation mirrors past GPU launches, notably the RTX 3070 launch in 2020, documented by YouTuber Austin Evans at the same Tustin Micro Center. The anticipation and limited supply continue to create a highly competitive environment for acquiring the latest high-end graphics cards.