In a surprising move that has left gamers and tech enthusiasts reeling, ASUS has announced significant price hikes for its latest graphics cards, the RTX 5090 and RX 9070 series. The price increases come amid ongoing supply chain issues and high demand, reminiscent of the GPU shortages experienced during the pandemic.
Key Takeaways
- ASUS has raised the price of the RTX 5090 to over $3,400, significantly above the MSRP.
- The RX 9070 series has also seen price increases, with the cheapest model now starting at $659.
- The price hikes are attributed to limited supply and increased production costs.
- Gamers are facing challenges in finding these GPUs at reasonable prices, with many models out of stock.
Price Increases Overview
The ASUS ROG Astral GeForce RTX 5090, which was initially priced at $2,800, has seen its price soar to $3,359.99, marking a $280 increase in just a month. The most premium model, the ROG Astral LC, is now listed at an astonishing $3,409.99, which is $1,409 above NVIDIA’s suggested retail price (MSRP) of $1,999.
Similarly, the ASUS Radeon RX 9070 series has not escaped the price surge. The Prime RX 9070 XT model, which launched at $599, is now priced at $719, while the TUF RX 9070 XT OC version is available for $799. Even the base RX 9070 model has jumped to $659, well above its original MSRP.
Factors Behind the Price Hikes
Several factors contribute to the rising prices of these graphics cards:
- Supply Chain Issues: Ongoing shortages in semiconductor production continue to affect the availability of GPUs.
- Increased Production Costs: Rising costs for components such as VRAM and tariffs on imported goods have forced manufacturers to raise prices.
- High Demand: The demand for high-performance GPUs remains strong, particularly among gamers and content creators, leading to price inflation.
- Scalpers and Resellers: The presence of scalpers in the market has exacerbated the situation, with many consumers forced to pay inflated prices on secondary markets.
Market Response
The reaction from the gaming community has been largely negative, with many expressing frustration over the inability to purchase GPUs at fair prices. Custom PC builders are also feeling the pinch, as they report delays in receiving stock and increased costs for components.
Jese Martinez, CEO of PowerGPU, noted that his company is being offered RTX 5090 cards at prices ranging from $3,050 to $3,100, which are not even for the high-end models. This situation has led to complaints from customers who feel they are being unfairly charged due to the inflated market prices.
Future Outlook
While ASUS and other manufacturers like MSI have raised prices, there is hope on the horizon. AMD has indicated that restocking the RX 9070 series at expected prices is a priority. However, until supply chain issues are resolved and production ramps up, consumers may have to wait for prices to stabilize.
In conclusion, the recent price hikes for the ASUS RTX 5090 and RX 9070 series reflect a challenging market environment for both manufacturers and consumers. As the demand for high-performance graphics cards continues, it remains to be seen how long these inflated prices will persist and whether gamers will be able to find relief in the near future.
