Nvidia recently announced that it has shipped twice as many RTX 50-series GPUs in the first five weeks of their launch compared to the RTX 40-series in the same period. This claim, however, lacks concrete numbers and has been met with skepticism by industry analysts and consumers alike.
Why it matters: The announcement highlights Nvidia‘s efforts to address supply chain issues and meet high demand for its latest GPUs. However, the actual availability of these cards remains limited, with prices often exceeding the manufacturer’s suggested retail price (MSRP).
Launch Dates and Available GPU Models: The RTX 40-series GPUs were launched starting on October 12, 2022, with only the RTX 4090 available until November 16, 2022, when the RTX 4080 was released. In contrast, the RTX 50-series GPUs were launched starting on January 30, 2025, with the RTX 5090 and RTX 5080. The RTX 5070 Ti and RTX 5070 were released on February 20 and March 5, respectively, fitting within the same five-week window. Thus, four models were available in the first five weeks of the RTX 50-series launch.
Units Shipped: Nvidia has not provided specific numbers to support the claim that it shipped twice as many RTX 50-series GPUs as RTX 40-series GPUs during the first five weeks. The claim is based on comparative shipments but lacks concrete data.
Demand and Availability: Despite Nvidia’s claim of doubled shipments, the actual availability of RTX 50-series GPUs remains limited. Supplies are selling out quickly, and prices often exceed the MSRP. This situation mirrors the launch of the RTX 40-series, where initial availability was also constrained.
Consumers have faced significant difficulties in purchasing the new GPUs, with stock selling out rapidly and prices inflated on marketplaces like eBay. The flagship RTX 5090, priced at $1,999, often sells for as much as $6,000 due to limited supply.
Pricing and Performance: The pricing of RTX 50-series GPUs is high, with significant performance improvements, particularly in ray tracing and AI acceleration. Over 90% of owners use features like DLSS and ray tracing, highlighting the strong demand for these technologies.
Implications for Consumers: The limited availability and high prices of RTX 50-series GPUs mean that consumers are facing challenges in purchasing these cards at their intended MSRP. This situation may lead to continued price inflation and frustration among buyers.
Nvidia’s efforts to increase supply are expected to stabilize prices in the coming weeks, but this remains to be seen. The company is working closely with its add-in board (AIB) partners and retailers to meet demand.
Independent Corroboration: There is no independent data provided to corroborate or refute Nvidia’s specific claim of doubling shipments. The analysis relies on Nvidia’s own statements and market observations.
Consumer Experience and Feedback: Consumer feedback from tech communities and forums indicates significant frustration with the availability and pricing of the RTX 50-series GPUs. Many consumers are finding it difficult to purchase these cards at reasonable prices, mirroring the issues seen during the RTX 40-series launch.
Steps to Address Supply Issues: Nvidia is ramping up shipments to meet demand and stabilize prices. However, until specific numbers are disclosed, it remains unclear how effectively these efforts will address consumer needs.
In summary, Nvidia’s claim of doubling RTX 50-series GPU shipments highlights the ongoing challenges in meeting consumer demand for high-end graphics cards. While the company’s strategy aims to advance hardware capabilities, the lack of concrete data and persistent supply issues continue to affect consumer access to these products.
