Nvidia RTX 5090 Campers Brave January Cold Despite Retailer Warnings

The anticipation for Nvidia's new GPU generation is palpable as the RTX 5090 and RTX 5080 are set to launch on January 30. In our RTX 5090 review, we hailed it as "the fastest graphics card on the consumer market," fueling the excitement to new heights. These high-end GPUs, priced at $2,000 for the RTX 5090 and $1,000 for the RTX 5080, are generating immense interest despite their premium cost. However, rumors suggest that stock will be extremely limited, with a UK retailer claiming to have only "single digit" stock for the RTX 5090.

The fervor has led enthusiasts and potential scalpers to camp outside Micro Center's Tustin location in California, days ahead of the launch. Photos of tents have surfaced on Reddit and the Unofficial Micro Center Discord channel, igniting discussions about whether these campers are genuine buyers or scalpers looking to capitalize on the anticipated low stock. One camper, responding to speculation on a Reddit thread, clarified their intentions: “Hello everyone, I’m the guy that you guys are talking about in the second tent. And yes, we are buying it for our own use, no trades and no sells. We just don’t want to pay for that extra $ for a gaming card and yes we do have some times on our hands because we run a business. Good luck to everyone who are trying to get one.” They further noted that the atmosphere among those waiting is "very nice and respectful." Reports indicate that as many as 10 tents, housing around 24 people, are now present at the location.

In anticipation of the launch, Micro Center has shared its strategy for the RTX 5090 and 5080 on a YouTube video, explicitly discouraging camping due to the cold January weather. "We do discourage camping at our locations for the 5090 and 5080," the company stated. Despite this, the retailer will operate on a first-come-first-serve basis using a voucher system, where customers won't have a choice in the specific model of GPU they purchase. Only one card per customer is allowed, and while camping is discouraged, Micro Center advises arriving early to avoid disappointment.

Nvidia GeForce RTX 5090 – Photos

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Camping for new GPUs at Micro Center is not a new phenomenon; YouTuber Austin Evans captured the scene at the same Tustin location during the RTX 3070 launch back in 2020. As the launch date approaches, the excitement and tension continue to build around these highly anticipated graphics cards.