The recently launched GeForce RTX 5050 GPU seems to be facing an availability issue, with its stock mysteriously missing from most major retailers. While it’s not unusual for GPUs to be out of stock for a few days, the absence of the RTX 5050 raises questions about its availability.
Despite major AIBs releasing their custom editions, finding these cards for sale is quite a challenge.
Currently, websites like Amazon, Best Buy, and Walmart have no sign of the RTX 5050 in stock. Newegg, one of the first retailers to list the GPU, showcases multiple models from popular brands like ZOTAC, MSI, ASUS, and GIGABYTE. However, none of them are available for purchase. Prices for the RTX 5050 range from $249 for base models to as much as $289 for premium models like the ASUS PRIME RTX 5050 O8G. These cards were all listed but remain out of stock.
What’s odd is that Newegg isn’t even taking pre-orders or providing any updates about future shipments. It’s unclear when the availability will improve, though there could be an explanation tied to the rush release of the GPU. NVIDIA announced the GeForce RTX 5050 on June 24th, but the retail launch wasn’t supposed to happen until mid-July. Shortly after the announcement, NVIDIA encouraged its board partners to release their custom designs, which may have left AIBs scrambling to meet demand. The logistics of inventory management and shipping could be the reason why we’re seeing such poor availability in the first few weeks.
Given the situation, it’s probably best to avoid paying more than the MSRP of $249–$289. The inflated price tag for the RTX 5050 could seem like a rip-off, especially considering that for just $10 more, you can buy the much faster GeForce RTX 5060 from major retailers like Amazon and Newegg. Until stock levels catch up, patience is key.