If you're wondering exactly where to buy the RTX 5080 today, you're not the only one. Yesterday's next-gen Nvidia graphics card launch was chaotic to say the least, with the Founders Edition ending up completely AWOL and limited custom graphics card stock showing up to the party. I'm hopeful that the 80-class model will become easier to get hold of once retailers find their feet, but you'll want to make sure you pay as close to MSRP as possible.
Here's the RTX 5080 stock skinny right now - Nvidia has custom models listed directly on its website while other retailers are waiting to replenish supplies. Some stores like Newegg kicked things off on time yesterday and ended up with out-of-stock signs activated moments later. Others like B&H Photo are instead running a notification system, which could be a promising sign that a flow of cards will come at some point. Over in the UK, Scan and Overclockers are both in the race to snag your RTX 5080 order - though units are starting to thin out. That stock replaces that of Currys and Ebuyer, who dropped out of this battle a few moments ago.
Those of you who caught my Nvidia GeForce RTX 5080 review will have a better idea of whether it's the GPU for you. It's safe to say it ranks among the best graphics card. While its $999 / £979 Founders Edition MSRP is still quite steep, you'll pay double if you're looking to buy the RTX 5090. Simply put, this is the premium 4K card most players will be able to afford, and that could affect its availability going forward
Recent updates
January 31, 05:30 am ET - Nvidia's has a bunch of RTX 5080 listings live for custom models, but there's no sign of the coveted Founders Edition. Options are also currently limited at retailers across the board, but there are opportunities to sign up for stock notifications or even pre-order the Blackwell GPU if you're in the UK.
Where to buy RTX 5080 in the US
Where to buy RTX 5080 in the UK
Where to buy RTX 5080: FAQ
When is the RTX 5080 release date?
The RTX 5080 launched on January 30, 2025 alongside the flagship RTX 5090, so you'll be able to grab Founder's Edition models from wherever is currently stocking them. Custom versions will start to filter onto the shelves from now on, but individual AIB partners may have slightly different launch dates.
How much is the RTX 5080?
RTX 5080 will set you back $999 / £979, but that price specifically applies to the Founder's Edition model. While custom versions by Asus, Gigabyte, PNY and others might stick with a similar price tag, features like factory overclocking could mean you'll pay more.
Is the Is the RTX 5080 faster than RTX 4090?
The RTX 5080 comes armed with a new Blackwell GPU, and the next-gen architecture should provide a performance boost over Lovelace graphics cards. Whether it'll beat the RTX 4090 on native performance remains to be seen, but its exclusive DLSS 4 abilities should help it boost fps beyond the former flagship using new AI tricks.
Should you buy the RTX 5080?
In my eyes, the Nvidia GeForce RTX 5080 is the premium 4K graphics card most players will be able to afford this generation. Don't get me wrong, it's still pretty pricey, but most of you are more likely to afford a $1,000 gaming PC upgrade rather than something like the RTX 5090 for double that amount.
I'd always advise checking in on benchmarks before forking out for a GPU like the RTX 5080. Luckily, I've just spent a week with the Blackwell GPU, and while its native performance hasn't got the same wow factor as something like the RTX 5090, its DLSS 4 abilities are pretty tremendous. We're talking massive frame rate leaps in demanding RPG romps like Cyberpunk 2077, with Multi-Frame Generation ramping thing up from a 71fps to a whopping 316fps average.
That's with 4K Ultra settings enabled, but even with RT Overdrive mode switched on, DLSS 4 is out to impress. Without any sort of AI assistance, you're looking at around 20fps (ew). However, switching 4X Multi-Frame Generation on takes that figure to 180fps, meaning you'll be able to comfortably enjoy cutting edge lighting effects on something that isn't the RTX 4090 or new RTX 5090.
Even if you are hellbent on not using anything related to AI, you're still getting a new GPU that's the same price as the RTX 4080 Super with enhanced abilities. Unless that latter card somehow sticks around and ends up super cheap, I'd point premium 4K players towards the RTX 5080 for a solid UHD experience. Plenty of games are going to benefit from DLSS 4 and its newfound Multi-Frame Generation tricks, but even when the feature isn't available, you'll see a decent uplift on top of what was already ambitious performance.
That said, I do think DLSS 4 could serve as a reason to buy the RTX 5070 or its RTX 5070 Ti sibling instead of the RTX 5080. Nvidia has already said it expects the vanilla card to match the GeForce RTX 4090 Using Multi-Frame Generation, and that could be enough to provide players with a vastly cheaper 4K gaming experience. The Ti model might even come pretty close to its 80-class counterpart thanks to AI upscaling, but those of you looking for a straight talking 4K upgrade will want to stick with the 5080.
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