Nvidia's RTX 5090 Drops Below MSRP in Europe, Signaling End to GPU Shortage

For the first time since its January launch, Nvidia's GeForce RTX 5090 has dropped below its Manufacturer's Suggested Retail Price (MSRP) in Europe, marking a significant milestone in the ongoing GPU availability crisis. This breakthrough is primarily visible in the UK, where OverClockers UK is offering the card for £1,879.99. This price is not only below the MSRP of the Founders Edition (£2,159.99) but also £280 less than the list price of the specific Palit version (£2,159.99). The RTX 5090 stands out as the pinnacle of graphics card performance, boasting 32GB of memory, massive bandwidth, and unparalleled efficiency. However, its major drawback has always been its scarcity and inflated cost. Up until now, acquiring this powerful GPU has been a challenge, driving prices well above the MSRP. In addition to the UK, other European countries are also experiencing a softening of the RTX 5090 market. In Finland, for instance, VideoCardz recently reported similar discounts below the MSRP. While the discounts are relatively small, the fact that the card is now available for less than its recommended price is a noteworthy development. Tom's Hardware has noted that several UK stockists are now carrying substantial quantities of the RTX 5090. OverClockers UK alone claims to have sold over 30 of these discounted cards in a single day, a clear indication of strong consumer interest and improving supply. Despite this positive trend in Europe, the U.S. market remains stubbornly high. At Newegg, the cheapest RTX 5090 in stock is priced at $2,919, a full $900 above the MSRP of the Founders Edition ($2,019). This discrepancy underscores the global nature of the GPU shortage and the varying rates of recovery in different regions. Stay tuned to Tom's Hardware for the latest updates, analysis, and reviews. To keep informed, follow us on Google News and ensure you click the "Follow" button. This development signals that the GPU shortage, which has plagued gamers and professionals alike for years, may finally be waning. For those in Europe, particularly the UK, the opportunity to purchase one of the most advanced GPUs at or below its MSRP represents a welcome relief from the premium prices that have dominated the market. However, the situation remains challenging for buyers in other parts of the world, especially the U.S., where prices continue to be significantly higher. The RTX 5090's drop below MSRP is a promising sign for the industry, suggesting that supply is catching up with demand. As more GPUs become available, prices are expected to normalize further, making high-performance hardware more accessible to a broader audience.