The launch of a new GPU generation is upon us. On January 30, Nvidia is expected to release the RTX 5090 and RTX 5080. In our RTX 5090 review, we called it “the fastest graphics card on the consumer market,” and it seems like the hype for a new generation of graphics cards is reaching a fever pitch.
The $2,000 RTX 5090 and the $1,000 RTX 5080 are both higher-end graphics cards with higher-end prices, but that’s seemingly not stopping extreme interest. However, stock is rumored to be incredibly tight for both cards, with one retailer in the UK claiming they only have “single digit” stock for the RTX 5090, in particular.
Now, hopeful punters have started camping outside Micro Center’s Tustin location in California, days ahead of the launch. Images of tents outside the store have appeared on Reddit and the Unofficial Micro Center Discord channel, sparking speculation that those waiting in-line could be scalpers hoping to make a quick buck off of a rumored low-stock launch of the new gaming GPUs.
The images show off several tents already filled with people waiting for the new GPUs. Users claim that the larger grey tent currently has four people waiting inside of it, and one of the campers has posted in a Reddit thread: “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 explained in another comment that everyone currently waiting at the Tustin Micro Center store is “very nice and respectful.” As of the time of writing, there are now up to 10 tents at the location itself, with around 24 people waiting for the GPU launch on January 30, according to users of the Micro Center Unofficial Discord channel.
Ahead of launch, Micro Center detailed its launch strategy for the RTX 5090 and 5080 in a YouTube video, discouraging people from camping outside in the cold January weather. “We do discourage camping at our locations for the 5090 and 5080,” the company said.
It’s not an uncommon sight to see people camping outside for a new graphics card at Micro Center, with YouTuber Austin Evans documenting the process at the same Tustin location during the RTX 3070 launch in 2020.
Purchases are going to be confirmed to customers on a first-come-first-serve basis via a voucher system. Those waiting in line will not have a choice in the specific model of GPU they will be able to purchase.
Only one card can be purchased per customer, and though it has discouraged camping outside their stores, Micro Center still suggests that people arrive early to avoid disappointment.
Image credit: unofficial Micro Center Discord channel / user Geneva.
Sayem is a freelancer based in the UK, covering tech & hardware. You can get in touch with him at @sayem.zone on Bluesky.
