The excitement 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 described it as "the fastest graphics card on the consumer market," fueling the anticipation even further. Priced at $2,000 and $1,000 respectively, these high-end graphics cards come with equally high-end price tags, yet they're generating massive interest. However, the availability of these GPUs is rumored to be extremely limited, with a UK retailer claiming to have only "single digit" stock for the RTX 5090.

The buzz has led to eager enthusiasts setting up camp outside Micro Center's Tustin location in California, days before the official launch. Images of these campers, with their tents, have surfaced on Reddit and the Unofficial Micro Center Discord channel, raising concerns about potential scalping due to the rumored low stock. One camper took to a Reddit thread to clarify their intentions, stating, “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 emphasized the friendly atmosphere among the campers, noting that everyone present was "very nice and respectful." As of now, the number of tents has grown to 10, with approximately 24 people waiting to snag the new GPUs on launch day.

In anticipation of the launch, Micro Center has shared its strategy for the RTX 5090 and 5080 via a YouTube video, explicitly discouraging camping outside their stores during the cold January weather. "We do discourage camping at our locations for the 5090 and 5080," the company stated. Yet, the tradition of camping for new graphics cards at Micro Center isn't new, as seen in a 2020 video by YouTuber Austin Evans during the RTX 3070 launch at the same Tustin location.

Nvidia GeForce RTX 5090 – Photos

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Micro Center's approach to the launch involves a first-come-first-serve voucher system, with no choice in the specific model of GPU for those in line. The store limits purchases to one card per customer and, despite discouraging camping, advises early arrivals to avoid disappointment.