The launch of NVIDIA's [RTX 5090](https://stock-checker.com/products/computing/rtx-5090.html) and [RTX 5080](https://stock-checker.com/products/computing/rtx-5080.html) on January 30, 2025, at 2 PM GMT, was chaotic—especially in the UK. The release left many frustrated, from instant sellouts to website crashes and long pre-order delays.
At exactly 2:01 PM, the RTX 5090 and RTX 5080 Founders Edition models went live on NVIDIA's marketplace. However, what happened next was pure carnage:
• RTX 5090 FE sold out instantly—so fast that many customers never even saw the buy button before the page updated to sold out.
• RTX 5080 FE followed a similar pattern, but slightly better. While it also sold out instantly, it restocked in waves over the next hour. However, each time stock appeared, it was gone within seconds.
Many hopeful buyers vented their frustration, citing a launch that felt like a lottery, with reseller bots likely playing a big role in securing large amounts of stock.
For those hoping to snag an AIB (Add-in-Board) model from partner brands like ASUS, MSI, or GIGABYTE, the experience wasn't much better.
• The RTX 5090 AIB models went live after 2 PM rather than at launch.
• Stock sold out immediately, prompting Scan to open pre-orders for an hour or two.
• However, customers were soon shocked to learn that some pre-orders faced estimated delivery dates as late as May.
• When users asked about these delays via Scan's live chat, they were told this was the information received from suppliers.
The RTX 5080 AIB models had a slightly better launch, with more stock available, but similar issues arose, including high prices, long delivery windows, and complete sellouts by the end of the day.
• Overclockers UK restocked the RTX 5090 at around 4:50 PM.
• This batch lasted until about 6:45 PM before selling out completely.
• The RTX 5080 saw more frequent restocks and lasted much longer, remaining in stock until just before 2 AM.
• Before these GPUs went live, Overclockers' website crashed for nearly half an hour, preventing many users from accessing the site.
Ebuyer's website also crashed during launch, but unlike Overclockers, they never actually listed any RTX 5090 or 5080 GPUs for sale.
Other major retailers also struggled with limited stock and sellout chaos:
• AWD-IT, Novatech, CCL, and Box all had the RTX 5080 in stock at various points throughout the day, but supplies were scarce and sold out quickly.
• Very listed one RTX 5090 and a few RTX 5080s, but stock disappeared so fast that the availability status wasn't even updated when customers refreshed the page.
The massive demand for the RTX 5090 and RTX 5080 was not just from gamers and creators but also from resellers using bots to scoop up stock in seconds. These automated scripts can check out GPUs faster than any human, making it nearly impossible for regular customers to secure one.
For those who missed out on launch day, there is still hope. Stock Checker proved invaluable during the launch, helping many users successfully purchase an FE or AIB model by providing instant stock alerts.
To improve your chances of getting an RTX 5090 or 5080 in the coming weeks, use Stock Checker's real-time alerts:
• Download the [Stock Checker iOS app](https://apps.apple.com/gb/app/stock-checker/id1596964131) for instant notifications.
• Join the [Stock Checker Discord server](https://discord.gg/stockchecker), where members share updates and buying tips.
• Use the Stock Checker website's stock tracker pages ([5090](https://stock-checker.com/products/computing/rtx-5090.html) | [5080](https://stock-checker.com/products/computing/rtx-5080.html)), which refresh in real-time.
• Enable audio alerts on the desktop (click the bell icon) to be notified while browsing other pages.
The launch of the RTX 5090 and RTX 5080 was a frustrating and disorganised experience for many UK buyers. Securing one of these GPUs was nearly impossible between instant sellouts, website crashes, long pre-order delays, and reseller bots.
If you're still looking to buy, keep an eye on [Stock Checker](https://stock-checker.com/)—with stock expected to remain scarce for months, real-time alerts will be the best way to beat the bots and secure your GPU.
Founders Edition (FE) – A Nightmare for Buyers
At exactly 2:01 PM, the RTX 5090 and RTX 5080 Founders Edition models went live on NVIDIA's marketplace. However, what happened next was pure carnage:
• RTX 5090 FE sold out instantly—so fast that many customers never even saw the buy button before the page updated to sold out.
• RTX 5080 FE followed a similar pattern, but slightly better. While it also sold out instantly, it restocked in waves over the next hour. However, each time stock appeared, it was gone within seconds.
Many hopeful buyers vented their frustration, citing a launch that felt like a lottery, with reseller bots likely playing a big role in securing large amounts of stock.
AIB Models – Delayed Listings, Website Crashes & Long Pre-Orders
For those hoping to snag an AIB (Add-in-Board) model from partner brands like ASUS, MSI, or GIGABYTE, the experience wasn't much better.
Scan.co.uk – Pre-orders & Massive Delivery Delays
• The RTX 5090 AIB models went live after 2 PM rather than at launch.
• Stock sold out immediately, prompting Scan to open pre-orders for an hour or two.
• However, customers were soon shocked to learn that some pre-orders faced estimated delivery dates as late as May.
• When users asked about these delays via Scan's live chat, they were told this was the information received from suppliers.
The RTX 5080 AIB models had a slightly better launch, with more stock available, but similar issues arose, including high prices, long delivery windows, and complete sellouts by the end of the day.
Overclockers UK – A Rare Restock with a Website Crash
• Overclockers UK restocked the RTX 5090 at around 4:50 PM.
• This batch lasted until about 6:45 PM before selling out completely.
• The RTX 5080 saw more frequent restocks and lasted much longer, remaining in stock until just before 2 AM.
• Before these GPUs went live, Overclockers' website crashed for nearly half an hour, preventing many users from accessing the site.
Ebuyer – A Silent Crash & No Sales
Ebuyer's website also crashed during launch, but unlike Overclockers, they never actually listed any RTX 5090 or 5080 GPUs for sale.
Other UK Retailers & Their Stock Woes
Other major retailers also struggled with limited stock and sellout chaos:
• AWD-IT, Novatech, CCL, and Box all had the RTX 5080 in stock at various points throughout the day, but supplies were scarce and sold out quickly.
• Very listed one RTX 5090 and a few RTX 5080s, but stock disappeared so fast that the availability status wasn't even updated when customers refreshed the page.
Resellers & Bots – The Main Culprit Behind Instant Sellouts
The massive demand for the RTX 5090 and RTX 5080 was not just from gamers and creators but also from resellers using bots to scoop up stock in seconds. These automated scripts can check out GPUs faster than any human, making it nearly impossible for regular customers to secure one.
Stock Checker – The Best Tool for Tracking Restocks
For those who missed out on launch day, there is still hope. Stock Checker proved invaluable during the launch, helping many users successfully purchase an FE or AIB model by providing instant stock alerts.
How to Use Stock Checker
To improve your chances of getting an RTX 5090 or 5080 in the coming weeks, use Stock Checker's real-time alerts:
• Download the [Stock Checker iOS app](https://apps.apple.com/gb/app/stock-checker/id1596964131) for instant notifications.
• Join the [Stock Checker Discord server](https://discord.gg/stockchecker), where members share updates and buying tips.
• Use the Stock Checker website's stock tracker pages ([5090](https://stock-checker.com/products/computing/rtx-5090.html) | [5080](https://stock-checker.com/products/computing/rtx-5080.html)), which refresh in real-time.
• Enable audio alerts on the desktop (click the bell icon) to be notified while browsing other pages.
Final Thoughts
The launch of the RTX 5090 and RTX 5080 was a frustrating and disorganised experience for many UK buyers. Securing one of these GPUs was nearly impossible between instant sellouts, website crashes, long pre-order delays, and reseller bots.
If you're still looking to buy, keep an eye on [Stock Checker](https://stock-checker.com/)—with stock expected to remain scarce for months, real-time alerts will be the best way to beat the bots and secure your GPU.