How to Buy an RTX 5090 or RTX 5080 Graphics Card – A Complete Guide
NVIDIA is set to launch its latest graphics cards, the RTX 5090 and RTX 5080, on Thursday, January 30, 2025, at 2 PM GMT. These high-performance GPUs have been highly anticipated, with the RTX 5090 priced from £1,939 and the RTX 5080 starting at £979.
Both models will be available in NVIDIA's Founders Edition and AIB (Add-in-Board) partner models from brands such as ASUS, MSI, and GIGABYTE. However, stock is expected to be extremely limited, so securing one at launch will be challenging. This guide will explain the best strategies for purchasing either GPU, particularly the Founders Edition, which is expected to be the most sought-after variant.
Purchasing the Founders Edition – What You Need to Know
The Founders Edition models are exclusively available via NVIDIA's website, but the actual purchase takes place through specific retailers, depending on the buyer's country.
Buying the Founders Edition in the UK
UK buyers must go through [NVIDIA's website](https://marketplace.nvidia.com/en-gb/consumer/graphics-cards/), which will generate a unique link that will redirect them to [Scan.co.uk](https://redirect.viglink.com/?u=https://www.scan.co.uk/nvidia/rtx-50-series&key=79458fa6e412683ee49a32a8238e8524&prodOvrd=WRA&opt=true) for checkout.
**Important**: Previous buyers have faced order cancellations and issues when:
• Using a different shipping address from their billing address.
• Using a different address than the one linked to their credit/debit card.
• Paying with cards from digital banks (e.g., Monzo, Revolut) instead of traditional banks (e.g., Barclays, HSBC).
Ensure that your shipping address, billing address, and registered bank card address match to avoid issues. Use a traditional bank card instead of a digital one.
Buying the Founders Edition in the US
• In the United States, buyers do not need to visit [NVIDIA's website](https://marketplace.nvidia.com/en-gb/consumer/graphics-cards/).
• Instead, the Founders Edition can be purchased directly from [Best Buy](https://bestbuy.7tiv.net/APyP0N).
Buying the Founders Edition in the EU
• In European countries, NVIDIA will redirect users to specific retailers per nation.
• The checkout process will occur on the designated retailer's website, similar to the UK.
Buying AIB Partner Models (ASUS, MSI, GIGABYTE, etc.)
If you're looking for AIB models rather than the Founders Edition, the process is simpler:
• You can purchase from your preferred PC hardware retailer.
• Popular options include [Overclockers UK](https://www.awin1.com/cread.php?awinmid=28821&awinaffid=837293&ued=https://www.overclockers.co.uk/pc-components/graphics-cards/nvidia-graphics-cards), [Ebuyer](https://track.webgains.com/click.html?wgcampaignid=1574085&wgprogramid=267255&wgtarget=https://www.ebuyer.com/store/Components/cat/Graphics-Cards-Nvidia), [Currys](https://www.awin1.com/cread.php?awinmid=1599&awinaffid=837293&ued=https://www.currys.co.uk/computing/components-and-upgrades/graphics-cards), and [Amazon UK](https://amzn.to/40S7UBj).
• Unlike the Founders Edition, you don't need to go through NVIDIA's website.
However, remember that some AIB models might have delayed launches—for example, MSI has announced they will not release RTX 50 Series GPUs until mid-February.
Stock Will Be Extremely Limited – Be Prepared
NVIDIA and retailers have confirmed that stock will be very limited at launch. With reseller bots also targeting the drop, expect a fast sellout.
Tips to Improve Your Chances of Buying One:
**Use Stock Tracker Tools**
[Stock Checker](https://stock-checker.com/) is the leading UK, US, and EU stock tracking service. It monitors NVIDIA's site and multiple retailers and sends real-time alerts when stock is available.
There are three ways to use Stock Checker:
• Download the [Stock Checker iOS app](https://apps.apple.com/gb/app/stock-checker/id1596964131) (recommended for instant notifications).
• Join the [Stock Checker Discord server](https://discord.gg/stockchecker) to receive stock alerts and chat with the community.
• Use Stock Checker's [RTX 5090](https://stock-checker.com/products/computing/rtx-5090.html) & [RTX 5080](https://stock-checker.com/products/computing/rtx-5080.html) stock tracker pages (updates in real-time). Enable browser audio alerts on desktop (click the bell icon on the bottom left of Stock Checker's website).
**Have Your Payment Information Ready**
• Ensure your billing, shipping, and bank card addresses match to prevent order cancellations.
• Use a traditional bank card instead of Monzo or Revolut.
**Be Logged in & Ready to Checkout Immediately**
• For UK buyers using Scan.co.uk, create an account and save your payment details in advance.
• US buyers using Best Buy should be logged into their Best Buy account using a valid payment method.
**Avoid Scalpers – Don't Pay Over Retail Price**
• If you miss out on launch day, keep using Stock Checker to track restocks rather than resorting to overpriced resales.
Final Thoughts
The RTX 5090 and RTX 5080 are set to be two of the most powerful GPUs ever released, but buying one will be a challenge due to high demand and limited stock. If you're aiming for the Founders Edition, be aware of purchasing restrictions, particularly in the UK.
Using tools like Stock Checker, having your payment details ready, and following the right checkout process will greatly improve your chances of securing a card at launch.
Good luck!