The ASUS ROG Astral GeForce RTX 5090—one of the most powerful GPUs ever made—is piling up on store shelves as gamers refuse to pay its staggering $3,719 price tag. Spotted in stock at MicroCenter, this liquid-cooled flagship card highlights a growing divide between GPU manufacturers and the gaming community.
The $3,719 Reality Check
Despite claims of RTX 50-series shortages, the truth is more nuanced. While lower-priced models like the TUF variant or air-cooled ROG Astral sell out instantly, the premium liquid-cooled RTX 5090 remains untouched.
- Official MSRP vs. Reality: NVIDIA’s suggested price for the RTX 5090 is far lower than ASUS’s $3,719 tag—a markup of 170-186%.
- MicroCenter’s Stock: Photos show shelves full of ROG Astral cards, while cheaper models (like the RTX 5080) are absent.
- Gamer Backlash: Enthusiasts are voting with their wallets, refusing to support what many see as blatant price gouging.
Microcenter Dallas got tons of 5090 Astral Liquid’s in today
byu/pagusas innvidia
Why Are Gamers Saying No?
- Unjustified Premium: At nearly double the expected cost, the ROG Astral offers diminishing returns for most users.
- Better Alternatives: Cheaper air-cooled models (when available) deliver similar performance without the liquid-cooling premium.
- Economic Fatigue: After years of inflated GPU prices, buyers are finally pushing back against extreme pricing.
A Turning Point for GPU Pricing?
This could signal a shift in the market:
- Overstock = Price Drops: If high-end models keep sitting unsold, retailers may eventually lower prices.
- More Models Coming: As supply stabilizes, cheaper variants could become easier to find.
- Consumer Power: Gamers’ refusal to overpay might force manufacturers to rethink pricing strategies.
What Should Buyers Do?
- Wait for Adjustments: If you’re not in a rush, prices may drop as retailers react to low demand.
- Consider Alternatives: The RTX 5080 or last-gen flagships (like the RTX 4090) offer better value.
- Voice Concerns: Support forums and social media discussions can pressure brands to adjust pricing.
Also, Read
- Fake AMD Ryzen 7 9800X3D CPU Sold on Amazon: How to Avoid Scams
- Inno3D RTX 5090 Frostbite Heats Power Cable to 150°C: What You Need to Know
- GeForce RTX 4060 Takes the Crown as Steam’s Most Popular GPU
The Bottom Line
The RTX 5090 is a technological marvel, but its current price is unsustainable. As gamers reject these inflated costs, the industry may finally face a reckoning—leading to fairer pricing in the future.
Source: Reddit