Graphics card shortage intensifies: some stores have started selling GeForce RTX 5080 only as part of bundles and pre-built PCs

A new scheme from retailer Cool PC.

The situation in the PC components market continues to worsen amid an ongoing RAM shortage and rising memory chip prices. According to industry sources, graphics card prices continue to rise, and some retailers have already begun restricting the sale of the most in-demand models, offering them exclusively as part of bundles or pre-built gaming computers.

The main reason cited is the rapid growth in demand for memory from the artificial intelligence market. Major manufacturers of DRAM and other memory types have focused production capacity on serving AI servers, causing the consumer segment to face a significant shortage and sharp price increases.

According to sources, current graphics card prices are already 20–30% higher than before the period of sharp memory price increases. Analysts warn that another wave of price hikes could make many models even less accessible to buyers.

One of the first to implement the new sales scheme was the Taiwanese retailer Cool PC. The store stopped selling NVIDIA GeForce RTX 5080 separately — the graphics card can only be purchased as part of a bundle with other components or in a pre-built PC. While this practice is not yet widespread in all regions, experts do not rule out that other sellers may adopt it in the near future.

On major marketplaces, including Amazon and Newegg, the cost of the GeForce RTX 5080 already exceeds $1,200, which is approximately 20–30% higher than the recommended price for the Founders Edition. Some modifications sell for over $1,500, and premium versions reach $2,000.

Despite its high price, the RTX 5080 remains more accessible than many other models in terms of stock availability due to its high performance.