The Nvidia RTX 5080 graphics card appears to have been discontinued, following similar speculation surrounding the RTX 5090. The high-end GPU has disappeared from Nvidia's GeForce Marketplace, a move that comes as graphics card prices, particularly those reliant on high-performance memory, have surged. This development coincides with an ongoing RAM crisis that has heavily impacted the PC gaming hardware sector throughout 2026.
Reports from China's tech supply chain, as observed by Club386, suggest that Nvidia may be preparing to replace the original 16GB RTX 5080 with a 24GB model as early as December. While this could alleviate some supply concerns, the current cost of memory indicates that a 24GB card would likely be even more expensive.
This rumored mid-generation refresh is not unprecedented. Early rumors of an RTX 50 Super series surfaced late last year, but were reportedly shelved in February due to the persistent RAM shortage.
Currently, the most powerful consumer GPU available on Nvidia's marketplace is the RTX 5070 Ti. Despite launching in 2025 at $749, this card is now fetching prices of at least $1,299, exceeding the RTX 5080's original launch price. Even the RTX 5070, which debuted at $549, is now listed on Nvidia's storefront for a minimum of $849.
For those still seeking an RTX 5080, availability is limited and prices are significantly inflated. On Newegg, the cheapest available model is an MSI Call of Duty Modern Warfare 4 edition priced at $1,899, nearly double its $999 launch MSRP. Micro Center lists all RTX 5080 cards as "store pickup only," with the lowest-priced option being a Gigabyte Windforce card at $1,979, which is already out of stock in several New York locations.
While acquiring an RTX 5080 is still possible at astronomical prices, its scarcity suggests it is on the verge of discontinuation. The ongoing RAM shortage, exacerbated by manufacturers like Samsung noting worsening conditions into 2027, further complicates the outlook for high-end GPU availability and pricing. Speculation persists about the potential December release of a 24GB RTX 5080 or even an appearance at CES 2027, but the escalating memory costs raise concerns about its potential price point.