GPU Prices Are Out of Control Again — Here’s Why
Why are GPU prices so high in 2025? If you're searching for answers about current graphics card prices, especially the Nvidia RTX 5090, RTX 5080, or AMD Radeon RX 9070 XT, you're not alone. The GPU market is experiencing yet another dramatic price surge, with retailers and scalpers pushing costs far beyond MSRP. Whether you're building a gaming rig or upgrading your workstation, prepare for sticker shock: popular GPUs are seeing markups of $250 to over $1,800 above their official pricing. This new wave of GPU inflation is driven by a combination of tariffs, limited supply, and aggressive reselling — and it’s hitting consumers hard.
Nvidia and AMD GPU Prices Are Skyrocketing Again
Graphics cards like the RTX 5090 and RX 9070 XT have seen their prices climb well past their launch MSRP. For example, a $999 RTX 5080 now averages over $1,500 on eBay, and the flagship RTX 5090, which should retail for $1,999, is now fetching more than $3,000. Even AMD’s “entry-level” Radeon RX 9070 XT, originally priced at $599, is now routinely listed for $850 or higher — with some models crossing the $900 threshold.
Retailers like Newegg, Micro Center, Amazon, and Best Buy are reflecting these inflated prices, even for so-called MSRP cards. Central Computers, a long-standing Silicon Valley hardware store, is currently offering a $600 GPU for $850 — a stark $250 markup. These numbers paint a clear picture: the GPU affordability crisis is back.
April 2025 GPU Price Tracker: Real Numbers, Not Hype
Here's a breakdown of current street prices vs MSRP for popular Nvidia and AMD GPUs:
| GPU | MSRP | eBay Avg. Price | Best Retail Price (Apr 25) |
|---|---|---|---|
| AMD Radeon RX 9070 XT | $599 | $957 | $880 |
| AMD Radeon RX 9070 | $549 | $761 | $835 |
| Nvidia RTX 5090 | $1,999 | $3,871 | $3,140 |
| Nvidia RTX 5080 | $999 | $1,533 | $1,390 |
| Nvidia RTX 5070 Ti | $749 | $1,052 | $825 |
| Nvidia RTX 5070 | $549 | $715 | $610 |
These aren't speculative prices — they're real-world listings seen as of April 25, 2025, across major retailers and marketplaces. The numbers show a pattern: MSRP is merely a suggestion in today’s volatile GPU landscape.
Why Are GPU Prices Rising Again in 2025?
While high demand often plays a role in rising prices, that’s not the full story this time. Despite few transactions on eBay — just 1,100 new Nvidia GPUs and 266 new AMD GPUs sold in the last month — prices have still climbed. This suggests that scarcity, supply chain disruptions, and tariff changes are larger culprits than consumer demand alone.
Upcoming tariff regulations are about to make things worse. Starting May 2, the de minimis exemption, which previously let shipments under $800 avoid import taxes, will no longer apply. This change could hit retailers hard and increase GPU prices even further. Major online platforms like Shein and Temu have already started raising their prices in anticipation.
AMD MSRP Models Are Rare and Expensive
Even when looking at AMD’s MSRP cards, availability and pricing tell a bleak story. Here’s a snapshot of real-world April 25th listings for Radeon RX 9070 and RX 9070 XT models:
| Model | MSRP | Newegg | Micro Center | eBay Avg. | Units Sold (30 days) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| PowerColor Reaper 9070 XT | $599 | $699 | $799 | $755 | 6 |
| Sapphire Pulse 9070 XT | $599 | $879 | $849 | $879 | 39 |
| ASRock Steel Legend 9070 XT | $599 | $699 | $699 | $892 | 32 |
| XFX Swift 9070 | $549 | $639 | $749 | $746 | 25 |
| ASRock Challenger 9070 | $549 | $549 | $609 | $880 | 1 |
Although MSRP technically exists, the availability of cards at these prices is vanishingly rare. Most listings are either out of stock or inflated by at least $100–$300. Even the rare “at MSRP” find is often snapped up within minutes.
What This Means for Gamers and Creators
If you're a PC gamer or digital creator hoping to upgrade your GPU in 2025, brace for impact. This isn’t the first time the market has been rocked — anyone who shopped during the 2020–2022 pandemic GPU shortage remembers the pain of inflated prices and endless waitlists. Sadly, history is repeating itself.
With tariffs, low inventory, and aggressive resellers all in play, the smart move might be to wait unless you absolutely need a new GPU right now. Expect this trend to extend through mid-2025, especially if global trade tensions persist.
Should You Buy or Wait?
It’s tempting to panic-buy before prices go higher, but patience could save you hundreds. Watch price trackers, consider used markets carefully, and don’t fall for outrageous markups unless your workload truly demands it.
For some, cloud gaming or Nvidia GeForce NOW, Xbox Cloud Gaming, or even AI GPU rental services might be a practical short-term alternative. These allow access to high-performance graphics without the upfront cost — and avoid overpaying during a volatile market.
The GPU market’s return to inflated pricing in 2025 is a tough pill to swallow, especially for those who believed the post-pandemic era had stabilized. Whether it’s the latest RTX 5090 or an entry-level Radeon, today’s graphics cards are far from affordable. Keep an eye on tariffs, retailer markups, and supply updates — and maybe hold off on upgrading until the storm passes.
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