RTX 5090 & 5080 Launch FAQs

JS_MC

NVIDIA RTX 50 Series Update: January 29th, 2025

We are very excited about the 50 Series launch tomorrow, stores open 9AM EST / 6AM PST. To celebrate, JayzTwoCents will be building live at our Tustin store! Per NVIDIA’s statement, inventory is expected to be limited at launch, especially on the RTX 5090. Store associates will communicate the number of GPUs available at their location ahead of time. Vouchers will be distributed prior to store openings on launch day.

Original FAQ: January 9th, 2025

What is the launch date for the NVIDIA RTX 5090 and 5080?

The NVIDIA RTX 5090 and 5080 will officially launch on January 30, 2025. These graphics cards will be available at all Micro Center stores on launch day.

What time will Micro Center stores open on launch day?

All stores will open early nationwide at 9 AM EST / 6 AM PST

How will Micro Center handle lines and purchases on launch day?

To ensure a smooth and fair process, Micro Center will use a voucher system on launch day. Vouchers will be distributed to customers in line on a first-come, first-served basis shortly before the store opens. A voucher guarantees you the ability to purchase a GPU, but it does not guarantee a specific model or manufacturer

Will there be enough inventory for everyone who visits on launch day?

The NVIDIA RTX 5090 and 5080 are highly anticipated, and we expect strong interest on launch day. While availability cannot be guaranteed, we encourage customers to visit their local store early. Please note that lines may form based on past launches.

Can I reserve or pre-order the RTX 5090 or 5080 online?

At this time, in-store pickup reservations online or pre-orders are not available for these products. All purchases will be handled in-store on launch day to ensure a fair experience for everyone.

What will the pricing be for the RTX 5090 and 5080?

Pricing details for the NVIDIA RTX 5090 and 5080 will be available soon. Please check back to this page for the most up-to-date pricing information as it becomes available.

Will there be purchase limits for the RTX 5090 and 5080?

Yes, to ensure as many customers as possible can purchase a card, there will be a limit of one per customer.

Will there be any bundles, discounts, or promotions with the RTX 5090 or 5080?

While there are no specific bundles or promotions currently available for the GPUs, we do offer great deals on CPU, motherboard, and RAM bundles.
Micro Center Insider credit cardholders can get 5% off Instantly* when using their card. We will also be running a limited time promotion for Insider Cardholders who want to finance any RTX 5090 or 5080 purchase over $2,000. Cardholders have the option to finance for 24 months at 0% APR.
Be sure to check our website and social media channels for the latest updates and offers.

*The Micro Center Insider credit card is issued with approved credit by Wells Fargo Bank, N.A

Will Micro Center carry the Founders Edition cards or cards from NVIDIA's manufacturing partners?

Founder’s Edition cards will not be available at Micro Center for the NVIDIA RTX 5090 and 5080 launch. However, we’re excited to offer a wide selection of cards from top brands. Visit your local store on launch day to explore the options available.

What measures is Micro Center taking to ensure fair distribution?

To ensure fair distribution, sales are limited to in-store purchases only, with a one-per-customer limit on launch day.

What should I do to improve my chances of getting a card?

To increase your chances of getting a card, we suggest arriving early at your local Micro Center store on launch day. Based on past launches, lines may form before store opening.

Can I call to check inventory or availability?

Because of the high demand for these products, we're unable to provide inventory updates over the phone or online. We apologize for any inconvenience, and we recommend visiting your local store in person on launch day for the most up-to-date information.

Can I trade in my old graphics card before the launch to get the best value?

If you originally purchased your GPU from Micro Center, you can trade it in at any store! To get the most value for your old graphics card, we recommend trading it in before the launch of the NVIDIA RTX 5090 and 5080. Trading it in early will help avoid delays and long lines on launch day, ensuring a smoother experience when you’re ready to upgrade.

How does the GPU trade-in program work?

Micro Center offers a GPU trade-in program where you can trade in your working graphics card, originally purchased from Micro Center, for a gift card. To qualify, the card must be in working condition and will be tested at our Knowledge Bar to ensure it's functional. After testing, you’ll receive a gift card for the value of your trade-in. For more details on eligible cards, trade-in values, and the process, please visit our GPU Trade-In page.

Qx7691

So, I drove 8 hrs to westmont and got there ab 4am. My lucky day, happened to be the first day of the random selection beginning. No fault but my own in not looking into it because it was apparently on discord. I just don’t have discord. Anyway, made 5th in line and sat for awhile till I read the notice on the door. My excitement quickly went away. I can’t much imagine folks getting there at 9 and not learning wether or not they are selected until up to ab 10:30 are working that day otherwise. So I’m not sure I see the point in all of it. But they’re trying something and I understand. So I go in and find that 6700xt’s are on the shelf and after meddling around for a bit I decide it’s better than nothing and get it. I regret this decision in less than an hour after leaving the store lol. So my question is, if I return the gpu does my purchase of a gpu within 30 days get reset? And more so, if I’m returning on a day that I somehow may win the “lottery” can my return and purchase of a 30x series be in the same transaction?

TSTDavey

@Qx7691 just chiming in. So if we're reading you correctly, if you return a GPU within the return period to swap it out for another GPU (if there are cards in stock), yes that is fine. No 30 day rule, because you are returning it within return period and swapping it out for another.

If you return the GPU for a refund because the card is defective and we don't have replacements in stock then technically the 30 day time would still be counting. That being said, if you are trying exchange we just don't have any, speak with an associate in store to see how we can help. It may be best to do an RMA in some cases instead.

We hope this explanation makes sense.

marbr

I don't understand how this virtual line is making it more fair. if anything its worse . the hours are the same 11:30 to 12:30 (during most people's working hours) and now its more chance.. I've looking for a card but cant seam to get any because i work during the day and can not be there between those hours. I would like to see micro center provide some weekend hours' for us working people. as it is now its just too risky to call off work and enter a 4affal where I might be selected to get a chance to buy a card. it would be a total loss if I were not selected. i hate to say this but it doesn't look like micro center is looking out for the average employed joe who is looking to buy a card. I'm just saying. truth

TSNickW

Hello @marbr and welcome to the forum. We appreciate the feedback. I feel your pain and am still trying to get my card! My 1080 has been great but it is time for an upgrade.

Ken_Westmont

So, i have entered the Westmont raffle on 6/18, 6/22, and 6/23, and each time, I never received any confirmation texts or any texts at all from Microcenter. i am able to receive notification texts on my cell phone, and i have double checked that the phone number that I entered is correct. Is there anyone that could help me figure out what the issue is?

JS_MC

Hi @Ken_Westmont , I'd recommend speaking with an associate in the store about this, as they would be able to further test this with you!

I'll also send you an email to get some more personal information from you. Please expect that from me shortly.

Bladexngt

About 30 minutes after the virtual line has opened, the line will be closed. Shortly after the virtual line has closed, randomly selected customers will receive text notifications to come into the store. Once at the entrance of the store:

How shortly is shortly? I live 30 minutes away and only giving a 10 minute window is crazy if you expect to send out notifications hours later.

JS_MC

https://community.microcenter.com/discussion/comment/33872#Comment_33872

I would expect the 'shortly after' to be about 20-30 minutes. If someone hasn't claimed the card within the 10 minute period, another notification would be sent out.

I hope this explains things!

Chris_downers

@Ken_Westmont what time does the system start there 9? That's my store too I can't get any info

TSTDavey

@Chris_downers just chiming in. The virtual line for Westmont starts at 9am.

winj

The local Microcenter at Brooklyn rejected me from using passport as a valid ID since I was travelling and don't have my state ID - are they allowed to do this/is a passport a valid form of ID?

winj

https://community.microcenter.com/discussion/comment/33904#Comment_33904

They told me I needed an ID with an address so I gave them a foreign country driver's license with a foreign address (currently a student studying in the US) and they also rejected me.

JS_MC

Hello @winj,

I'm sorry to hear that your Passport was rejected. However, that is correct; as stated above, a valid state-issued Driver's License/Identification Card must be presented to receive your voucher.

You're welcome to visit your closest Micro Center and speak with management to see if they are able to find an alternative for your unique situation, and that is what I'd recommend doing.

Dnbnurse

..

Buildo_Fraggins

I was at the unveiling of this new system at the Tustin location for the 3070ti launch and didn’t receive any confirmation texts at all. I have Verizon. After 4 calls with Verizon, I learned I needed to provide the number from which the confirmation texts are sent from (I also found this number is different for at least all the 3 phones with different numbers I tested). Then after a few days of Verizon technicians working on the issue it was finally solved but they didn’t tell me literally anything about what the problem was or how they fixed it. All I know is that this problem can only be fixed by Tier 2 IT support people. Good luck, hope this helps.

JS_MC

Good info @Buildo_Fraggins Glad they were able to resolve it for you!

Thanks for sharing your experience with the process.

Chao

If I don’t get a voucher, will I receive a message on my phone?

JS_MC

Hello, @Chao Typically a notification will be sent once all cards are claimed. The process does vary a bit from store to store and day to day on this point, so I'd recommend that you've check-in at your local Micro Center!

Heller59

Has St. David's started using this procedure? I saw they were undergoing renovations, and would start once those were complete. Thanks!

TSTonyV

https://community.microcenter.com/discussion/comment/34065#Comment_34065

Yes, St. David's should be following this procedure. I believe they started earlier this week.

Surfercano

If an Item is not claimed during the daily Lottery/Voucher process, is it available for purchase during regular business hours? I've noticed some of the higher end cards are starting to stay in stock into late in the day and sometimes for days.

Ian

https://community.microcenter.com/discussion/comment/34068#Comment_34068

Yes, they would be. They would not be available for reservation, but would be available to purchase off the shelf in store, if in stock.

Buildo_Fraggins

Drove to Microcenter today and there was no raffle. Would’ve been nice if we could get basic communication like, “there are no gpus on the truck today,” for example.

Ian

https://community.microcenter.com/discussion/comment/34091#Comment_34091

Thank you for the information, I have heard that some stores do post a sign outside the store / on the front door stating there are no GPUs for the day.

Builder

Are the QR codes assigned by model number or do they only give me the option to get in line for 'something' rare? It could save me a bit of time if I knew that I was not interested in any of the models that arrived today.

How do I sign up for multiple notifications? For example: If I'm looking for a 3070 based card, I am not fussy about the card's brand, and 3070 cards are arriving from multiple brands, how is this handled?

This is an improvement in the sense that I don't physically need to get in line the evening prior, but it is still vague and, other than using QR codes and texting, does not take much advantage of modern technology. It's really hard to tell one's boss that "I won't be coming to work on time again till I buy my video card". Any modern supply system should know what is on the truck as the truck leaves the warehouse dock. At this point notifications could be sent out and a line-up process completed. Hopefully, the arrival timeout is practical from the standpoint of my travel time. If there is a one hour window and my travel time will be 1.5 hours, this process cannot work for me.

And I don't understand why there must be so much urgency to use a reservation. It is not as if Micro Center will be stuck with some obsolete technology in inventory if I don't purchase a card within an hour or two. If something happens and I cannot purchase today, the worst case for Micro Center is that the card will be included in tomorrow's gold rush.

It seems like a waste of gas to require a daily trip to the store ... just in case. (And I hear that gas might be in short supply this summer for various reasons.)

Ian

https://community.microcenter.com/discussion/comment/34127#Comment_34127

Thank you for your input.

It is one QR code for all video cards each day. The limit on time to claim once you have been texted would be a measure to prevent re-sale / scalping of the vouchers or selection.

KPJ

yeah I'm hating this system, I wish I could go into my store order the card I want and I'd even upgrade my cpu tp a 5600x even if it took a while to arrive. After going to patterson 5 times I just newegg shuffle now.

KPJ

this is why your system sucks, for days there is a gigabyte rx 6800 sitting in Yonkers, I try using chat, emailing the store manager on the store page which goes to CS not the manager. There is a $15 dollar toill and 40 miles between me and the card and I can't get someone to say hey you have 2 hours to buy the card get here.It's you guys keeping me from overpaying for a 6800

JS_MC

Hey, @KPJ Thanks for the feedback! I wish that you could do the same thing! However, currently, there is a global silicon shortage and we are not able to keep stock of many cards available on the shelf. Some are available and are in stock on the shelf, however, for the cards that are still in limited supply we are offering this random selection process in order to give all a fair and random chance at getting a card.

I'd recommend visiting your local MC to participate in the selection, then see if there may be any remaining on the shelf. I'd also recommend chatting with the associates in the store. Each of our stores is a bit different and they'll be able to best assist you!

As always, we're happy to help here as well!

KPJ

bought a card! off ebay ( guess that cpu can wait.