Best Buy Is Selling an RTX 5080 for More Than the RTX 5090’s MSRP

The Asus ROG Astral RTX 5080 OC now costs $2,099 at Best Buy, after launching at $1,499.

In a bizarre twist that highlights the ongoing volatility of the GPU market in early 2026, Best Buy is now selling an RTX 5080 for more than the official MSRP of the flagship RTX 5090. The Asus ROG Astral RTX 5080 OC has seen a staggering price hike, rising from its $1,499 launch price to an eye-watering $2,099.

To put that in perspective, the RTX 5090—Nvidia’s top-tier Blackwell architecture card—carries a manufacturer's suggested retail price (MSRP) of $1,999. This means the RTX 5080, a mid-to-upper range model, is now being sold at a premium over the most powerful card in the lineup, at least at one major retailer.

Why Is the RTX 5080 Priced Higher Than the RTX 5090?

Several factors are likely driving this unusual pricing. First, supply constraints for high-end AIBs (add-in board partners) like Asus have pushed prices upward, especially for overclocked (OC) and custom-cooled versions. Second, scalping and persistent demand for high-end GPUs continue to inflate street prices well above MSRP—even in 2026, two years after the Blackwell launch. Third, Best Buy may be adjusting to its own inventory costs and market demand, potentially testing whether consumers will pay a premium for a readily available premium-brand card over a hard-to-find flagship.

It’s worth noting that while the RTX 5090 may have a lower MSRP on paper, it has been notoriously difficult to find at that price since its debut in 2025. Many retailers and resellers have listed it for significantly more. Still, seeing a 5080 OC model priced above the 5090's recommended price is a clear signal that the GPU market has not normalized.

Implications for Buyers

For gamers and professionals shopping in 2026, this pricing anomaly underscores the importance of comparing total cost and availability—not just specs or MSRP. If you were considering an RTX 5080 at $2,099, you might be better off hunting for an RTX 5090 at or near its MSRP, or waiting for price corrections. Alternatively, this could foreshadow further price increases across the RTX 50-series lineup.

Bottom line: The current price tag on the Asus ROG Astral RTX 5080 OC at Best Buy is a stark reminder that GPU pricing remains unpredictable. Whether this is an isolated listing or the start of a broader trend remains to be seen.

via The Verge