NVIDIA has asserted that it has dispatched a significantly larger volume of RTX 50 series graphics cards compared to the RTX 40 series. However, the company has not provided specific shipment figures to substantiate this claim.
NVIDIA’s RTX 50 Series Performance vs. RTX 40 Series Shipments
Following the release of the RTX 50 series Blackwell GPUs, the term ‘paper launch’ has been frequently used, as customers have struggled to purchase these cards even at inflated prices. Currently, RTX 50 series GPUs remain scarce at major retailers, with stock often selling out within minutes of becoming available.
According to NVIDIA, the RTX 50 series has outperformed the RTX 40 series, with claims of double the shipments in the initial weeks post-launch. A graph released by the company illustrates this assertion, showing the RTX 50 series surpassing the RTX 40 series in shipments over approximately five weeks. This visual data appears comparable to performance metrics NVIDIA shared during CES regarding the RTX 5090 and RTX 4090.
Despite NVIDIA’s claims, the lack of concrete numbers casts doubt on the graph’s implications. Retailers have indicated that the next wave of RTX 50 series GPUs will not arrive for several weeks, with some major retailers holding only a limited supply of RTX 5090 units. The RTX 5080 has been somewhat more readily available.
The situation for the RTX 5070 Ti and RTX 5070 mirrors that of the other models, with NVIDIA asserting that these too have surpassed the RTX 40 series in shipments. However, it is worth noting that while four RTX 50 series GPUs were launched within five weeks, the RTX 4080 was released a month after the RTX 4090, making direct comparisons complex.
NVIDIA’s Justin Walker has indicated that improvements in availability and pricing are forthcoming. He stated that the company is enhancing shipments and collaborating closely with both retail and AIB partners to ensure that retail stock is aligned with MSRP. As supply meets demand, NVIDIA anticipates a stabilization of prices.
Currently, the RTX 5070 holds the top sales position on Amazon, yet overall availability remains an issue. Although the situation is improving compared to the launch period, it may take a few more weeks before prices normalize closer to the MSRP.