Logically, the Nvidia GeForce RTX 3080 Ti should be somewhere between the $699 GeForce TX 3080 and the $1,499 GeForce RTX 3090, which will be available in a few weeks. However, the shortage of semiconductors and the cryptocurrency mining boom have increased the likelihood that actual retail prices will go completely haywire.
Twitter tipster I_Leak_VN posted what he claims is a list of graphics card prices from an unnamed Vietnamese retailer. The cheapest RTX 3080 Ti model on the list costs about $3,019, while the most expensive model is equivalent to $3,206.
Even if this image is accurate, it is worth remembering that it applies only to specific retailers in specific countries and does not represent the overall price of the GeForce RTX 3080 Ti.
However, we have seen some retailers in the United Arab Emirates selling the RTX 3080 Ti early for around $3,500. In other words, some sellers have limited inventory and may be inflating the price to maximize revenue on each unit in case demand is not met.
This is obviously bad news for the average PC owner looking to upgrade their graphics card. This is because everything from the GeForce RTX 3090 to the Nvidia GeForce TX 3060 has suffered from severe supply shortages since their respective launches.
The GeForce RTX 3080 Ti may bring relief to some, although it won't drive up prices everywhere, as Nvidia will sell its own cards directly at MSRP.
On the other hand, the RTX 3080 Ti's higher price may actually make it easier for some hopeful gamers to get their hands on it; it could be like the RTX 3090, which is a card that is more expensive than the RTX 3080 Ti, but is also more expensive than the RTX 3090. A powerful graphics card, but the cost of purchasing multiple units for a mining rig makes it very difficult to get a return on investment, and the price is enough to put off cryptocurrency miners.
To be fair to miners, the lack of supply is a bigger issue when it comes to MIA inventory, but the lack of competition may make it slightly easier to find available RTX 3080 Ti models. In any case, we will find out soon enough: Nvidia is reportedly planning to announce the GeForce RTX 3080 Ti on May 31, with a full release in early June.
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