Nvidia's new GeForce RTX 5090 and 5080 GPUs have finally launched but acquiring one may be more difficult than anticipated. With limited stock, technical problems, and melting power connectors, the launch has been bumpy.
But Nvidia is now attempting to combat scalpers with a new Verified Priority Access program, offering genuine gamers a chance to buy these in-demand graphics cards.
Nvidia's Solution: Verified Priority Access
As with the system that catered to the RTX 4090, Nvidia has brought Verified Priority Access to see to it that GPUs end up in the possession of real gamers, not resellers. There's a catch this time, though, according to The Verge—you have to apply manually rather than being pre-sorted.
The following are the requirements for applicants to be shortlisted:
- An Nvidia account made prior to Jan. 30
- The form completed by choosing their preferred GPU (5090 or 5080).
- A good Nvidia app or GeForce Experience usage history (Nvidia's algorithm will vet this to verify legitimacy).
Approved buyers will be invited next week with the opportunity to buy a Founders Edition RTX 5090 or 5080. But don't get too excited—there's a one-per-person strict limit.
Is This a Real Fix or Just a PR Move?
Though Nvidia's attempt to stifle scalping is laudable, the company still has not addressed fundamental issues:
- Heavily restricted supply: Even genuine buyers may find it difficult to get a card.
- Launch driver trouble: There are numerous reports of performance issues.
- Power connector melting: Some have had overheating and power shutdowns.
Nvidia has not explained how many cards will be made available through this mechanism, leaving gamers in the dark about their prospects.
Will You Even Get a Card?
While Verified Priority Access may assist in combating scalpers, it's doubtful if it will be sufficient. With technical glitches and a shortage of supply, Nvidia's new GPU release is still chaotic. You might just get lucky and get a next-gen graphics card-if you're willing to wait, that is.
In another story by Tom's Hardware, PhysX "silently" reitered 32-bit support on RTX 50-series GPUs.
For those unfamiliar with PhysX, it's one of the out-of-date Nvidia technologies. It's even older than the CUDA. PhysX API was used in some popular triple-A titles including "Borderlands 2," "Mirror's Edge," and "Batman Arkham" trilogy.
If you like to attempt running PhysX on next-gen GPUs, there's only one way you can do it. It's by installing an older graphics card and slotting it into the Nvidia control panel's PhysX duty. It could also work on the secondary RTX 40 GPUs.
