Many are eagerly looking forward to the NVIDIA GeForce RTX 5070 Ti. However, it now appears that the chances of getting this 'mainstream' graphics card at its real suggested retail price (MSRP, Manufacturer's Suggested Retail Price) are fading. Wishing for MSRP may not become reality.
Early Listings Paint a Grim Picture
Retailer MicroCenter has already started listing various RTX 5070 Ti models. Prices for those models are eye-watering. Instead of the hoped-for $749 MSRP, most of these cards are creeping above $900 and some are beyond $1,000. The dream of an affordable powerhouse mid-range GPU seems to be slipping away, at least at launch.
MicroCenter Listings: Potential Pricing Sneak Peek
Here is a quick rundown of some listed models and prices at MicroCenter. These are early listings, but indicate expectations:
- MSI GeForce RTX 5070 Ti GAMING TRIO PLUS: $979.99
- Gigabyte GeForce RTX 5070 Ti Gaming: $969.99
- MSI GeForce RTX 5070 Ti VENTUS 3X: $909.99
- MSI GeForce RTX 5070 Ti INSPIRE 3X PLUS: $939.99
- Gigabyte GeForce RTX 5070 Ti EAGLE ICE SFF: $899.99
- ASUS GeForce RTX 5070 Ti TUF Gaming: $999.99
- PNY GeForce RTX 5070 Ti: $750.00 (Near MSRP)
- Gigabyte GeForce RTX 5070 Ti AERO: $979.99
- MSI GeForce RTX 5070 Ti VANGUARD SOC LAUNCH EDITION: $1,009.99 (Over $1000)
- Gigabyte GeForce RTX 5070 Ti MASTER: $999.99
- Gigabyte GeForce RTX 5070 Ti EAGLE SFF: $899.99
- ASUS GeForce RTX 5070 Ti PRIME: $899.99
Only one card, the PNY model, is listed near the promised MSRP. Premium, overclocked versions command much higher prices. The MSI Vanguard SOC Launch Edition, over $1000, questions the mainstream label.
Is MSRP Just a Convenient Myth?
This pricing pattern isn't restricted to MicroCenter. European listings show similar price distortions, often exceeding expected MSRP. Some European retailers posted prices almost doubling the intended MSRP. European pricing examples are shown below.
It is becoming clear that while NVidia prescribes MSRP, the actual street price may be higher, especially at launch. Various factors contribute.
Supply and Demand: Possible Shortages?
The RTX 5070 Ti will likely have limited initial stock. Supply restriction could keep prices elevated. Gamers hoping for reasonable prices may need to wait for supply chains to stabilize, possibly weeks or months.
Silver Lining: AMD and Intel Competition
There might be a silver lining. AMD's soon-to-release Radeon RX 9070 series GPUs are expected around the RTX 5070 Ti launch. If AMD offers competitive performance at attractive prices, NVIDIA could face pressure. The same applies to Intel's awaited Arc B700 series in the mid-range GPU market.
More competition generally benefits consumers. Hopefully, AMD and Intel can apply pressure in the GPU market, providing alternatives to the potentially high-priced RTX 5070 Ti.
European Prices for the RTX 5070 Ti (Examples)
| GPU Model | Retailer (Region) | Local Price | USD Equivalent (Approx.) | % Above MSRP |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| ASUS Prime RTX 5070 Ti | Caseking (Germany) | €1,149.00 | $1,202.51 | 60.33% |
| ASUS TUF RTX 5070 Ti | Caseking (Germany) | €1,379.00 | $1,443.22 | 92.43% |
| Gigabyte Aorus RTX 5070 Ti Master | Caseking (Germany) | €1,399.00 | $1,464.15 | 95.22% |
| Inno3D RTX 5070 Ti X3 | Proshop (Denmark) | kr. 6,879.00 | $964.81 | 28.64% |
Note: European prices include sales tax, unlike US MSRP which is usually pre-tax. Approximation and fluctuations accompany exchange rates.
