The great GPU shortage has returned, and with it, prices have skyrocketed. According to a recent report, many AMD graphics cards are being marked up by $100, $200, $250, or even $280, while Nvidia's RTX 5080 is now selling for over $1,500, a full $500 higher than its MSRP. The most powerful consumer GPU, the RTX 5090, is currently unavailable for its $2,000 price tag, with some sellers asking for as much as $3,000.

The price hikes are not limited to just a few models. A survey of major US retailers and eBay listings reveals that many GPUs are selling for significantly higher prices than their MSRP. For example, the AMD Radeon RX 9070 XT, which has an MSRP of $599, is selling for an average of $957 on eBay, with some retailers listing it for as much as $880. Similarly, the Nvidia RTX 5070 Ti, which has an MSRP of $749, is selling for an average of $1,052 on eBay, with some retailers listing it for as much as $825.

The cause of the price hikes is not solely due to high demand. According to the report, only around 1,100 new Nvidia GPUs and 266 new AMD GPUs were listed on eBay over the past 30 days, indicating that supply is limited. Instead, tariffs are likely playing a significant role in the price increases. On May 2nd, the de minimis exemption will no longer apply, meaning shipments valued at $800 or less can be taxed, and many more shipments will likely get hit as a result. Some retailers, such as Shein and Temu, have already raised prices in anticipation of the change.

The impact of the tariffs is not limited to GPUs. The report notes that many retailers are already feeling the effects, with some raising prices on other electronics as well. The situation is likely to worsen in the coming months as more shipments are affected by the tariffs.

This is not the first time GPU prices have surged. During the COVID-19 pandemic, prices for GPUs and game consoles skyrocketed, with some GPUs selling for triple their MSRP. The current situation is reminiscent of that time, and it remains to be seen how long it will last.

For gamers and consumers, the price hikes are a significant blow. GPUs are a critical component of gaming PCs, and the high prices are likely to make it difficult for many to upgrade or build new systems. The situation is also likely to have a broader impact on the tech industry, as it could lead to increased costs for manufacturers and developers.

As the situation continues to unfold, it remains to be seen how long the price hikes will last and what impact they will have on the tech industry. One thing is certain, however: for now, gamers and consumers will have to pay a premium for their GPUs.