The Best Pre-Built RTX 5090 and RTX 5080 Gaming PCs

NVIDIA unveiled its debut Blackwell GPUs (RTX 5090 and RTX 5080) on January 30 at 9 AM EST / 3PM CET. These individual GPUs were quickly snapped up, so I recommend you stay tuned to our live blog for updates on where to purchase them. We’re monitoring retailers closely on launch day and beyond to make sure you don’t miss any restocking opportunities.

If you’re eager to acquire an RTX 5000 GPU without further delay, opting for a pre-built gaming PC could be your ideal choice. Custom builders often receive larger quantities of stock, so if you don’t object to purchasing additional hardware components, you might find it easier to secure the new GPU within the first few months following its launch.

Opting for a pre-assembled computer does have certain conditions. Companies like Maingear and iBuyPower will construct a personalized PC according to your specifications (even the cables can be customized), but models from brands such as ASUS, Dell, Lenovo, and HP often incorporate proprietary components that could complicate future upgrades. Just make sure you understand the situation, and a pre-assembled computer can significantly reduce the time required for assembly.

Ultimately, the GPU you select depends on your budget and specific needs. The RTX 5090 Founders Edition, retailing at $1,999, is merely the starting point as custom versions cost significantly more than NVIDIA’s suggested price range, making it inaccessible for most gamers.

He concluded that this graphics card is a powerhouse.

Although NVIDIA has successfully managed to improve the performance of its high-end GeForce RTX graphics card by reducing its size, it is hard to advise any rational PC gamer to opt for the RTX 5090 FE. Despite being the top-tier consumer GPU currently available, the RTX 5080 remains a more pragmatic choice for high-end gaming, especially for those not involved in professional AI work. Even if you could find it at its original price, I would still suggest going for a third-party RTX 5090 with a stronger triple-fan cooling system to combat the heat issues associated with the Founders Edition model.

opting for the RTX 5080 currently presents as a cost-effective choice, given that its competitors, RTX 5070 and RTX 5070 Ti, won’t be available until February. The suggested retail price for the Founders Edition is $999, although custom cards are usually priced higher. However, you can still secure a good amount of power at a lower cost compared to the RTX 5090.

The advancements in raw power between generations aren’t overly significant, as NVIDIA is leaning heavily on DLSS 4’s Multi Frame Generation to enhance performance. If you currently own an RTX 4080 or RTX 4080 SUPER, it might be wise to hold off on upgrading for the next generation. On the other hand, those using a 30-series card or older models are in for a delightful upgrade experience.

My colleague Ben Wilson also reviewed the RTX 5080, stating:

Although NVIDIA’s RTX 50 Series peaks with its flagship card, the RTX 5090, the optimal pick for avid PC gamers is the RTX 5080. This revamped Founders Edition reduces the GPU to just two slots and adopts a “Double Flow Through” fan setup, which blows hot air right at your processor. However, a compatible CPU coupled with efficient cooling transforms this powerhouse into an impressive 4K gaming rig, thanks to the enchantment of DLSS 4 and Multi-Frame Gen for a seamless experience with graphics cranked up to the maximum.