- RTX 5090 with 32 GB GDDR7 -Memory is far cheaper than the equivalent AI accelerator from Nvidia
- Several of them can be merged to support very large language models
- Crypto mining in the early 2020s got the prices of GPUs to spike, the same is likely to happen with AI
In the early 2020s, cryptomining was a driving force behind a lot of GPU deficiency and inflated prices as advanced graphics cards were snapped up in bulk to my cryptocurrencies, which led to record prices across several generations of GeForce GPUs.
Nvidia tried to tackle the problem by introducing mining limits, but miners of course found ways to bypass them, and retail prices remained well over MSRP for long periods.
The story could well be repeating itself, but this time based on demand for artificial intelligence rather than cryptocurrency. Videocardz (VIA I_LEAK_VN) reports that a Vietnamese dealer called NguyencongPC has started selling Barebone AI servers equipped with seven GeForce RTX 5090 graphics card.
Mounting of supply pressure
The setup, cooled with air and powered by a 2000W PSU, is designed to handle large AI workloads, including support for large language models.
The RTX 5090, with its 32 GB GDDR7 memory, offers a mixture of high performance and relatively low cost compared to Nvidia’s dedicated sought-after AI accelerators.
When several are used in tandem, as is the case with the server NguyencongPC sells, they can match or exceed the memory capacity needed for AI applications at the company-level-without the high price tag for RTX Pro or H-Series products.
While you have to admire the ingenuity that appears here, it will inevitably be mounting supply pressure.
The RTX 5090 is already facing stock problems and its price has risen past $ 3000 in many markets, with some lists close to $ 4000. This mirrors the RTX 4090’s orbit driven by cryptomining, rarely fell under MSRP and remained in great demand for non-playing use.
With Modders reportedly exploring ways to increase memory on board, the RTX 5090 could follow the same path as its predecessors – designed for games, but monopolized by completely different industries.
Nvidia has not yet taken steps to prevent system integrators or retailers from redirecting GPUS GPUs against AI markets, and if it does not, players could again find themselves unable to buy the latest graphics hardware at fair prices.
