ATI Radeon HD 5800 prices still rising

Posted on Wednesday, December 09 2009 @ 16:04 CET by Thomas De Maesschalck
Usually prices of computer hardware drop over time, but that's not the case when demand outstrips supply as in the case of the ATI Radeon HD 5800 series. These cards were officially announced nearly three months ago but the company is still unable to provide enough GPUs due to yield problems with TSMC's 40nm process.

FiringSquad reports today that the Radeon HD 5850 now costs at least $50 more than its MSRP, and the Radeon HD 5870 is also impossible to get without spending significantly more than the MSRP. The price of the Radeon HD 5970 has also gone up, but no one seems to have it in stock.
Last month 5850's sold for around $300, so prices have increased another $10 from 30 days ago. Keep in mind that the card originally launched with a $259 price tag.

Want a Radeon 5870? The situation doesn't improve much for this GPU either. Newegg pricing starts at $409.99, with OC'ed cards selling for as high as $439.99. Believe it or not, Zipzoom is charging $570 for their only 5870 board in stock, and it isn't even OC'ed!

A month ago a bone stock 5870 sold for $399, and Sapphire's 5870 Vapor-X went for $409. Today the same Vapor-X card sells for $429. On launch day the Radeon 5870 sold for $379, so street prices have increased by $30 since then.


About the Author

Thomas De Maesschalck

Thomas has been messing with computer since early childhood and firmly believes the Internet is the best thing since sliced bread. Enjoys playing with new tech, is fascinated by science, and passionate about financial markets. When not behind a computer, he can be found with running shoes on or lifting heavy weights in the weight room.



Loading Comments