The graphics card market continues to show signs of price normalization in certain regions, with the UK now seeing Nvidia's mid-range Blackwell GPU selling below its manufacturer's suggested retail price. This represents a notable shift in a market that has been characterized by inflated prices and stock shortages for several generations of graphics cards.
UK Retailers Offering RTX 5070 Below Original MSRP
The Gainward Python III RTX 5070 has dropped to £518.99 (approximately $677) at UK retailer Overclockers UK, marking a rare instance of a current-generation graphics card selling below Nvidia's suggested retail price. This represents a modest but welcome saving of about £10 compared to Nvidia's revised MSRP of £529, which itself was reduced from the original launch price of £539. The price includes the UK's Value Added Tax (VAT), which adds approximately £100 to the final cost for European customers.
RTX 5070 UK Pricing
- Original MSRP: £539
- Revised MSRP: £529
- Current lowest price: £518.99 (Gainward Python III model)
Competitive Landscape
- RTX 5070: Starting at £518.99
- AMD Radeon RX 9070: Starting at £578.99 (£60 difference)
- VRAM comparison: 12GB (RTX 5070) vs 16GB (RX 9070)
Stable Stock Situation in the UK
Unlike the situation in the US market, where finding RTX 5070 cards at MSRP remains challenging, UK retailers appear to have maintained a healthy inventory of these mid-range GPUs. Both Overclockers UK and Scan currently list multiple RTX 5070 models in stock, with prices ranging from the aforementioned £518.99 up to £539.99. This availability stands in stark contrast to the high-end segment, where the flagship RTX 5090 remains difficult to find in stock regardless of region.
Market Factors Behind the Price Drop
Several factors may be contributing to this unexpected price movement. Competition from AMD's Radeon RX 9070 series has put pressure on Nvidia's mid-range offerings, though the price gap has now widened with AMD's cards starting at £578.99 – approximately £60 more than the cheapest RTX 5070. Additionally, the UK market appears to have achieved a better balance between supply and demand compared to other regions, allowing for more competitive pricing.
Limited Geographic Scope
It's important to note that this price reduction appears to be limited to the UK market for now. The US market continues to face challenges related to the ongoing tariff trade war with China, which has complicated pricing structures and availability. Additionally, the isolated nature of this price drop – currently affecting only one specific model – suggests it could be part of a flash sale or limited-time promotion rather than indicative of a broader market trend.
Higher-End Models Remain Volatile
While the RTX 5070 shows signs of price stabilization, the situation becomes increasingly unpredictable with higher-tier Blackwell GPUs. The RTX 5070 Ti and RTX 5080 occasionally drop to MSRP, but the flagship RTX 5090 remains significantly overpriced and difficult to find in stock. This tiered availability pattern has become common in recent GPU generations, with mid-range cards typically reaching price stability before their premium counterparts.
Technical Concerns Persist
Beyond pricing, some technical concerns continue to surround the Blackwell generation. Reports indicate that the power delivery circuitry in these GPUs lacks per-pin current sensing capabilities, potentially reviving concerns about connector melting issues that plagued previous generations. Additionally, rumors suggest that even the upcoming budget RTX 5060 Ti, with its relatively modest 180W power requirement, may utilize the 16-pin connector despite a standard 8-pin connector being sufficient for its needs.
What This Means for Consumers
For UK consumers, this represents a rare opportunity to purchase current-generation graphics hardware at or below MSRP – something that has been uncommon in recent years. With 16GB of VRAM on competing AMD cards versus 12GB on the RTX 5070, consumers now face a more nuanced decision based on their specific needs, preferred features, and budget constraints. The performance-per-pound equation has shifted slightly in favor of Nvidia's offering with this latest price reduction.