A Guide On How To Buy A RTX 3080 - USA Edition
It's been 3 months since the launch of the RTX 3080 and it STILL seems impossible secure (and don’t get me started about the scalpers). I spent a lot of time trying to get a RTX 3080 to complete my build, and I honestly thought about giving up.
After all my trial and error, I want to say it is NOT impossible. It has been starting to get a bit easier, but regardless of what people say, there are things you can do to increase your chances of success.
Requirements:
- Computer
- iOS Device (Not needed, but helps)
- Understand the checkout quirks of each retailer (explained later)
1. Getting Alerts
The first part to getting an RTX graphics card is knowing when retailers restock. There are many servers / twitters that will send a notification when specific items come into stock. I'd recommend following them on Twitter and turning on notifications. Most of them who have been tracking NVIDIA RTX cards, have now started to track other hard to find tech items such as ZEN 3 and RX 6000 Big Navi cards.
StockDrops — https://twitter.com/BotRtx
Snail Monitor — https://twitter.com/SnailMonitor
GPU In-Stock Bot Alerts — https://twitter.com/liquidfreeno
TechStockBot— https://twitter.com/_rtxbot_
FatKidAlerts — https://twitter.com/FatKidAlerts (Not all tweets are RTX restocks but a lot are)
Newegg — https://twitter.com/Newegg (Often tweets what time restocks happen)
BroBot — https://t.me/RTX3080Alerts
https://www.hotstock.io/ (highly recommended)
https://www.nowinstock.net/
https://www.twitch.tv/falcodrin (livestream, alerts with audio)
2. Setting Up Settings
By default on a mobile device, apps will open links in the in app browser. Within the app settings change it to have links open in Safari / disable in-app browser. This will automatically open the Newegg / Amazon / Best Buy app when you click on a product link.
3. Setting Up Apple Pay Settings (If you have an iOS device)
Download the Newegg app, click on a random item, click the Apple Pay button on the bottom left and it should ask you to input your Shipping Information and Billing Information. Ensure you have those set up.
4. Checkout Methods For Each Retailer
After trying my best to get a RTX 3080 on all retailers, I am going to discuss some tips on how to checkout with every retailer. Everything mentioned will apply to RTX cards, Big Navi and ZEN 3 as well. It’s not easy but it’s possible. You have to ensure you are either on your phone or computer when restocks happen immediately. A few seconds matters a lot (see the restock schedule later in the doc)
Newegg
Newegg has been the easiest in my opinion, as they started to announce when they restock on Twitter. There are many different tips and tricks you can try on Newegg.
Q: What is the the checkout method? (May not always work, explained later)
- Add all products you want to a wishlist
- 30 seconds before a drop, start swiping down on the wishlist page (to refresh).
- When the ADD ALL TO CART button turns yellow, hit it quickly and attempt to checkout.
Q: Should I use Newegg.com or the Newegg mobile app?
There have been many conflicting opinions with Apple Pay vs Computer on Newegg. I have seen the app fail many times, including the wishlist not refreshing anymore, so I would not recommend it every time.
From what I see, when Newegg announces a restock, I’d recommend to use the computer / Newegg.com to checkout. The app seems to fail when too many users are using the app.
Q: How do I setup my Newegg.com account?
Go to Newegg.com, add an item to cart, and go through the checkout process. When adding your address, I recommend clicking the dropdown.
If your account is configured correctly, it should only ask for your CVV every time you checkout.
Q: What if they do not announce restock?
If they do not announce restock and you get an alert for restock, I would recommend using Apple Pay and Newegg app. When alerts pop up, click the link to the product, and you will usually see the Apple Pay button on the bottom. Click on that IMMEDIATELY, and it will tell you to use face id or fingerprint. After authenticating, it will checkout immediately.
Best Buy
Ensure you have an account setup on Best Buy with default shipping/billing/credit card setup. When Best Buy restocks, click the link and find the product YOU WANT. Best Buy only allows you to get one card at once.
With the new queue system, attempt to add to cart, but ensure you stay on the screen. You cannot navigate away.
Eventually, the Add To Cart button will appear and you can add the item the cart. Checkout as fast as possible.
My recommendation would be to use an account on your computer, and a different account on your mobile device, because the queue system is random. It does not have a priority as to when you can add to cart. When it restocks, add the product on your computer, and another different one on your phone.
Whichever one comes first, attempt to checkout.
Amazon
Amazon will restock a lot of products everyday, but likes to restock a very tiny amount each time, often less than 10 stock of each product at once.
The best way to get something off Amazon is to ensure you have your 1-Click Settings configured. This will minimize clicking involved when you are on the checkout screen.
When a product is alerted for restock, I recommend spamming the Add To Cart button for a few minutes, as stock will sometimes will come in staggered. If the product adds to cart, immediately checkout as fast as possible.
I found using the computer to be the best, but the mobile app can work as well.
BHPhotovideo
Not many bots are after BHPhotovideo, so you have a good chance of getting on here if they restock. Just note, BHPhotovideo rarely restocks.
For the checkout process, just like other retailers, ensure you have an account setup ahead of time. I’ve had good luck with Paypal, but both normal checkout or Paypal should work.
Other Retailers
Of course there are other retailers such as ASUS, ZOTAC, Antonline, etc that release stock. The process is usually the same, ensure an account is setup beforehand, use autofill if possible, and pray you can checkout when it comes into stock!
5. When Do Retailers Restock?
After a month of logging when retailers restock, I have found a few patterns between some retailers. To increase your chances of success, make sure to be ready during these time windows (esp for Newegg):
- Newegg: Mon— Fri, most often on or near the dot. Either 4 PM, 5PM or 6 PM PST. I recommend following Newegg on Twitter as they seem to have tweeting out restock times. If there is no tweet, expect for restock around 4 - 6 PM PST.
- Best Buy: Generally drops every other week, usually Tues — Fri, mostly in the morning, before 12 PM PST.
- Amazon: Random, will drop on weekdays/weekends at anytime.
- BHPhotovideo: Random, mostly weekdays, but weekend drops can happen.
Thanks for reading the guide! I wish you all the best on securing an NVIDIA RTX graphics card!
Posted Dec 23, 2020, 12:45 PM UTC