So what would be a reasonable cost to get one of these things from Facebook marketplace or eBay etc? Been trying to snag a 3080 ti for awhile now, and it just seems the instant they release, scalpers get them all.
Same fucking story with almost every item on my bucket list this year. The items exist, but only if you are willing to pay damn near double msrp.
3080ti FE is only sold in store at best buy, its been basically 1 drop every 3 months or so. I wouldn't expect another one for a while, and virtually all of them require you to wait in line for 8-15 hours (overnight) in store to get one. 3080ti FE is $1200+tax MSRP
3080ti AIBs (third party) is pricier but easier to get, online or at microcenter. evga, aorus, etc.
personally i'd say just get the 3090 instead, its just a little more and far, far easier to get. when best buy had its last in person drop people were strolling up at open and buying 3090 AIBs at some stores. Since its $1800-2000.
also newegg product shuffle --
Popular Product Drawing Event | Newegg.com - does 3090 bundles frequently, pop in on those. I've "won" that multiple times but passed, 3090s seem far less popular in the reseller crowd.
your chance at getting one on amazon are nearly zero, bots eat up that almost instantly. Best chances are newegg product shuffle, evga queues (you are gonna be WAY in the back of the line), microcenter, or best buy in person.
microcenter now does random time drops, i know people who just strolled in and picked up a 3090 card. Its just whenever it shows up at their store, they put it out for sale. These guys drive by daily once they learn what time shipments come in.
if you just wanna buy one card i'd say putting in a few hours of effort makes it pretty easy, and then you just have to wait 3-6 weeks for the right opportunity. 3080FE is nearly impossible, 3080ti and 3090 are far easier especially AIB versions.