The GeForce RTX 3090 launched in 2020 as a Titan‑class card with a massive 24 GB of GDDR6X memory and 10,496 CUDA cores. It was priced at €1,619 on release in Europe and $1,499 in the U.S., but its performance and memory made it popular for creators and AI hobbyists.
By early 2026 the new price of a 3090 in Europe is €2,633 while a used card costs around €747, roughly half its launch price. This guide explores whether that asking price makes sense today, how it compares with other GPUs and what to check before buying one.
The appeal of the RTX 3090 in 2026
Titan‑class specs. The RTX 3090 uses Nvidia’s Ampere architecture with 10,496 CUDA cores, 328 Tensor cores and 24 GB of GDDR6X memory running at 936 GB/s. Its 350 W power draw requires a 750 W power supply and dual 8‑pin connectors. While power‑hungry, the 3090 can run large AI models up to 32 billion parameters and supports NVLink for combining two cards. This makes it attractive for AI developers and 3D artists who need huge memory bandwidth.
Longevity beyond gaming. A 2025 Fluence analysis notes that a used 3090 typically sells for $800–1,000 and remains cost‑effective for local AI and 8K rendering thanks to its 24 GB VRAM. Even though newer cards like the 4070 or 5070 perform better per watt, they ship with only 12 GB of memory. For heavy workloads such as training large language models or editing uncompressed 8K footage, the 3090’s extra VRAM still matters. That said, for pure gaming at 1440p, cheaper GPUs such as the RTX 3080 offer nearly identical frame rates for less money.
Used price trends: Europe vs. America and Canada
Europe: According to the BestValueGPU price tracker, a used RTX 3090 in Europe costs around €747 in February 2026 while a new card retails for €2,633. The converted launch price was €1,619; thus a used card sells at roughly 46 % of its original MSRP. Continued demand for AI workloads and the high price of newer GPUs contribute to this relatively high second‑hand value. The same tracker warns that the 3090 offers poor value when new and is often outperformed by newer AMD cards.
U.S. and Canada: On the Jawa marketplace the 12‑month used price range for a 3090 is $644–1,250 with an average sale price of $806. In Canada, BestValueGPU reports that a new 3090 costs CA$2,868, with used prices around CA$1,197; the converted launch MSRP was CA$2,046. The Canadian page notes that the 3090 is outperformed by AMD’s Radeon 7900 XTX by ~47 % for a lower price.
These regional differences highlight how import duties, taxes and supply shortages influence used GPU pricing. Overall, used 3090s remain expensive compared to mid‑range alternatives but still hold value due to the VRAM advantage.
Comparing the 3090 with the 3080 and Radeon competition
| GPU | VRAM | TDP | Launch MSRP | Used (EU) | Perf | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| RTX 3090 | 24GB GDDR6X | 350W | $1,499 / €1,619 | €747 | 100% | Huge VRAM, NVLink, power-hungry |
| RTX 3080 | 10GB GDDR6X | 320W | $699 / €755 | €378 | −12.7% | Best value for gaming |
| RX 7900 XTX | 24GB GDDR6 | 355W | $999 | — | +8.7% | Faster raster, weaker RT |
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Safe buying: what to do and what to avoid
Buying a used high‑end GPU carries risks, especially for older cards that might have been used for crypto mining. Tom’s Hardware advises checking the seller’s rating, looking for a return policy and avoiding deals that seem too good to be true. Prefer local transactions where you can inspect the card and insist on original packaging or invoices. Note that in the EU, second‑hand goods sold by professionals must come with at least a one‑year guarantee (up to two years, depending on the agreement).
It’s essential to stress‑test the card immediately after purchase. Run tools like FurMark or 3DMark for at least 30 minutes to check for overheating, fan noise or artifacts. Ask the seller if the card was used for mining and check for residual dust or corrosion. Finally, ensure your power supply can handle a 350 W draw and that your case has enough airflow. If you’re unfamiliar with PC building, consider buying from reputable refurbishers that offer warranties.
Checklist
- Vet the seller: Check ratings, return policy and ask about usage history.
- Inspect before paying: Look for dust, corrosion and verify ports; avoid “no returns” deals.
- Stress test the GPU: Use FurMark/3DMark to detect defects within the return window.
- Check warranty/guarantee: EU buyers are entitled to at least one‑year guarantee on second‑hand goods.
- Ensure PSU & cooling: A 750 W PSU and proper airflow are mandatory.
Who this is for / not for
Ideal for:
- Professional creators needing 24 GB VRAM for 3D rendering, video editing or machine‑learning models.
- AI hobbyists looking for a budget‑friendly platform to run local LLMs up to ~32 billion parameters.
- High‑resolution gamers playing at 4K/8K who value VRAM capacity over the latest architecture.
Not for:
- Casual gamers or esports players; an RTX 3080 or 4070 offers similar or better performance for less money.
- Budget‑conscious buyers; the 3090’s used price can fund a new mid‑range system.
- Users with small cases or low‑power PSUs; the 3090’s 350 W draw demands a robust setup.
FAQ
Q1. What is the typical used price of an RTX 3090 in Europe in early 2026?
Around €747, roughly half of its launch MSRP.
Q2. How does the 3090’s performance compare to the 3080?
The 3090 is about 12.7 % faster but costs roughly double; the 3080 offers better value for gaming.
Q3. Is the 3090 worth buying for gaming in 2026?
For 1440p gaming, no; cards like the 3080 or 5070 deliver similar or better frame rates for less.
Q4. Is 24 GB of VRAM still useful?
Yes for AI, 3D rendering and 8K editing; the 3090 can run large models and handle huge textures.
Q5. What power supply do I need?
Nvidia recommends at least a 750 W PSU and dual 8‑pin connectors.
Q6. Can I run two RTX 3090s together?
Yes, NVLink allows dual 3090s, doubling memory and compute; this is beneficial for AI workloads.
Q7. How does the Radeon 7900 XTX compare?
The 7900 XTX delivers higher compute throughput and costs less; it uses 24 GB GDDR6 memory and a 355 W TDP.
Q8. What warranty do I get when buying used?
In the EU, professional sellers must provide at least a one‑year guarantee for second‑hand goods.
Q9. Are there better options for AI work?
The RTX 4090 and some RTX 50‑series cards offer faster performance with 24 GB or more VRAM but cost much more. The 3090 remains a cost‑effective entry point.
Q10. Where can I find used RTX 3090s?
Platforms like eBay, Jawa, local classifieds and refurbished retailers carry them; expect U.S. prices around $644–1,250.
Conclusion: what’s next?
The RTX 3090’s towering VRAM and compute still make it attractive for creators and AI tinkerers. However, its used price of ~€747 in Europe and $800+ in North America means there are cheaper GPUs that deliver similar gaming performance. If you need 24 GB of memory or plan to run dual cards, the 3090 remains a viable choice. Otherwise, consider the RTX 3080, Radeon 7900 XTX or newer 4070/5070 cards for better efficiency and value.
