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Verified Actual Gamer Program Information [See Best Answer / 2021-10-08 update]

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Go to solution Solved by LogicalDrm,

*** IMPORTANT *** LATEST INFO ***


***

Latest drop was made 2021-09-28 17:11 UTC

The drop is over, we have no info about when, what or where the next will be. Follow LinusTechTips on Youtube for any new drops.

***

EXPECTED TO DROP NEXT:

  • Intel Arc GPUs (hinted at Dec 24th WAN Show)

***

About shipping and handling

  • Handling times seem to be 1 week from drop to shipping label created.
  • Shipping times depend on carrier. For outside of NA, the carrier is FedEx and shipping times seem to be regular 5-14 days. For US and Canada, the shipping times might be same, or even longer.
  • Any additional charges, like customs fees and local VAT are paid on entry to country. There has been variation between countries to whom payments are made (FedEx on delivery, FedEx to their office, custom directly), so contact your local FedEx or customs offices for more details on those.

***

Known drops:

1. Asus 3070, 3080 and 3090, 2021-03-20 17:40 UTC

Spoiler

 

2. MSI 3080 SeaHawk, 2021-03-30 16:59 UTC

Spoiler

3. AMD Ryzen 9 5900X, 2021-04-09 00:59 UTC

Spoiler

 

4. Asus TUF 6800XT, 2021-04-24 01:57 UTC / During WAN Show

Spoiler

 

5. Asus TUF 6800XT, 2021-04-26 17:05 UTC

Spoiler

vag2.thumb.PNG.ddd1ef7594273016c360771a196baf6a.PNGvag.PNG.6b7b0a1f9d7fc091e7b30720625e99f8.PNG

 

6. EVGA RTX 3060 XC Gaming / RTX 3070 FTW3 Ultra, 2021-05-06 20:29 UTC

Spoiler

 

7. MSI RTX 3080 Ti VENTUS 3X OC, 2021-09-28 17:11 UTC

Quote

$1589.99

***
 

Spoiler

 

PARTICIPATION ENDED! If you are local to LMG (Lower Mainland region of British Columbia, Canada), you can participate to this https://gleam.io/nntHg/verified-actual-gamer-program-can-you-beat-linus

Announced in WAN Show https://youtu.be/-qj6hkLkdYg?t=2450

The even video (also 6th drop video)

 

***

FAQ

 

How do I enter? Can I enter? Where to signup?

You don't. All information about the drops are posted to Youtube and are hidden in videos. So far all drops have been on LinusTechTips main channel.

 

UPDATE: One of the drops was made live, during the WAN Show on Fridays. Until now there has been no drops on Friday or weekends.

 

UPDATE: For limited time, you can participate with local event https://gleam.io/nntHg/verified-actual-gamer-program-can-you-beat-linus

 

I watched the video, but there were no information. Where do I find this?

The information about the drop is removed from video after the drop is over.

 

When are videos posted?

At the moment LMG is using their regular timeslot which is 10-11AM PST (17-18 UTC).

UPDATE: LMG has posted in different timeslot to allow those in school or working chance.

 

How does this work?

So far the known information is following:

  • Video is posted on Youtube and Floatplane at the same time.
  • There's segment in video where Linus gives a hint about what link you need to use in order to enter. The hints are words and Linus uses his fingers to state what parts of the link they are. The links start with http://www.lttstore.com/. Link is temporary and will only show note about drop ending afterwards.
    • UPDATE: Previously there was actual cut-scene, latest drop had just voice-over during b-roll.
  • There will be challenge on store page.
    • The first two drops had 15 question quiz about video games. You have 3 lives and 3-4 options to choose from. Fastest to finish will get their chance to buy items.
      • Besides 3 lives, you can skip 2 questions.
      • The latest drop had questions in video format with some answers shown as "A/B/C/D" and some as written normally.
    • UPDATE: Latest drop had small flash game in style of Jump King / Icy Tower.
  • Item of the drop is shown on store page before taking the quiz. You will see the price and other details too.
  • UPDATE: After completing challenge, you are put onto queue with AFK meter to prevent idling. Forgetting to re-charge bar will drop you at the tail end of the line
  • Prices are before VAT, tariffs etc. and shown in USD. Price after tariffs (US only) are shown on page.
  • You are allowed to buy one CPU and one GPU from this event. (Source)

 

Can you tell me when the next drop is?

No, because we don't know.

 

I'm at school/sleeping/working/have other reasons and can't watch at current time slot.

Linus has said that they will at some point use different time slot. What it is, we don't know. UPDATE: The time slot for later time was 12PM-1AM UTC.

 

Why can't they have link or more information somewhere?

Because the whole point is make this as hard as possible for anyone but the absolute most dedicated fans.

 

Why they don't collect list of people? Why aren't forum members, Floatplane subscribers etc. prioritized?

List wouldn't do anything. There would still need to be draw of sort needed, and the list would consist more of non-gamers the longer it was left open. Prioritizing forum members would discriminate towards other parts of audience.

 

Having payment as requirement to join or as something making "winning" more likely is classified as lottery under laws. This would require permit, it would exclude several regions which require local permits or don't allow any lottery, and it would put age limit of 19 years in place.

 

Can I try quiz afterwards?

At the moment, no. But there might be site at some point after event ends.

 

***

Posts made by Luke and Linus.

Spoiler

 

***

WAN Show segments

Spoiler

WAN Show Jun 4, 2021

26:25 - 27:10 "We currently have no stock, but the program is still on"

1:23:00 - 1:23:30 One board partner with some 3080Ti's coming

 

WAN Show April 23, 2021

17:43 - 34:43 VAG Drop live on stream

43:15 - 44:50 VAG drop is over, hinted about 270 more cards

1:16:40 - 1:17:44 Some last minute info

***

WAN Show April 16, 2021

1:36:30 Super-chats

***

WAN Show April 9, 2021

13:20 - 13:40 The latest drop info
40:50 - 43:55 The local event info
1:15:35 - 1:17:34 Super-chats #1
1:24:25 - 1:24:47 Super-chats #2
1:25:47 - 1:26:07 Super-chats #3

***

WAN Show August 27, 2021

1:05:40 - Super-chats

***

WAN Show October 8, 2021

2:06:20 - Super-chats

Here Linus says that Verified Actual Gamer program would be suspended until further notice. Reason given was that retail prices are about same as so-called "scalper prices". Making the program pointless.

***

 WAN Show December 24, 2021

1:09:10 onward

***

 

To be updated

***

Misc:

Spoiler

https://linustechtips.com/topic/1312490-verified-actual-gamer-program-information/?do=findComment&comment=14584314

https://linustechtips.com/topic/1312490-verified-actual-gamer-program-information/?do=findComment&comment=14584685

https://linustechtips.com/topic/1312490-verified-actual-gamer-program-information/?do=findComment&comment=14584833

https://linustechtips.com/topic/1312490-verified-actual-gamer-program-information/?do=findComment&comment=14590605

https://linustechtips.com/topic/1312490-verified-actual-gamer-program-information/?do=findComment&comment=14599356

https://linustechtips.com/topic/1312490-verified-actual-gamer-program-information/?do=findComment&comment=14599549

https://linustechtips.com/topic/1312490-verified-actual-gamer-program-information/?do=findComment&comment=14629352

https://linustechtips.com/topic/1312490-verified-actual-gamer-program-information/?do=findComment&comment=14677960

https://linustechtips.com/topic/1312490-verified-actual-gamer-program-information/?do=findComment&comment=15015997

https://linustechtips.com/topic/1312490-verified-actual-gamer-program-information-see-best-answer-2021-10-08-update/?do=findComment&comment=15171174

 

 

Posted

Back in game? Ye!

Since Linus many times mentioned that he is not interested in profits from gpus in VAG, i think it would be interesting if he could sell them near the buying price, and not the MSRP. In current situation, there is no real problem in buying gpus at not that high prices (don't know, maybe in USA it is still problematic, but here in UA 3080TIs cost around 2,2k-2,5k$). So even buying some MSI 3080ti at MSRP probably around 1,6k$ with all the shipping and taxes will result with the similar result.

Anyway 100 gpus is... not enough to hope to be quick enough to buy it, and it is more of luck and lottery. Participating in previous VAGs, I understand that there have to be at least 500 in stock, so I have a chance.

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Posted
4 hours ago, mrMad-Cat said:

here in UA 3080TIs cost around 2,2k-2,5k$

Lots of 3080 Tis for 1.6-1.7k EUR in German online shops.

EVGA FTW MSRP is 1.5k EUR after VAT.

 

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Posted
On 9/2/2021 at 11:09 PM, r821e228 said:

a video where the GPUs end up with actual gamers

It was published months ago 😄

 

 

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Posted

i sign up for new egg shuffle every day and about 715pm every night (est) im ready for disappointment ( you are not selected)

 

my 1070ti is laughing at me at this point 

 

but what can you do all i wanted was a 3070 at msrp but that will never happen just like how a woman will never love me and my father will never come back from getting those lotto tickets (its funny that last part is actually true, when i was 11 he just balled out , and we later found him in Sedro-Woolley, WA he was in virginia WHEN he left to go get lotto)HAHAHAHA

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Posted
6 hours ago, thefatman said:

my 1070ti is laughing at me at this point 

My 780 FE died back in June. If you don't like GPUs laugh, you can always sell it and be as happy as I am.

^^^^ That's my post ^^^^
<-- This is me --- That's your scrollbar -->
vvvv Who's there? vvvv

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Posted

the word "Update" is plastered all over the first post, and this makes it difficult to read...

 

is the VAG on-going? what does one have to do to qualify? im just trying to get an asrock 6600xt or an msi 3060 mech to complete my build that has been sitting for ages...

 

i drove 2hrs to a MemorXpress in London, Ontario only to miss out because they arent allowing holds, and are not allowing web orders with store pick-up... 😭

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Posted
38 minutes ago, alanhasgari said:

I drove 2hrs to a MemorXpress in London, Ontario only to miss out because they arent allowing holds, and are not allowing web orders with store pick-up... 😭

You spent two hours stuck in a car without thinking to phone the place first to see if they actually offered what you wanted?

____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

 

 

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pythonmegapixel

into tech, public transport and architecture // amateur programmer // youtuber // beginner photographer

Thanks for reading all this by the way!

By the way, my desktop is a docked laptop. Get over it, No seriously, I have an exterrnal monitor, keyboard, mouse, headset, ethernet and cooling fans all connected. Using it feels no different to a desktop, it works for several hours if the power goes out, and disconnecting just a few cables gives me something I can take on the go. There's enough power for all games I play and it even copes with basic (and some not-so-basic) video editing. Give it a go - you might just love it.

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Posted
4 hours ago, alanhasgari said:

the word "Update" is plastered all over the first post, and this makes it difficult to read...

 

is the VAG on-going? what does one have to do to qualify? im just trying to get an asrock 6600xt or an msi 3060 mech to complete my build that has been sitting for ages...

 

i drove 2hrs to a MemorXpress in London, Ontario only to miss out because they arent allowing holds, and are not allowing web orders with store pick-up... 😭

Read the Best Answer. If there was more news in this weeks WAN, those have not been added.
But other info in it is what we know. For you "expected drops" is the key info.

^^^^ That's my post ^^^^
<-- This is me --- That's your scrollbar -->
vvvv Who's there? vvvv

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Posted
11 hours ago, LogicalDrm said:

Read the Best Answer. If there was more news in this weeks WAN, those have not been added.
But other info in it is what we know. For you "expected drops" is the key info.

There wasn't anything in this week's WAN, just last week's recently 

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Posted
20 hours ago, pythonmegapixel said:

You spent two hours stuck in a car without thinking to phone the place first to see if they actually offered what you wanted?

Post suggests he did but by the time he made it there they were all gone.

F@H
Desktop: i9-13900K, ASUS Z790-E, 64GB DDR5-6000 CL36, RTX3080, 2TB MP600 Pro XT, 2TB SX8200Pro, 2x16TB Ironwolf RAID0, Corsair HX1200, Antec Vortex 360 AIO, Thermaltake Versa H25 TG, Samsung 4K curved 49" TV, 23" secondary, Mountain Everest Max

Mobile SFF rig: i9-9900K, Noctua NH-L9i, Asrock Z390 Phantom ITX-AC, 32GB, GTX1070, 2x1TB SX8200Pro RAID0, 2x5TB 2.5" HDD RAID0, Athena 500W Flex (Noctua fan), Custom 4.7l 3D printed case

 

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GPD Win 2

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  • 2 weeks later...
Posted

Everyone is saying that general supply of GPUs is increasing, but it must be a miniscule amount because I honestly can't feel/see it anywhere...

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Posted
7 hours ago, Loxworth said:

Everyone is saying that general supply of GPUs is increasing, but it must be a miniscule amount because I honestly can't feel/see it anywhere...

You won't see it in prices for another year or two. The prices drop only when there is actual competition, and with GPUs that kind of thing happens very slowly. Just look at how Intel CPU prices have dropped with Ryzen taking more marketshare. But they are available and you can surely buy one. Just maybe not the price you are wanting.

^^^^ That's my post ^^^^
<-- This is me --- That's your scrollbar -->
vvvv Who's there? vvvv

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Posted
On 7/12/2021 at 10:38 AM, hoemma said:

I actually paid slighlty below MSRP, because I bought a bundle with a new PSU.

Oh, man, I hope the PSU wasn't from Gigabyte

Ryzen 9 5900X, 32 Gb of 3200 RAM, Radeon RX 6800XT from VAG

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Posted (edited)
On 8/28/2021 at 1:36 PM, mrMad-Cat said:

don't know, maybe in USA it is still problematic, but here in UA 3080TIs cost around 2,2k-2,5k$. So even buying some MSI 3080ti at MSRP probably around 1,6k$ with all the shipping and taxes will result with the similar result

I live in Ukraine and got 6800 XT from Linus. The shipping was $70, which might have increased in price by now, say $100.
Another $40 i had to pay for customs agent services (FedEx, who shipped the card, said there's no alternative).

Here's quick math:
Let's say you'll buy the card for $1600 from Linus.
Taxes are: (Price in Euro * 0.32 - 38 Euro).
So it'll be $1600 for the card + $470 taxes + $100 shipping + $40 for customs agent = $2210 total, which makes it even more than the cheapest cards available in Ukraine ($2120):
image.png.5dc23e66625816bdfdcc011f6a92e962.png
But if it will cost $1500 or less, it would make sense to buy it from Linus, as it would be cheaper.

Edited by Ruslanets
Updated the math

Ryzen 9 5900X, 32 Gb of 3200 RAM, Radeon RX 6800XT from VAG

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Posted
On 9/17/2021 at 1:15 PM, Loxworth said:

Everyone is saying that general supply of GPUs is increasing, but it must be a miniscule amount because I honestly can't feel/see it anywhere...

Norway keeps getting 3000 series cards.. 3080 is non existing but it's Gets tossed around here it seems. .

Useful threads: PSU Tier List | Motherboard Tier List | Graphics Card Cooling Tier List ❤️

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I also drive a volvo as one does being norwegian haha, a volvo v70 d3 from 2016.

Reliability was a key thing and its my second car, working pretty well for its 6 years age xD

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Posted

I HIGHLY suggest you go watch the Eluktronics Prometheus video guys. Its for a Ventus 3080ti card and you actually have to play a game to qualify this time as opposed to a quiz

 

 

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Posted

The 100 3080 ti cards finally dropped today in the newest video (This Knockoff Alienware is AWESOME)

All inventory is already reserved

They ended up being MSI RTX 3080 TI Ventus 3X cards ($1589.99).

 

I went through the gauntlet but I’m way to poor to pay $1987.49 for a card (after tarrifs).

Good luck to everyone who made it through the gauntlet.

 

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Posted
21 minutes ago, Josh the apple said:

The 100 3080 ti cards finally dropped today in the newest video (This Knockoff Alienware is AWESOME)

All inventory is already reserved

They ended up being MSI RTX 3080 TI Ventus 3X cards ($1589.99).

 

I went through the gauntlet but I’m way to poor to pay $1987.49 for a card (after tarrifs).

Good luck to everyone who made it through the gauntlet.

 

Yep it was $1700.xx shipped in Canada but after the rate conversion its $2157.xx, could have put it on the credit card but my job is affected by these manufacturing shortages and taking on a big bill like that when I have a 6800 already seemed unwise

 

 

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Posted

Terrrible value  card, not a fan of the 3080TI and after delivery and VAT to uk, just not worth it i'm afraid, can buy from local retailers online for cheaper in stock. Good luck to others tho.

 

Was fun playing the game again!

 

Ex:

RN, better model

image.thumb.png.8d379256d85d31df7e445355f3591749.png

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Posted
28 minutes ago, Josh the apple said:

The 100 3080 ti cards finally dropped today in the newest video (This Knockoff Alienware is AWESOME)

All inventory is already reserved

They ended up being MSI RTX 3080 TI Ventus 3X cards ($1589.99).

 

I went through the gauntlet but I’m way to poor to pay $1987.49 for a card (after tarrifs).

Good luck to everyone who made it through the gauntlet.

 

Was in it right up to checkout then nope'd out when I saw "USD" on the total line. $2000 CAD was my breaking point and this well exceeded it.

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Posted

Sadly with shipping and import taxes, it's not a good deal for anyone in europe/outside North America. Is this a good deal in the US?

I'm trusting LTT not to scalp the cards, so have manufacturers begun scalping their own cards if this is the best deal LTT can get? I mean this is the most basic edition of the MSI 3080 TIs, of course they're allowed to charge a premium for the OC editions, but this is just sad 😞 If it was a Suprim X at that price, I'd probably get one.

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Posted
4 minutes ago, Alvin853 said:

Sadly with shipping and import taxes, it's not a good deal for anyone in europe/outside North America. Is this a good deal in the US?

I'm trusting LTT not to scalp the cards, so have manufacturers begun scalping their own cards if this is the best deal LTT can get? I mean this is the most basic edition of the MSI 3080 TIs, of course they're allowed to charge a premium for the OC editions, but this is just sad 😞 If it was a Suprim X at that price, I'd probably get one.

i got my 3080 suprim x for 1600$ from a guy local to me who had 3 pre orders in ages ago at different store and like a G he sold me the suprim for what he paid , i gave him an extra 50$ for being a good dude and not scalping 

($1600  canadian rubles)

Please quote me or tag me if your trying to talk to me , I might see it through all my other notifications ^_^

Spoiler

 Achyls: https://pcpartpicker.com/user/TheGingerKid/saved/D4z9cf

Spoiler
the current list of dead cards is as follows 2 evga gtx 980ti acx 2.0 , 1 evga gtx 980 acx 2.0 1600mhz core 2100mhz ram golden chip card ... failed hardcore , 1 290x that caught fire , 1 hd 7950 .

may you all rest in peaces in the giant pc in the sky

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Posted
5 minutes ago, Alvin853 said:

Sadly with shipping and import taxes, it's not a good deal for anyone in europe/outside North America. Is this a good deal in the US?

I'm trusting LTT not to scalp the cards, so have manufacturers begun scalping their own cards if this is the best deal LTT can get? I mean this is the most basic edition of the MSI 3080 TIs, of course they're allowed to charge a premium for the OC editions, but this is just sad 😞 If it was a Suprim X at that price, I'd probably get one.

Big part of the issue is that the 3080 Ti is a terribly valued card to begin with. US$1200 MSRP as compared to US$700 for the 3080? Ridiculous.

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Posted

I first thought the price listed was in CAD, but when I realized it was not my mouth just opened...😱

 

Was this the cheapest 3080 ti drop they've had? At least the game challenge was fun...

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