- New rumors suggest that AMD may soon increase its GPU prices
- This follows earlier speculation suggesting that Nvidia and AMD may be discontinuing some GPUs
- Now may be the best time to shop for GPU deals as a result
The AI boom is in full swing and has had a big impact on the price of PC hardware, especially for those looking for the best gaming PCs. Unfortunately, new rumors suggest that the situation isn’t getting any better, and we’re hearing again that GPU prices may soon be raised.
In this case, it’s AMD graphics cards that could be affected as reported by VideoCardz, and Radeon GPUs from board-making partners could increase in price by around $20 for 8GB and $40 for 16GB models, we’re told. This could happen by the end of the year, according to speculation from Board Channels in China.
It’s worth noting that there’s no indication whether these alleged price increases will be exclusive to the current generation of RDNA 4 GPUs or will also apply to older Radeon cards. However, given the worsening supply pressure on video RAM (and indeed all memory), it’s safe to assume that this could be widespread across all Radeon GPUs.
We’ve already seen RAM module prices reach unprecedented levels in recent months, which is also actively threatening GPU pricing.
Other rumors suggest that both Nvidia and AMD are considering removing low- to mid-range graphics cards due to VRAM costs, and it doesn’t feel like it’s far-fetched to suggest that we could be facing a major GPU crisis.
The PC market has been constantly changing over the past year, with prices and demand fluctuating, ultimately deterring many consumers from making purchases.
Several issues with GPUs, including stock shortages and high prices above MSRP, have made life miserable for PC gamers looking for a new graphics card.
With the holidays here now, it’s a good time to keep an eye out for any deals on GPUs, as this month may very well be the last chance to score one at a reasonable price.
Analysis: GPU deals should be your priority after Black Friday and Cyber Monday
If you were lucky enough, you may have already secured a deal on an Nvidia, AMD, or Intel GPU during Black Friday or Cyber Monday. Both sales are now officially over, leaving holiday discounts as your best bet if you’re still on the hunt for a new GPU.
We’re now seeing the price of some system RAM kits exceed the price of an entry-level gaming PC or the current PS5 or Xbox Series X | S consoles. The Corsair Vengeance 64GB at $906.99 at Best Buy is a prime example, which has no business costing as much as it currently does.
GPUs are already expensive enough as they are, so we really don’t need price increases for them.
Although only rumours, there are enough of them to raise a worrying outlook for GPU prices – and there’s no doubt that VRAM will get more expensive.
So now is probably not the time to weigh options, but rather the time to act if you spot a GPU (or pre-built gaming PC) at a reasonable price – because the market can change very quickly in the near future. Just look at the intensity of the steep RAM price increases that have taken place since September.
The best graphics cards for all budgets
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