AMD enthusiasts and PC builders might need to brace themselves as reports suggest a significant price increase is on the horizon, affecting both GPUs and CPUs. The impending hike encompasses the Ryzen 9000 series and older models, potentially altering the current affordability of these processors. This development comes amidst a backdrop of rising costs in the semiconductor industry, sparking concern among gamers and tech aficionados alike.
Impending Price Hike for AMD’s Ryzen and Graphics Cards
The tech community is abuzz with news that AMD is preparing to elevate prices across its GPU lineup by 10%, impacting models like the Radeon RX 9000 series built on RDNA 4 architecture. The surge in DRAM costs, including GDDR6 memory used in graphics cards, is cited as a primary factor. These increases have been linked to the demand from the AI sector, which has sharply driven up DRAM and NAND prices on a global scale. Reports confirm that AMD will also be raising the prices of its CPUs, including the latest Ryzen 9000 series and older versions, with changes taking effect at midnight.
Sources indicate AMD has communicated to partners about imminent price increases, which are set to begin tonight, leaving little time for consumers to purchase at existing rates.
Both the Ryzen 9000-series processors and older AMD products are affected, with the adjustments scheduled for Midnight.
Understanding the Factors Behind CPU Price Increases
While the correlation between GPU price hikes and DRAM costs is evident, the logic behind a CPU price increase is less straightforward since CPUs do not incorporate DRAM or NAND chips. However, a possible explanation could be the scarcity of wafers due to AI segment demand, pushing manufacturers to prioritize AI chips over consumer products. Additionally, major chip suppliers like TSMC might be leveraging this situation, as DRAM suppliers emphasize long-term profitability strategies. The price hike is slated to occur at Midnight UK time, affecting the current affordability of AMD’s Ryzen 9000 CPUs, including popular models like the Ryzen 7 9800X3D, currently retailing at $399 in the US.
If these reports hold true, the increase could spell more challenges for gamers and PC builders, who have already seen prices rise across GPUs, memory, SSDs, and now CPUs. The landscape of affordable PC components continues to shift, making it imperative for potential buyers to act swiftly.