As the demand for graphics cards continues to surge, AMD is making headlines with its latest announcement that prices for its GPUs will see a hike. This move comes as a result of increasing memory prices, which are putting pressure on the entire industry. Enthusiasts and gamers might need to brace themselves, as the cost of getting their hands on the latest AMD graphics technology is set to rise significantly.
Why Are GPU Prices Increasing?
Reports suggest that AMD has informed its partners about a substantial price increase across its entire lineup of GPUs. The increase, which is expected to be at least 10%, is largely attributed to the rising prices of DRAM. This development has affected not only AMD but the whole industry, with NVIDIA and Intel also feeling the pressure. Despite AMD’s recent efforts to offer its Radeon RX 9000 GPUs at competitive prices, this increase could mean those deals are short-lived. Memory prices continue to rise, leading to a significant increase in graphics card costs.
The Impact of AI on DRAM Supply
The surge in DRAM prices can be linked to supply chain bottlenecks, largely caused by the growing demand in the AI sector. The increased need for DRAM in AI applications has led to a tighter supply, and instead of expanding production, DRAM suppliers have opted to reduce output. This decision has only exacerbated the price hikes that are now impacting consumer-grade graphics cards, which rely heavily on GDDR memory solutions.
What This Means for Consumers
For those looking to purchase AMD’s latest RDNA 4 architecture GPUs, the timing is critical. As major suppliers like ASUS, Gigabyte, and PowerColor prepare for the price increase, current deals on Radeon RX 9000 GPUs may be the best opportunity for consumers to buy at a reasonable rate. With a shortage in supply and increased demand, prices are poised to rise, and the current affordable options may soon be a thing of the past.