Key Takeaways
1. Graphics card supply chain is strained due to memory shortages, limiting retailer purchases of Nvidia GPUs.
2. Retailers can only order a small number of RTX 5070 GPUs, with higher-end RTX 50 series cards completely unavailable.
3. Existing orders have been canceled, raising concerns about price increases for available GPUs.
4. Nvidia is shifting focus to AI chips, potentially cutting graphics card production by 40% by early 2026.
5. Gamers are facing difficulties in building PCs due to rising memory and storage costs, with ongoing supply restrictions worsening the situation.
With the shortage of memory causing issues, the graphics card supply chain is showing signs of strain. A German retailer recently reported that it can no longer purchase many Nvidia GPUs. On Reddit, user Gb2753 explained that a distributor has placed limits on orders for the RTX 5070. More alarmingly, the higher-end RTX 50 series cards are completely unavailable.
Limited Availability for Retailers
The parts supplier informed the retailer about these troubling developments via email. Due to challenging market conditions, Gb2753 is now restricted to ordering only five RTX 5070 GPUs each time. Furthermore, the retailer must seek alternative sources for the RTX 5070 Ti, RTX 5080, and RTX 5090 models. Amazon Business is also facing difficulties in ensuring a consistent supply of Blackwell cards to stores.
Orders Being Cancelled
The seriousness of the situation is evident as the distributor has canceled existing orders. Currently, only the €20,000 spent on RTX 5070 GPUs is secure. Even if other sellers manage to find stock, they will likely face significantly increased prices. A recent rumor indicated that certain RTX 5090 models might approach the $5,000 price point in the U.S.
Buyers in different countries, such as Japan, are noticing similar restrictions on purchasing the RTX 50 series. As AI data centers put pressure on DRAM availability, cheaper models with 16GB of GDDR7 RAM are particularly vulnerable. Major manufacturers like SK Hynix are now deprioritizing modules aimed at consumer-level products.
Nvidia’s Shift Towards AI Chips
Nvidia seems to be redirecting its efforts toward AI chips, leaving gamers in the lurch. A recent report suggests that the company might cut Blackwell graphics card production by up to 40% by early 2026. To make matters worse, they may have begun supplying GPU dies to partners without the necessary VRAM.
Due to soaring memory prices, gamers are struggling to finalize their PC builds. Initially, DDR5 RAM was the main source of their complaints, but storage costs are also climbing. Before the surge in AI demand, mid-range and high-end graphics cards were regarded as the priciest components. If more distributors continue to restrict GPU supplies, the situation will only worsen.
Source:
Link
Leave a Reply