There's a looming GPU supply crisis, which means prices are likely to get a whole lot worse. And it's not just because of memory

Summary

A new GPU supply crisis is looming, and graphics card prices are expected to get even worse. The author, who has tracked GPU prices almost weekly for a year, notes that the current situation has never been as bad. Now PC Partner, one of the largest graphics card manufacturers you may not know, hints that things will deteriorate further and likely soon. PC Partner produces cards for many well-known brands, making its outlook a bellwether for the industry. The crisis is not solely due to memory shortages; it stems from core chip capacity, packaging and testing, substrate materials, and logistics disruptions. These supply issues, combined with strong demand from gamers, miners, and AI developers, mean prices will keep climbing. For ordinary players, upgrading or building a PC becomes more costly, and acquiring a reasonably priced GPU may take longer. Enthusiasts, content creators, and researchers will also face increased difficulty. The industry might experience slower hardware adoption, potentially delaying the adoption of high-end graphics features in games, such as ray tracing and DLSS. The second-hand market could also see price hikes, creating a vicious cycle. It is wise for players to avoid panic buying and make rational decisions. Meanwhile, the industry should enhance supply chain coordination and expand capacity. This article explores the root causes and future trends…