Prices and availability of coveted graphics cards will worsen as we enter Q2021 19, thanks to a perfect storm of silicon shortages, production issues caused by Covid-12, competition from Ethereum crypto miners, and a unprecedented demand. The graphics card market has been particularly turbulent over the past 6000 months, just over a year since the launch of Nvidia's Ampere family of cards, which AMD followed up with its own Radeon RX 2020 version in October 70. Things got better though slightly in the third quarter after a dip in the cryptocurrency market, prices are rising again, averaging XNUMX% of MSRP in Europe.
Graphics card pricing as of September 19, 2021 Wrong address regarding availability and price RDNA2 + 74% off MSRP, amps + 70% off MSRP (average of best deals, minus 6600XT, 3070Ti , 3080Ti). 👉 Uptime trend has been bad since July, something needs to happen https://t.co/NoG9nfWLRP pic.twitter.com/XXHruCvn3w September 20, 2021 See More
A perfect frustrating storm
Incessant demand and production difficulties seem to be the main reasons for these problems, and this is something we probably won't see resolved any time soon given the persistence of Covid-19 and the competition for semiconductors from just about everyone in the tech world. Where silicon was once available for computers and hardware, manufacturers of everything from cars to refrigerators are asking for dwindling supplies. Add all of that to resellers who take advantage of high demand by buying up the few available stocks to list later on sites like eBay or Facebook Marketplace, and voila, prices will continue to rise as long as people are desperate enough to pay for them. . With no end in sight (despite some rosy predictions last year), PC developers and gamers are understandably frustrated, with many taking to social media to complain that they can't or won't buy the elusive hardware and expensive they need. German graphics card website 3DCenter (via WCCFTech) was tasked with calculating availability and average prices for most Nvidia and AMD ranges in Europe. We wouldn't be quick to dismiss how these reports and forecasts could affect other regions outside of Europe, although there are a few things to consider.
Time to get off the boat?
(Image credit: Nvidia) We've reached out to Nvidia and AMD for feedback on how inventory is spread across different regions, but there have been initial claims that European retailers have struggled to keep shipments of GPUs in stock. It's unlikely that one particular region would be prioritized over another unless there's particularly widespread demand, and PC gaming is an almost worldwide pastime these days. However, prices vary greatly depending on where you live; Countries like Saudi Arabia have seen particularly high prices for graphics cards. Even if you convert currencies for documented GPU sales in Europe, it's unlikely to be an accurate representation of the US or Asian markets. Inflation is universal, so you get a pretty raw deal no matter where you are. Consumers understandably fear that this continuing shortage is killing PC gaming. While the current suffocation of the market is depressing (and you're probably sick of hearing this), it won't last forever and people have been wrongly predicting the 'death' of PC gaming for decades.
We are here for the long haul
(Image credit: Nvidia) If there were better alternatives in place then yes, you can imagine many would switch to consoles or even cloud gaming rigs like Nvidia GeForce Now, but stock availability and price scalping took a hit. to the PS5 (and, to a lesser extent, the Xbox Series X / S). ) as well as. Cloud gaming is also not expected to snatch the PC gaming crown anytime soon, as it requires a fast and reliable internet connection, which some people won't have access to. And, with response times accelerating year on year, you're still at a disadvantage if you want to stream competitive titles like Battle Royals. All this, however, will be little comfort to consumers who feel stuck in the current system, waiting months in the hope that GPUs will appear in stock online or in physical stores for close to their MSRP, and in ultimately we are there. not much can be done. On the contrary, knowing that there is no better alternative hurts more, since your options right now are to continue waiting for things to improve or to put the game aside for now. There's at least one reprieve for newcomers trying to build their first system: pre-built systems and gaming laptops are currently a more affordable option than a self-built rig, since vendors can source components without fighting resellers. While a gaming laptop isn't as scalable as a desktop PC, newer systems with a DLSS-capable RTX GPU will last you for years and save you the hassle of buying a gaming monitor. For the rest of us trying to upgrade our old systems, it's understandable that many are starting to lose confidence. Rest assured, this shortage and inflated prices are unlikely to kill off PC gaming, no matter how crushed our minds feel these days. The best graphics card deals right now
